Solar Panels in Ballymacarbry, Co. Waterford
Ballymacarbry is a village in Co. Waterford with a population of around 138. Located 43.3 km from Waterford, the area has a solar yield of 949 kWh/kWp. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,796 kWh annually, saving an estimated €1139+ per year. The SEAI grant of up to €1,800 and 0% VAT bring the net cost to €6,500–€7,200.
How productive are solar panels in Ballymacarbry?
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 949 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 3,796 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,465 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €1139+ |
| Household Coverage | 90% of avg use |
Based on county-level solar data for Waterford. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Ballymacarbry at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 138 (Census 2022) |
| Houses/Bungalows (Co. Waterford avg.) | 86% of dwellings |
| Owner-Occupied (Co. Waterford avg.) | 52% |
| Built Before 2000 (Co. Waterford avg.) | 68% |
| Avg. Rooms per Home (Co. Waterford avg.) | 5 |
| Elevation | 119 metres |
| Eircode Area | E91 |
| Dist. to Waterford | 43.3 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 52.2901°N, 7.7452°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Moore Park, 38 km).
Weather & Climate in Ballymacarbry
Weather data from Met Eireann (Moore Park station, 38 km from Ballymacarbry). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Solar Suitability in Ballymacarbry
Across Co. Waterford, 86% of dwellings are houses or bungalows, making the area highly suited for rooftop solar panels. 52% of homes are owner-occupied — homeowners can apply directly for the SEAI grant. 68% of homes were built before 2000, qualifying for the SEAI solar grant (homes built and occupied before 2021 are eligible).
About Solar Energy in Ballymacarbry
Ballymacarbry is a village in Co. Waterford with a population of 138 (CSO Census 2022). It is accessible from Waterford (43.3 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Ballymacarbry is E91. You'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. Across the wider Waterford area, 86% of dwellings are houses or bungalows and 52% are owner-occupied (Census 2022). Homeowners in Ballymacarbry with a south, east, or west-facing roof are well positioned for solar panels. The area receives around 1,465 sunshine hours annually, allowing a 4kWp solar system to generate approximately 3,796 kWh per year. The area has moderate rainfall (1104 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 10.6°C.
Benefits of Solar Panels in Ballymacarbry
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Ballymacarbry can save an estimated €1139+ per year on electricity with a 4kWp solar system generating 3,796 kWh annually.
Top Solar County in Ireland
Co. Waterford ranks #2 in Ireland for solar yield with 949 kWh/kWp. Homes in Ballymacarbry benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Ballymacarbry today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
Government Support for Solar in Ballymacarbry
Homeowners in Ballymacarbry, Co. Waterford can claim up to €1,800 from the SEAI solar PV grant (2026). Combined with 0% VAT, the net cost of a 4kWp system is typically€6,500–€7,200.
312 SEAI-registered solar installers serve Ballymacarbry, Co. Waterford. Compare installers in Waterford or read verified reviews.
Solar Installers Serving Ballymacarbry
SEAI registered solar panel installers covering Ballymacarbry, Co. Waterford.
RJ SOLAR ENERGY LTD
clare, cork, dublin +9 more
Ashgrove Renewables
carlow, cavan, clare +23 more
Top Rated Solar Installers Near Ballymacarbry
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Solar coverage near Ballymacarbry
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What Ballymacarbry homeowners ask about solar
How much do solar panels cost in Ballymacarbry?
A 4.4 kWp system in Ballymacarbry typically costs €8,300–€9,000 before grants. After the €1,800 SEAI grant and 0% VAT, the net cost is €6,500–€7,200. The system generates approximately 3,796 kWh/year, paying for itself in 4-6 years.
What roof direction is best for solar panels in Ballymacarbry?
South-facing roofs produce the most electricity (100% of potential). South-east and south-west roofs produce around 95%. East or west-facing roofs still produce 80-85%. North-facing roofs are generally not recommended for solar panels in Ireland.
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 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.
What is a BER assessment and do I need one?
A Building Energy Rating (BER) assessment is required after installing solar panels to claim the SEAI grant. A BER assessor visits your home and rates its energy efficiency from A1 to G. Solar panels typically improve your BER by 1-2 grades. The assessment costs around €150-€200.
Are solar panels worth it in Ballymacarbry?
Yes. With estimated savings of €1139+ per year, the €1,800 SEAI grant, 0% VAT, and export income of 15-25c/kWh, a solar system in Ballymacarbry pays for itself in 4-6 years and lasts 25+ years.
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.
Can you go off-grid with solar in Ballymacarbry?
Fully off-grid setups are rare in Ballymacarbry. Most homes stay grid-connected and sell surplus back through the Microgeneration Support Scheme. A hybrid inverter with 10-20 kWh of battery storage covers evenings and power cuts, which is what most people searching "off-grid" actually want. A true off-grid system needs a much larger array and battery bank, and you lose the grant-supported export income.
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: September 2026
Fact-checked by John Rooney, Solar Energy Editor. Editorial policy
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