Solar Panels in Collon, Co. Louth
Collon is a small town in Co. Louth with a population of around 864. Located 25.3 km from Dundalk, the area has a solar yield of 792 kWh/kWp. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,168 kWh annually, saving an estimated €950+ per year. The SEAI grant of up to €1,800 and 0% VAT bring the net cost to €3,200–€6,200.
How productive are solar panels in Collon?
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 792 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 3,168 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,315 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €950+ |
| Household Coverage | 75% of avg use |
Solar yield calculated for Collon (53.78°N, 6.49°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Monthly Solar Output in Collon
kWh per month (4kWp system)
Collon at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 864 (Census 2022) |
| Households | 309 |
| Houses/Bungalows | 92% of dwellings |
| Owner-Occupied | 65% |
| Built Before 2000 | 55% |
| Avg. Rooms per Home | 5.4 |
| Elevation | 144 metres |
| Eircode Area | A92 |
| Dist. to Dundalk | 25.3 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 53.7820°N, 6.4890°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Dunsany, 31.7 km).
Weather & Climate in Collon
Weather data from Met Eireann (Dunsany station, 31.7 km from Collon). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Solar Suitability in Collon
92% of dwellings in Collon are houses or bungalows, making the area highly suited for rooftop solar panels. 65% of homes are owner-occupied — homeowners can apply directly for the SEAI grant. 55% of homes were built before 2000, qualifying for the SEAI solar grant (homes built and occupied before 2021 are eligible).
About Solar Energy in Collon
Collon is a small town in Co. Louth with a population of 864 (CSO Census 2022). It is accessible from Dundalk (25.3 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Collon is A92. You'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. According to the 2022 Census, Collon has 309 households, of which 92% are houses or bungalows — well suited for rooftop solar panels. Based on satellite data for this location, a 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,168 kWh per year (792 kWh/kWp). The area has moderate rainfall (912 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 10°C.
Benefits of Solar Panels in Collon
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Collon can save an estimated €950+ per year on electricity with a 4kWp solar system generating 3,524 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 Collon today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
Government Support for Solar in Collon
Homeowners in Collon, Co. Louth 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 Louth
SEAI registered solar panel installers covering Louth.
Top Rated Solar Installers Near Collon
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Solar coverage near Collon
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What Collon homeowners ask about solar
How much do solar panels cost in Collon?
A 4kWp system in Collon 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 3,524 kWh/year, paying for itself in 4-6 years.
What size solar system do I need for my home in Collon?
Most homes in Collon benefit from a 3-6 kWp system. A 4kWp system (10 panels) covers 75% of average household electricity use. Your installer will assess your roof space, orientation, and energy usage to recommend the optimal size.
How do I get the SEAI grant in Collon?
Apply online at seai.ie with your MPRN and Eircode. Use an SEAI-registered installer. Do not start work before your Letter of Offer. After installation, complete a BER assessment. The grant is paid to your bank within 4-6 weeks.
How does shading affect solar panels in Collon?
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.
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.
Are solar panels worth it in Collon?
Yes. With estimated savings of €950+ per year, the €1,800 SEAI grant, 0% VAT, and export income of 15-25c/kWh, a solar system in Collon pays for itself in 4-6 years and lasts 25+ years.
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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