Solar Panels in Drumkeeran, Co. Leitrim
Drumkeeran is a village in Co. Leitrim with a population of around 287. Located 24.9 km from Carrick-on-Shannon, the area has a solar yield of 715 kWh/kWp. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 2,860 kWh annually, saving an estimated €858+ per year. The SEAI grant of up to €1,800 and 0% VAT bring the net cost to €3,200–€6,200.
Drumkeeran solar yield and performance data
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 715 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 2,860 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,150 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €858+ |
| Household Coverage | 68% of avg use |
Solar yield calculated for Drumkeeran (54.17°N, 8.14°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Monthly Solar Output in Drumkeeran
kWh per month (4kWp system)
Drumkeeran at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 287 (Census 2022) |
| Households | 141 |
| Houses/Bungalows | 87% of dwellings |
| Owner-Occupied | 46% |
| Built Before 2000 | 57% |
| Avg. Rooms per Home | 4.6 |
| Elevation | 100 metres |
| Eircode Area | F91 |
| Dist. to Carrick-on-Shannon | 24.9 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 54.1685°N, 8.1436°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Markree, 20.3 km).
Weather & Climate in Drumkeeran
Weather data from Met Eireann (Markree station, 20.3 km from Drumkeeran). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Solar Suitability in Drumkeeran
87% of dwellings in Drumkeeran are houses or bungalows, making the area highly suited for rooftop solar panels. 46% of homes are owner-occupied — homeowners can apply directly for the SEAI grant. 57% of homes were built before 2000, qualifying for the SEAI solar grant (homes built and occupied before 2021 are eligible).
Going Solar in Drumkeeran
Drumkeeran is a village in Co. Leitrim with a population of 287 (CSO Census 2022). It is a short drive from Carrick-on-Shannon (24.9 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Drumkeeran is F91. You'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. According to the 2022 Census, Drumkeeran has 141 households, of which 87% are houses or bungalows — well suited for rooftop solar panels. Based on satellite data for this location, a 4kWp solar system generates approximately 2,860 kWh per year (715 kWh/kWp). The area has higher rainfall (1332 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 9.8°C.
Solar panel benefits in Drumkeeran, Leitrim
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Drumkeeran can save an estimated €858+ per year on electricity with a 4kWp solar system generating 3,368 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.
Increase Property Value
Solar panels improve your BER rating and can add up to 4% to your property value.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Drumkeeran today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
Drumkeeran SEAI solar PV grant details
Homeowners in Drumkeeran, Co. Leitrim 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 Leitrim
SEAI registered solar panel installers covering Leitrim.
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Solar Panel FAQs for Drumkeeran
How much do solar panels cost in Drumkeeran?
A 4kWp system in Drumkeeran 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 3,368 kWh/year, paying for itself in 4-6 years.
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.
Can I get solar panels on an east or west facing roof in Drumkeeran?
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.
What roof direction is best for solar panels in Drumkeeran?
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.
What is the difference between solar PV and solar thermal?
Solar PV panels generate electricity from sunlight. Solar thermal panels heat water directly. For most Irish homes, solar PV is the better investment: it's more versatile, qualifies for the SEAI grant, and you can sell excess electricity. Solar thermal only heats water.
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.
How does shading affect solar panels in Drumkeeran?
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.
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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