Solar Panels in Caltragh, Co. Sligo
Caltragh is a small town in Co. Sligo with a population of around 500. Located 1.7 km from Sligo, the area has a solar yield of 716 kWh/kWp. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 2,864 kWh annually, saving an estimated €859+ 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 Caltragh?
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 716 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 2,864 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,150 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €859+ |
| Household Coverage | 68% of avg use |
Solar yield calculated for Caltragh (54.26°N, 8.48°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Monthly Solar Output in Caltragh
kWh per month (4kWp system)
Caltragh at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 500 (Census 2022) |
| Elevation | 40 metres |
| Eircode Area | F91 |
| Dist. to Sligo | 1.7 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 54.2610°N, 8.4795°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Markree, 9.7 km).
Weather & Climate in Caltragh
Weather data from Met Eireann (Markree station, 9.7 km from Caltragh). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Solar Power in Caltragh, Co. Sligo
Caltragh is a small town in Co. Sligo with a population of 500 (CSO Census 2022). The Eircode routing key for Caltragh is F91. 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 2,864 kWh per year (716 kWh/kWp). The area has higher rainfall (1332 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 9.8°C.
Advantages of Solar Energy for Caltragh Homeowners
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Caltragh can save an estimated €859+ per year on electricity with a 4kWp solar system generating 3,388 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 Caltragh today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
Solar grants available in Caltragh
Homeowners in Caltragh, Co. Sligo 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 Sligo
SEAI registered solar panel installers covering Sligo.
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Your solar questions for Caltragh
How much do solar panels cost in Caltragh?
A 4kWp system in Caltragh 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 3,388 kWh/year, paying for itself in 4-6 years.
What is the difference between solar PV and solar thermal?
Solar PV panels generate electricity from sunlight. Solar thermal panels heat water directly. For most Irish homes, solar PV is the better investment: it's more versatile, qualifies for the SEAI grant, and you can sell excess electricity. Solar thermal only heats water.
Is my roof suitable for solar panels in Caltragh?
Most roofs are suitable. You need at least 15-20 m² of unshaded roof space for a typical 4kWp system (10 panels). South, east, or west-facing roofs work well. Your installer will assess your roof's orientation, angle, and structural suitability during a site survey.
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 Caltragh?
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.
Do solar panels work in winter in Sligo?
Yes, solar panels generate electricity all year round. While output is lower in winter, Sligo still receives usable daylight hours even in December. Annual generation figures (3,388 kWh for a 4kWp system) already account for seasonal variation.
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.
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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