Solar Panels in The Rower, Co. Kilkenny
The Rower is a village in Co. Kilkenny with a population of around 400. Located 29.4 km from Kilkenny, the area has a solar yield of 809 kWh/kWp. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,236 kWh annually, saving an estimated €971+ per year. The SEAI grant of up to €1,800 and 0% VAT bring the net cost to €3,200–€6,200.
How much solar energy can you generate in The Rower?
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 809 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 3,236 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,360 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €971+ |
| Household Coverage | 77% of avg use |
Solar yield calculated for The Rower (52.46°N, 6.96°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Monthly Solar Output in The Rower
kWh per month (4kWp system)
The Rower at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 400 (Census 2022) |
| Elevation | 111 metres |
| Eircode Area | Y34 |
| Dist. to Kilkenny | 29.4 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 52.4556°N, 6.9569°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Johnstown Castle, 35.8 km).
Weather & Climate in The Rower
Weather data from Met Eireann (Johnstown Castle station, 35.8 km from The Rower). 5-year average (2019–2023).
The Rower and Renewable Energy
The Rower is a village in Co. Kilkenny with a population of 400 (CSO Census 2022). It is accessible from Kilkenny (29.4 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for The Rower is Y34. You'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. Based on satellite data for this location, a 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,236 kWh per year (809 kWh/kWp). The area has moderate rainfall (1114 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 10.6°C.
What The Rower homeowners gain from solar
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in The Rower can save an estimated €971+ per year on electricity with a 4kWp solar system generating 3,620 kWh annually.
SEAI Grant: Up to €1,800
Get up to €1,800 back from SEAI. The grant is available for homes built before 2021. No means testing. Apply online at seai.ie.
0% VAT on Installation
Residential solar installations are zero-rated for VAT since May 2023, saving approximately €1,000 on a typical system.
Earn from Excess Energy
Sell surplus electricity at 15-25c/kWh through the Microgeneration Support Scheme. The first €400/year is tax-free.
Top Solar County in Ireland
Co. Kilkenny ranks #7 in Ireland for solar yield with 905 kWh/kWp. Homes in The Rower benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in The Rower today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
How to claim the SEAI grant in The Rower
Homeowners in The Rower, Co. Kilkenny can apply for the SEAI solar PV grant. The maximum grant of €1,800 is confirmed for 2026.
| System Size | Grant Amount | Typical Net Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 2 kWp | €1,400 | €2,000 - €3,000 |
| 3 kWp | €1,600 | €2,500 - €4,000 |
| 4 kWp+ | €1,800 (max) | €3,200 - €6,200 |
Solar Installers in Kilkenny
SEAI registered solar panel installers covering Kilkenny.
Top Rated Solar Installers Near The Rower
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Panels in The Rower
How much do solar panels cost in The Rower?
A 4kWp system in The Rower typically costs €5,000-€8,000 before grants. After the €1,800 SEAI grant and 0% VAT, the net cost is €3,200-€6,200. The system generates approximately 3,620 kWh/year, paying for itself in 4-6 years.
What is a BER assessment and do I need one?
A Building Energy Rating (BER) assessment is required after installing solar panels to claim the SEAI grant. A BER assessor visits your home and rates its energy efficiency from A1 to G. Solar panels typically improve your BER by 1-2 grades. The assessment costs around €150-€200.
What maintenance do solar panels need?
Solar panels need very little maintenance. Rain keeps them clean in most cases. There are no moving parts. Your inverter may need replacing once in 25 years (10-15 year lifespan). Annual visual checks and occasional cleaning if near trees is all that's needed.
Do I need to clean my solar panels?
In most cases, rain keeps solar panels clean enough in Ireland. If your panels are near trees or at a low angle, an annual clean may improve output by 2-5%. Never use abrasive materials. A soft brush and water is sufficient.
Do solar panels work in winter in Kilkenny?
Yes, solar panels generate electricity all year round. While output is lower in winter, Kilkenny still receives usable daylight hours even in December. Annual generation figures (3,620 kWh for a 4kWp system) already account for seasonal variation.
How do I get the SEAI grant in The Rower?
Apply online at seai.ie with your MPRN and Eircode. Use an SEAI-registered installer. Do not start work before your Letter of Offer. After installation, complete a BER assessment. The grant is paid to your bank within 4-6 weeks.
How much electricity will solar panels generate in The Rower?
Based on Kilkenny county data, a 4kWp system in The Rower generates approximately 3,620 kWh per year, covering 77% of average household use (4,200 kWh/year). Kilkenny receives around 1,360 sunshine hours annually.
Sources
- SEAI — Solar Electricity Grant
- SEAI — Find a Registered Professional
- Revenue — 0% VAT on Solar Panels
- PVGIS — EU Joint Research Centre (solar irradiance data)
- CSO — Census of Population 2022
- Met Eireann — Climate Data
Last updated: March 2026
Fact-checked by John Rooney, Solar Energy Editor. Editorial policy
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