Solar Panels in Clough, Co. Laois
Clough is a village in Co. Laois with a population of around 400. Located 16.7 km from Portlaoise, the area has a solar yield of 787 kWh/kWp. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,148 kWh annually, saving an estimated €944+ per year. The SEAI grant of up to €1,800 and 0% VAT bring the net cost to €3,200–€6,200.
Clough solar irradiance and generation figures
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 787 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 3,148 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,278 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €944+ |
| Household Coverage | 75% of avg use |
Solar yield calculated for Clough (52.89°N, 7.51°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Monthly Solar Output in Clough
kWh per month (4kWp system)
Clough at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 400 (Census 2022) |
| Elevation | 126 metres |
| Eircode Area | E53 |
| Dist. to Portlaoise | 16.7 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 52.8862°N, 7.5107°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Gurteen, 37.3 km).
Weather & Climate in Clough
Weather data from Met Eireann (Gurteen station, 37.3 km from Clough). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Renewable Energy Potential in Clough
Clough is a village in Co. Laois with a population of 400 (CSO Census 2022). It is a short drive from Portlaoise (16.7 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Clough is E53. 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 3,148 kWh per year (787 kWh/kWp). The area has moderate rainfall (948 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 10.1°C.
Why Go Solar in Clough?
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Clough can save an estimated €944+ per year on electricity with a 4kWp solar system generating 3,552 kWh annually.
Top Solar County in Ireland
Co. Laois ranks #10 in Ireland for solar yield with 888 kWh/kWp. Homes in Clough benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Clough today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
SEAI Solar Grant for Clough Residents
Homeowners in Clough, Co. Laois can claim up to €1,800 from the SEAI solar PV grant (2026). Combined with 0% VAT, the net cost of a 4kWp system is typically €3,200–€6,200.
325 SEAI-registered solar installers serve Clough, Co. Laois. Compare installers in Laois or read verified reviews.
Solar Installers in Laois
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Clough solar panel questions answered
How much do solar panels cost in Clough?
A 4kWp system in Clough 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.
What is the Microgeneration Support Scheme?
The Microgeneration Support Scheme allows homeowners to sell surplus solar electricity back to the grid at 15-25c/kWh. You need a smart meter (free from ESB Networks) and a grid-connected system. The first €400/year of export income is tax-free.
Can I sell excess solar electricity?
Yes. Under Ireland's Microgeneration Support Scheme, you sell surplus electricity at 15-25c/kWh. You need a smart meter (ESB Networks installs free). The first €400/year of export income is tax-free.
What is the payback period for solar panels in Clough?
With a net cost of €3,200-€6,200 after the SEAI grant and savings of €944+ per year plus export income, a typical solar system in Clough pays for itself in 4-6 years. After payback, you get 20+ years of near-free electricity.
How does shading affect solar panels in Clough?
Shading from trees, chimneys, or nearby buildings can reduce output significantly. Modern systems use optimisers or microinverters so that shading on one panel doesn't drag down the whole system. Your installer will assess shading during the site survey.
What happens during a power cut?
Standard grid-tied solar systems shut down during a power cut for safety reasons (to protect ESB workers). If you need backup power, you can install a hybrid inverter with battery storage that provides power during outages.
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: April 2026
Fact-checked by John Rooney, Solar Energy Editor. Editorial policy
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