Solar Panels in Ballinalee, Co. Longford
Ballinalee is a village in Co. Longford with a population of around 395. Located 10.4 km from Longford, the area has a solar yield of 758 kWh/kWp. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,032 kWh annually, saving an estimated €910+ per year. The SEAI grant of up to €1,800 and 0% VAT bring the net cost to €3,200–€6,200.
How much solar energy can you generate in Ballinalee?
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 758 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 3,032 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,285 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €910+ |
| Household Coverage | 72% of avg use |
Solar yield calculated for Ballinalee (53.78°N, 7.66°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Monthly Solar Output in Ballinalee
kWh per month (4kWp system)
Ballinalee at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 395 (Census 2022) |
| Households | 154 |
| Houses/Bungalows | 100% of dwellings |
| Owner-Occupied | 49% |
| Built Before 2000 | 44% |
| Avg. Rooms per Home | 5.5 |
| Elevation | 57 metres |
| Eircode Area | N39 |
| Dist. to Longford | 10.4 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 53.7756°N, 7.6580°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Mt Dillon, 21.9 km).
Weather & Climate in Ballinalee
Weather data from Met Eireann (Mt Dillon station, 21.9 km from Ballinalee). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Solar Suitability in Ballinalee
100% of dwellings in Ballinalee are houses or bungalows, making the area highly suited for rooftop solar panels. 49% of homes are owner-occupied — homeowners can apply directly for the SEAI grant.
Ballinalee and Renewable Energy
Ballinalee is a village in Co. Longford with a population of 395 (CSO Census 2022). It is a short drive from Longford (10.4 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Ballinalee is N39. You'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. According to the 2022 Census, Ballinalee has 154 households, of which 100% are houses or bungalows — well suited for rooftop solar panels. Based on satellite data for this location, a 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,032 kWh per year (758 kWh/kWp). The area has moderate rainfall (1171 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 9.9°C.
What Ballinalee homeowners gain from solar
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Ballinalee can save an estimated €910+ per year on electricity with a 4kWp solar system generating 3,416 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 Ballinalee today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
How to claim the SEAI grant in Ballinalee
Homeowners in Ballinalee, Co. Longford 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 Longford
SEAI registered solar panel installers covering Longford.
Top Rated Solar Installers Near Ballinalee
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Towns near Ballinalee for solar installation
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Panels in Ballinalee
How much do solar panels cost in Ballinalee?
A 4kWp system in Ballinalee 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 3,416 kWh/year, paying for itself in 4-6 years.
Are solar panels worth it in Ballinalee?
Yes. With estimated savings of €910+ per year, the €1,800 SEAI grant, 0% VAT, and export income of 15-25c/kWh, a solar system in Ballinalee pays for itself in 4-6 years and lasts 25+ years.
What size solar system do I need for my home in Ballinalee?
Most homes in Ballinalee benefit from a 3-6 kWp system. A 4kWp system (10 panels) covers 72% of average household electricity use. Your installer will assess your roof space, orientation, and energy usage to recommend the optimal size.
Can I get solar panels on an east or west facing roof in Ballinalee?
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 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.
Do solar panels increase property value in Ballinalee?
Yes. Solar panels improve your BER rating and can increase property value by up to 4%. Buyers increasingly look for energy-efficient homes with lower running costs. A solar system in Ballinalee is a long-term investment in your property.
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.
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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