Solar Panels in Kilcohan, Co. Waterford
Kilcohan is a small town in Co. Waterford with a population of around 500. Located 2.6 km from Waterford, the area has a solar yield of 859 kWh/kWp. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,436 kWh annually, saving an estimated €1031+ per year. The SEAI grant of up to €1,800 and 0% VAT bring the net cost to €3,200–€6,200.
How productive are solar panels in Kilcohan?
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 859 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 3,436 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,465 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €1031+ |
| Household Coverage | 82% of avg use |
Solar yield calculated for Kilcohan (52.24°N, 7.11°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Monthly Solar Output in Kilcohan
kWh per month (4kWp system)
Kilcohan 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 | 16 metres |
| Eircode Area | X91 |
| Dist. to Waterford | 2.6 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 52.2358°N, 7.1132°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Johnstown Castle, 42.5 km).
Weather & Climate in Kilcohan
Weather data from Met Eireann (Johnstown Castle station, 42.5 km from Kilcohan). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Solar Suitability in Kilcohan
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 Kilcohan
Kilcohan is a small town in Co. Waterford with a population of 500 (CSO Census 2022). It is conveniently close to Waterford (2.6 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Kilcohan 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 Kilcohan 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 3,436 kWh per year (859 kWh/kWp). The area has moderate rainfall (1114 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 10.6°C.
Benefits of Solar Panels in Kilcohan
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Kilcohan can save an estimated €1031+ 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 Kilcohan benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Kilcohan today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
Government Support for Solar in Kilcohan
Homeowners in Kilcohan, 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 Kilcohan
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Solar coverage near Kilcohan
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What Kilcohan homeowners ask about solar
How much do solar panels cost in Kilcohan?
A 4kWp system in Kilcohan 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 size solar system do I need for my home in Kilcohan?
Most homes in Kilcohan benefit from a 3-6 kWp system. A 4kWp system (10 panels) covers 82% of average household electricity use. Your installer will assess your roof space, orientation, and energy usage to recommend the optimal size.
Is my roof suitable for solar panels in Kilcohan?
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.
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 happens to my solar panels if I move house in Kilcohan?
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 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.
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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