Solar Panels in Blackwater, Co. Wexford
Blackwater is a village in Co. Wexford with a population of around 485. Located 14.5 km from Wexford Town, the area has a solar yield of 965 kWh/kWp. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,860 kWh annually, saving an estimated €1158+ per year. The SEAI grant of up to €1,800 and 0% VAT bring the net cost to €6,500–€7,200.
Blackwater solar yield and performance data
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 965 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 3,860 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,540 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €1158+ |
| Household Coverage | 92% of avg use |
Based on county-level solar data for Wexford. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Blackwater at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 485 (Census 2022) |
| Households | 192 |
| Houses/Bungalows | 96% of dwellings |
| Owner-Occupied | 64% |
| Built Before 2000 | 67% |
| Avg. Rooms per Home | 5.6 |
| Elevation | 19 metres |
| Eircode Area | Y35 |
| Dist. to Wexford Town | 14.5 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 52.4469°N, 6.3475°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Johnstown Castle, 19.4 km).
Weather & Climate in Blackwater
Weather data from Met Eireann (Johnstown Castle station, 19.4 km from Blackwater). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Solar Suitability in Blackwater
96% of dwellings in Blackwater are houses or bungalows, making the area highly suited for rooftop solar panels. 64% of homes are owner-occupied — homeowners can apply directly for the SEAI grant. 67% of homes were built before 2000, qualifying for the SEAI solar grant (homes built and occupied before 2021 are eligible).
Going Solar in Blackwater
Blackwater is a village in Co. Wexford with a population of 485 (CSO Census 2022). It is a short drive from Wexford Town (14.5 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Blackwater is Y35. You'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. According to the 2022 Census, Blackwater has 192 households, of which 96% are houses or bungalows — well suited for rooftop solar panels. The area receives around 1,540 sunshine hours annually, allowing a 4kWp solar system to generate approximately 3,860 kWh per year. The area has moderate rainfall (1114 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 10.6°C.
Solar panel benefits in Blackwater, Wexford
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Blackwater can save an estimated €1158+ per year on electricity with a 4kWp solar system generating 3,860 kWh annually.
Top Solar County in Ireland
Co. Wexford ranks #1 in Ireland for solar yield with 965 kWh/kWp. Homes in Blackwater benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Blackwater today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
Blackwater SEAI solar PV grant details
Homeowners in Blackwater, Co. Wexford 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.
319 SEAI-registered solar installers serve Blackwater, Co. Wexford. Compare installers in Wexford or read verified reviews.
Solar Installers Serving Blackwater
SEAI registered solar panel installers covering Blackwater, Co. Wexford.
Gosecure Limited T/A GoKonnect Solar
carlow, cavan, clare +23 more
Eco Revival Renewables
carlow, cavan, clare +23 more
Greenway Solar and Robotics Ltd
carlow, cavan, clare +23 more
Top Rated Solar Installers Near Blackwater
Read verified reviews from solar panel installers serving Blackwater, Co. Wexford.
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Solar Panel FAQs for Blackwater
How much do solar panels cost in Blackwater?
A 4.4 kWp system in Blackwater 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 3,860 kWh/year, paying for itself in 4-6 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.
Do solar panels work in winter in Wexford?
Yes, solar panels generate electricity all year round. While output is lower in winter, Wexford still receives usable daylight hours even in December. Annual generation figures (3,860 kWh for a 4kWp system) already account for seasonal variation.
What size solar system do I need for my home in Blackwater?
Most homes in Blackwater benefit from a 3-6 kWp system. A 4kWp system (10 panels) covers 92% of average household electricity use. Your installer will assess your roof space, orientation, and energy usage to recommend the optimal size.
What happens to my solar panels if I move house in Blackwater?
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.
Can I get solar panels on an east or west facing roof in Blackwater?
Yes. East or west-facing roofs still produce 80-85% of the output of a south-facing roof. Many installers recommend splitting panels across east and west to spread generation throughout the day, which can actually improve self-consumption.
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.
Can you go off-grid with solar in Blackwater?
Fully off-grid setups are rare in Blackwater. 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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