Solar Panels in Longwood, Co. Meath
Longwood, Co. Meath, has a solar yield of 775 kWh/kWp (ideal conditions for solar energy). A 4kWp system generates approximately 3,100 kWh annually, covering 74% of average household electricity use and saving an estimated €930+ per year. With the SEAI grant of up to €1,800 and 0% VAT, the net cost is €3,200–€6,200 with payback in 4–6 years.
How productive are solar panels in Longwood?
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 775 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 3,100 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,315 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €930+ |
| Household Coverage | 74% of avg use |
Solar yield calculated for Longwood (53.46°N, 6.92°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Monthly Solar Output in Longwood
kWh per month (4kWp system)
Longwood at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 1,685 (Census 2022) |
| Households | 516 |
| Houses/Bungalows | 98% of dwellings |
| Owner-Occupied | 78% |
| Built Before 2000 | 32% |
| Avg. Rooms per Home | 5.8 |
| Elevation | 73 metres |
| Eircode Area | A83 |
| Dist. to Navan | 27.2 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 53.4551°N, 6.9242°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Dunsany, 18.7 km).
Weather & Climate in Longwood
Weather data from Met Eireann (Dunsany station, 18.7 km from Longwood). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Solar Suitability in Longwood
98% of dwellings in Longwood are houses or bungalows, making the area highly suited for rooftop solar panels. 78% of homes are owner-occupied — homeowners can apply directly for the SEAI grant.
About Solar Energy in Longwood
Longwood is a town in Co. Meath with a population of 1,685 (CSO Census 2022). It is accessible from Navan (27.2 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Longwood is A83. You'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. According to the 2022 Census, Longwood has 516 households, of which 98% are houses or bungalows — well suited for rooftop solar panels. Based on satellite data for this location, a 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,100 kWh per year (775 kWh/kWp). The area has moderate rainfall (912 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 10°C.
Benefits of Solar Panels in Longwood
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Longwood can save an estimated €930+ 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 Longwood today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
Government Support for Solar in Longwood
Homeowners in Longwood, 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 Longwood
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Solar coverage near Longwood
Also serving nearby areas in Meath:
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What Longwood homeowners ask about solar
How much do solar panels cost in Longwood?
A 4kWp system in Longwood 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.
How does shading affect solar panels in Longwood?
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 do I get the SEAI grant in Longwood?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Are solar panels worth it in Longwood?
Yes. With estimated savings of €930+ per year, the €1,800 SEAI grant, 0% VAT, and export income of 15-25c/kWh, a solar system in Longwood pays for itself in 4-6 years and lasts 25+ years.
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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