Solar Panels in Carne, Co. Wexford
Carne is a small town in Co. Wexford with a population of around 1,233. Located 17.4 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.
How productive are solar panels in Carne?
| 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.
Carne at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 1,233 (Census 2022) |
| Elevation | 13 metres |
| Eircode Area | Y35 |
| Dist. to Wexford Town | 17.4 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 52.1906°N, 6.3728°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Johnstown Castle, 14.6 km).
Weather & Climate in Carne
Weather data from Met Eireann (Johnstown Castle station, 14.6 km from Carne). 5-year average (2019–2023).
About Solar Energy in Carne
Carne is a small town in Co. Wexford with a population of 1,233 (CSO Census 2022). It is a short drive from Wexford Town (17.4 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Carne is Y35. You'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. 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.
Benefits of Solar Panels in Carne
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Carne 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 Carne benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Carne today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
Government Support for Solar in Carne
Homeowners in Carne, 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 Carne, Co. Wexford. Compare installers in Wexford or read verified reviews.
Solar Installers Serving Carne
SEAI registered solar panel installers covering Carne, Co. Wexford.
Solar Grid Energy Limited
carlow, dublin, kildare +9 more
Greenway Solar and Robotics Ltd
carlow, cavan, clare +23 more
Top Rated Solar Installers Near Carne
Read verified reviews from solar panel installers serving Carne, Co. Wexford.
Solar coverage near Carne
Also serving nearby areas in Wexford:
Find Solar Installers in Wexford
Browse 319 SEAI-registered installers covering Carne and all of Wexford.
Solar Panel Costs Ireland
Full cost breakdown by system size, what affects price, and ROI timeline.
Best Solar Panels Ireland
Compare solar panels, inverters, and batteries used by Irish installers.
What Carne homeowners ask about solar
How much do solar panels cost in Carne?
A 4.4 kWp system in Carne 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.
What roof direction is best for solar panels in Carne?
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.
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.
Do I need to clean my solar panels?
In most cases, rain keeps solar panels clean enough in Ireland. If your panels are near trees or at a low angle, an annual clean may improve output by 2-5%. Never use abrasive materials. A soft brush and water is sufficient.
Can I get solar panels on an east or west facing roof in Carne?
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.
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 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.
Can you go off-grid with solar in Carne?
Fully off-grid setups are rare in Carne. 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: August 2026
Fact-checked by John Rooney, Solar Energy Editor. Editorial policy
Get a Free Solar Quote in Carne
Connect with SEAI-registered installers covering Carne, Co. Wexford.