Solar Panels in Clare Island, Co. Mayo
Clare Island is a village in Co. Mayo with a population of around 400. Located 45.6 km from Castlebar, the area has a solar yield of 747 kWh/kWp. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 2,988 kWh annually, saving an estimated €896+ 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 Clare Island?
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 747 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 2,988 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,105 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €896+ |
| Household Coverage | 71% of avg use |
Solar yield calculated for Clare Island (53.81°N, 9.99°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Monthly Solar Output in Clare Island
kWh per month (4kWp system)
Clare Island at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 400 (Census 2022) |
| Elevation | 78 metres |
| Eircode Area | F28 |
| Dist. to Castlebar | 45.6 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 53.8084°N, 9.9881°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Newport, 30.1 km).
Weather & Climate in Clare Island
Weather data from Met Eireann (Newport station, 30.1 km from Clare Island). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Clare Island and Renewable Energy
Clare Island is a village in Co. Mayo with a population of 400 (CSO Census 2022). It is accessible from Castlebar (45.6 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Clare Island is F28. 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 2,988 kWh per year (747 kWh/kWp). The area has higher rainfall (1785 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 10.9°C.
What Clare Island homeowners gain from solar
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Clare Island can save an estimated €896+ per year on electricity with a 4kWp solar system generating 3,364 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.
Energy Independence
For homes in rural Clare Island, solar panels provide energy security and reduced reliance on the grid. Combined with a battery, you can store power for evening use.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Clare Island today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
How to claim the SEAI grant in Clare Island
Homeowners in Clare Island, Co. Mayo 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 Mayo
SEAI registered solar panel installers covering Mayo.
Top Rated Solar Installers Near Clare Island
Read verified reviews from solar panel installers serving Clare Island, Co. Mayo.
Towns near Clare Island for solar installation
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Panels in Clare Island
How much do solar panels cost in Clare Island?
A 4kWp system in Clare Island 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 3,364 kWh/year, paying for itself in 4-6 years.
Do solar panels work in winter in Mayo?
Yes, solar panels generate electricity all year round. While output is lower in winter, Mayo still receives usable daylight hours even in December. Annual generation figures (3,364 kWh for a 4kWp system) already account for seasonal variation.
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.
How does shading affect solar panels in Clare Island?
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.
Can I get solar panels on an east or west facing roof in Clare Island?
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.
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 size solar system do I need for my home in Clare Island?
Most homes in Clare Island benefit from a 3-6 kWp system. A 4kWp system (10 panels) covers 71% of average household electricity use. Your installer will assess your roof space, orientation, and energy usage to recommend the optimal size.
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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