Solar Panels in Farnaught, Co. Leitrim
Farnaught is a village in Co. Leitrim with a population of around 400. Located 19.2 km from Carrick-on-Shannon, the area has a solar yield of 743 kWh/kWp. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 2,972 kWh annually, saving an estimated €892+ 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 Farnaught?
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 743 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 2,972 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,150 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €892+ |
| Household Coverage | 71% of avg use |
Solar yield calculated for Farnaught (53.87°N, 7.83°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Monthly Solar Output in Farnaught
kWh per month (4kWp system)
Farnaught at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 400 (Census 2022) |
| Elevation | 47 metres |
| Eircode Area | N39 |
| Dist. to Carrick-on-Shannon | 19.2 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 53.8716°N, 7.8250°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Mt Dillon, 19.1 km).
Weather & Climate in Farnaught
Weather data from Met Eireann (Mt Dillon station, 19.1 km from Farnaught). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Solar Power in Farnaught, Co. Leitrim
Farnaught is a village in Co. Leitrim with a population of 400 (CSO Census 2022). It is a short drive from Carrick-on-Shannon (19.2 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Farnaught is N39. 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 2,972 kWh per year (743 kWh/kWp). The area has moderate rainfall (1171 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 9.9°C.
Advantages of Solar Energy for Farnaught Homeowners
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Farnaught can save an estimated €892+ 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 Farnaught today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
Solar grants available in Farnaught
Homeowners in Farnaught, 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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Your solar questions for Farnaught
How much do solar panels cost in Farnaught?
A 4kWp system in Farnaught 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.
How much electricity will solar panels generate in Farnaught?
Based on Leitrim county data, a 4kWp system in Farnaught generates approximately 3,368 kWh per year, covering 71% of average household use (4,200 kWh/year). Leitrim receives around 1,150 sunshine hours annually.
Do I need a smart meter for solar panels?
You need a smart meter to sell surplus electricity back to the grid. ESB Networks installs smart meters for free. Your installer submits the NC6 form to ESB Networks after installation, which triggers the meter upgrade if needed.
How long do solar panels last?
Modern solar panels are warrantied for 25-30 years and typically last even longer. Panel efficiency degrades by about 0.5% per year, so after 25 years, your panels will still produce around 87% of their original output. Inverters typically last 10-15 years and may need one replacement.
What roof direction is best for solar panels in Farnaught?
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 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.
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.
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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