Solar Panels in Butlerstown, Co. Waterford
Butlerstown is a small town in Co. Waterford with a population of around 500. Located 6.3 km from Waterford, the area has a solar yield of 852 kWh/kWp. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,408 kWh annually, saving an estimated €1022+ per year. The SEAI grant of up to €1,800 and 0% VAT bring the net cost to €3,200–€6,200.
How much solar energy can you generate in Butlerstown?
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 852 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 3,408 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,465 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €1022+ |
| Household Coverage | 81% of avg use |
Solar yield calculated for Butlerstown (52.22°N, 7.18°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Monthly Solar Output in Butlerstown
kWh per month (4kWp system)
Butlerstown at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 500 (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 | 55 metres |
| Eircode Area | X91 |
| Dist. to Waterford | 6.3 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 52.2241°N, 7.1824°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Johnstown Castle, 47.4 km).
Weather & Climate in Butlerstown
Weather data from Met Eireann (Johnstown Castle station, 47.4 km from Butlerstown). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Solar Suitability in Butlerstown
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).
Butlerstown and Renewable Energy
Butlerstown is a small town in Co. Waterford with a population of 500 (CSO Census 2022). It is conveniently close to Waterford (6.3 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Butlerstown is X91. 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 Butlerstown with a south, east, or west-facing roof are well positioned for solar panels. Based on satellite data for this location, a 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,408 kWh per year (852 kWh/kWp). The area has moderate rainfall (1114 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 10.6°C.
What Butlerstown homeowners gain from solar
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Butlerstown can save an estimated €1022+ per year on electricity with a 4kWp solar system generating 3,796 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.
Top Solar County in Ireland
Co. Waterford ranks #2 in Ireland for solar yield with 949 kWh/kWp. Homes in Butlerstown benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Butlerstown today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
How to claim the SEAI grant in Butlerstown
Homeowners in Butlerstown, Co. Waterford 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 Waterford
SEAI registered solar panel installers covering Waterford.
Top Rated Solar Installers Near Butlerstown
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Panels in Butlerstown
How much do solar panels cost in Butlerstown?
A 4kWp system in Butlerstown 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 3,796 kWh/year, paying for itself in 4-6 years.
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.
How does shading affect solar panels in Butlerstown?
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 Waterford?
Yes, solar panels generate electricity all year round. While output is lower in winter, Waterford still receives usable daylight hours even in December. Annual generation figures (3,796 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.
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.
How long do solar panels last?
Modern solar panels are warrantied for 25-30 years and typically last even longer. Panel efficiency degrades by about 0.5% per year, so after 25 years, your panels will still produce around 87% of their original output. Inverters typically last 10-15 years and may need one replacement.
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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