Solar Panels in Clones, Co. Monaghan
Clones, Co. Monaghan, has a solar yield of 738 kWh/kWp (ideal conditions for solar energy). A 4kWp system generates approximately 2,952 kWh annually, covering 70% of average household electricity use and saving an estimated €886+ 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.
Clones solar yield and performance data
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 738 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 2,952 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,200 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €886+ |
| Household Coverage | 70% of avg use |
Solar yield calculated for Clones (54.18°N, 7.23°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Monthly Solar Output in Clones
kWh per month (4kWp system)
Clones at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 1,885 (Census 2022) |
| Households | 784 |
| Houses/Bungalows | 91% of dwellings |
| Owner-Occupied | 51% |
| Built Before 2000 | 80% |
| Avg. Rooms per Home | 5 |
| Elevation | 60 metres |
| Eircode Area | H23 |
| Dist. to Monaghan | 18.9 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 54.1792°N, 7.2321°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Ballyhaise, 15.1 km).
Weather & Climate in Clones
Weather data from Met Eireann (Ballyhaise station, 15.1 km from Clones). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Solar Suitability in Clones
91% of dwellings in Clones are houses or bungalows, making the area highly suited for rooftop solar panels. 51% of homes are owner-occupied — homeowners can apply directly for the SEAI grant. 80% of homes were built before 2000, qualifying for the SEAI solar grant (homes built and occupied before 2021 are eligible).
Going Solar in Clones
Clones is a town in Co. Monaghan with a population of 1,885 (CSO Census 2022). It is a short drive from Monaghan (18.9 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Clones is H23. You'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. According to the 2022 Census, Clones has 784 households, of which 91% are houses or bungalows — well suited for rooftop solar panels. Based on satellite data for this location, a 4kWp solar system generates approximately 2,952 kWh per year (738 kWh/kWp). The area has moderate rainfall (1102 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 9.9°C.
Solar panel benefits in Clones, Monaghan
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Clones can save an estimated €886+ 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.
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 Clones today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
Clones SEAI solar PV grant details
Homeowners in Clones, Co. Monaghan 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 Monaghan
SEAI registered solar panel installers covering Monaghan.
Top Rated Solar Installers Near Clones
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Solar Panel FAQs for Clones
How much do solar panels cost in Clones?
A 4kWp system in Clones 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 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 long does solar panel installation take?
A typical residential installation takes 1-2 days. This includes scaffolding, mounting the panels, wiring, inverter installation, and connecting to the grid. Your installer handles the ESB Networks notification (NC6 form).
What happens to my solar panels if I move house in Clones?
Solar panels stay with the property as a permanent fixture. They add value to your home for the next buyer. The SEAI grant does not need to be repaid if you sell. Your installer can transfer monitoring accounts to the new owner.
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 solar panels work in winter in Monaghan?
Yes, solar panels generate electricity all year round. While output is lower in winter, Monaghan still receives usable daylight hours even in December. Annual generation figures (3,364 kWh for a 4kWp system) already account for seasonal variation.
What is the Microgeneration Support Scheme?
The Microgeneration Support Scheme allows homeowners to sell surplus solar electricity back to the grid at 15-25c/kWh. You need a smart meter (free from ESB Networks) and a grid-connected system. 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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