Solar Panels in Lough Allen, Co. Leitrim
Lough Allen is a village in Co. Leitrim with a population of around 400. Located 18.3 km from Carrick-on-Shannon, the area has a solar yield of 707 kWh/kWp. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 2,828 kWh annually, saving an estimated €848+ per year. The SEAI grant of up to €1,800 and 0% VAT bring the net cost to €3,200–€6,200.
Lough Allen solar yield and performance data
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 707 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 2,828 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,150 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €848+ |
| Household Coverage | 67% of avg use |
Solar yield calculated for Lough Allen (54.11°N, 8.05°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Monthly Solar Output in Lough Allen
kWh per month (4kWp system)
Lough Allen at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 400 (Census 2022) |
| Elevation | 43 metres |
| Eircode Area | N41 |
| Dist. to Carrick-on-Shannon | 18.3 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 54.1100°N, 8.0498°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Markree, 27.4 km).
Weather & Climate in Lough Allen
Weather data from Met Eireann (Markree station, 27.4 km from Lough Allen). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Going Solar in Lough Allen
Lough Allen is a village in Co. Leitrim with a population of 400 (CSO Census 2022). It is a short drive from Carrick-on-Shannon (18.3 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Lough Allen is N41. 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 2,828 kWh per year (707 kWh/kWp). The area has higher rainfall (1332 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 9.8°C.
Solar panel benefits in Lough Allen, Leitrim
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Lough Allen can save an estimated €848+ 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 Lough Allen today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
Lough Allen SEAI solar PV grant details
Homeowners in Lough Allen, 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 Lough Allen
How much do solar panels cost in Lough Allen?
A 4kWp system in Lough Allen 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.
Can I add a battery to my solar system?
Yes. A home battery (typically 5-10 kWh) stores excess solar electricity for evening use. This increases your self-consumption from around 30-40% to 60-80%. Batteries currently cost €3,000-€6,000 and are not yet covered by the SEAI grant.
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.
What size solar system do I need for my home in Lough Allen?
Most homes in Lough Allen benefit from a 3-6 kWp system. A 4kWp system (10 panels) covers 67% of average household electricity use. Your installer will assess your roof space, orientation, and energy usage to recommend the optimal size.
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).
Can I get solar panels on an east or west facing roof in Lough Allen?
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.
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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