Solar Panels in Clonaslee, Co. Laois
Clonaslee is a small town in Co. Laois with a population of around 608. Located 12.8 km from Portlaoise, the area has a solar yield of 757 kWh/kWp. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,028 kWh annually, saving an estimated €908+ per year. The SEAI grant of up to €1,800 and 0% VAT bring the net cost to €3,200–€6,200.
What is the solar potential in Clonaslee?
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 757 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 3,028 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,278 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €908+ |
| Household Coverage | 72% of avg use |
Solar yield calculated for Clonaslee (53.15°N, 7.53°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Monthly Solar Output in Clonaslee
kWh per month (4kWp system)
Clonaslee at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 608 (Census 2022) |
| Households | 220 |
| Houses/Bungalows | 99% of dwellings |
| Owner-Occupied | 60% |
| Built Before 2000 | 76% |
| Avg. Rooms per Home | 5.5 |
| Elevation | 112 metres |
| Eircode Area | R35 |
| Dist. to Portlaoise | 12.8 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 53.1488°N, 7.5252°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Gurteen, 34.7 km).
Weather & Climate in Clonaslee
Weather data from Met Eireann (Gurteen station, 34.7 km from Clonaslee). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Solar Suitability in Clonaslee
99% of dwellings in Clonaslee are houses or bungalows, making the area highly suited for rooftop solar panels. 60% of homes are owner-occupied — homeowners can apply directly for the SEAI grant. 76% of homes were built before 2000, qualifying for the SEAI solar grant (homes built and occupied before 2021 are eligible).
Solar Power in Clonaslee, Co. Laois
Clonaslee is a small town in Co. Laois with a population of 608 (CSO Census 2022). It is a short drive from Portlaoise (12.8 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Clonaslee is R35. You'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. According to the 2022 Census, Clonaslee has 220 households, of which 99% are houses or bungalows — well suited for rooftop solar panels. Based on satellite data for this location, a 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,028 kWh per year (757 kWh/kWp). The area has moderate rainfall (948 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 10.1°C.
Advantages of Solar Energy for Clonaslee Homeowners
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Clonaslee can save an estimated €908+ per year on electricity with a 4kWp solar system generating 3,552 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. Laois ranks #10 in Ireland for solar yield with 888 kWh/kWp. Homes in Clonaslee benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Clonaslee today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
Solar grants available in Clonaslee
Homeowners in Clonaslee, Co. Laois 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 Laois
SEAI registered solar panel installers covering Laois.
Top Rated Solar Installers Near Clonaslee
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Your solar questions for Clonaslee
How much do solar panels cost in Clonaslee?
A 4kWp system in Clonaslee 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 3,552 kWh/year, paying for itself in 4-6 years.
How long does solar panel installation take?
A typical residential installation takes 1-2 days. This includes scaffolding, mounting the panels, wiring, inverter installation, and connecting to the grid. Your installer handles the ESB Networks notification (NC6 form).
What roof direction is best for solar panels in Clonaslee?
South-facing roofs produce the most electricity (100% of potential). South-east and south-west roofs produce around 95%. East or west-facing roofs still produce 80-85%. North-facing roofs are generally not recommended for solar panels in Ireland.
Do solar panels work in winter in Laois?
Yes, solar panels generate electricity all year round. While output is lower in winter, Laois still receives usable daylight hours even in December. Annual generation figures (3,552 kWh for a 4kWp system) already account for seasonal variation.
Is my roof suitable for solar panels in Clonaslee?
Most roofs are suitable. You need at least 15-20 m² of unshaded roof space for a typical 4kWp system (10 panels). South, east, or west-facing roofs work well. Your installer will assess your roof's orientation, angle, and structural suitability during a site survey.
Can I get solar panels on an east or west facing roof in Clonaslee?
Yes. East or west-facing roofs still produce 80-85% of the output of a south-facing roof. Many installers recommend splitting panels across east and west to spread generation throughout the day, which can actually improve self-consumption.
Do I need planning permission for solar panels?
Most residential solar installations are exempt from planning permission, provided panels don't project more than 15cm from the roof and don't cover more than 50% of total roof area.
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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