Solar Panels in Hill-of-Down, Co. Meath
Hill-of-Down is a village in Co. Meath with a population of around 400. Located 29.6 km from Navan, the area has a solar yield of 776 kWh/kWp. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,104 kWh annually, saving an estimated €931+ 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 Hill-of-Down?
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 776 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 3,104 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,315 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €931+ |
| Household Coverage | 74% of avg use |
Solar yield calculated for Hill-of-Down (53.47°N, 7.01°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Monthly Solar Output in Hill-of-Down
kWh per month (4kWp system)
Hill-of-Down at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 400 (Census 2022) |
| Elevation | 76 metres |
| Eircode Area | A83 |
| Dist. to Navan | 29.6 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 53.4740°N, 7.0131°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Dunsany, 23.8 km).
Weather & Climate in Hill-of-Down
Weather data from Met Eireann (Dunsany station, 23.8 km from Hill-of-Down). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Solar Power in Hill-of-Down, Co. Meath
Hill-of-Down is a village in Co. Meath with a population of 400 (CSO Census 2022). It is accessible from Navan (29.6 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Hill-of-Down is A83. 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 3,104 kWh per year (776 kWh/kWp). The area has moderate rainfall (912 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 10°C.
Advantages of Solar Energy for Hill-of-Down Homeowners
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Hill-of-Down can save an estimated €931+ per year on electricity with a 4kWp solar system generating 3,540 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 Hill-of-Down today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
Solar grants available in Hill-of-Down
Homeowners in Hill-of-Down, Co. Meath 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 Meath
SEAI registered solar panel installers covering Meath.
Top Rated Solar Installers Near Hill-of-Down
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Your solar questions for Hill-of-Down
How much do solar panels cost in Hill-of-Down?
A 4kWp system in Hill-of-Down 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 3,540 kWh/year, paying for itself in 4-6 years.
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 maintenance do solar panels need?
Solar panels need very little maintenance. Rain keeps them clean in most cases. There are no moving parts. Your inverter may need replacing once in 25 years (10-15 year lifespan). Annual visual checks and occasional cleaning if near trees is all that's needed.
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.
What is the payback period for solar panels in Hill-of-Down?
With a net cost of €3,200-€6,200 after the SEAI grant and savings of €931+ per year plus export income, a typical solar system in Hill-of-Down pays for itself in 4-6 years. After payback, you get 20+ years of near-free electricity.
Can I get solar panels on an east or west facing roof in Hill-of-Down?
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.
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.
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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