Solar Panels in Aughrim, Co. Wicklow
Aughrim is a small town in Co. Wicklow with a population of around 1,437. Located 23.6 km from Wicklow Town, the area has a solar yield of 801 kWh/kWp. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,204 kWh annually, saving an estimated €961+ 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 Aughrim?
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 801 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 3,204 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,448 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €961+ |
| Household Coverage | 76% of avg use |
Solar yield calculated for Aughrim (52.86°N, 6.33°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Monthly Solar Output in Aughrim
kWh per month (4kWp system)
Aughrim at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 1,437 (Census 2022) |
| Households | 527 |
| Houses/Bungalows | 99% of dwellings |
| Owner-Occupied | 65% |
| Built Before 2000 | 50% |
| Avg. Rooms per Home | 5.6 |
| Elevation | 70 metres |
| Eircode Area | Y14 |
| Dist. to Wicklow Town | 23.6 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 52.8551°N, 6.3290°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Oak Park, 39.3 km).
Weather & Climate in Aughrim
Weather data from Met Eireann (Oak Park station, 39.3 km from Aughrim). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Solar Suitability in Aughrim
99% of dwellings in Aughrim are houses or bungalows, making the area highly suited for rooftop solar panels. 65% of homes are owner-occupied — homeowners can apply directly for the SEAI grant. 50% of homes were built before 2000, qualifying for the SEAI solar grant (homes built and occupied before 2021 are eligible).
Aughrim and Renewable Energy
Aughrim is a small town in Co. Wicklow with a population of 1,437 (CSO Census 2022). It is a short drive from Wicklow Town (23.6 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Aughrim is Y14. You'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. According to the 2022 Census, Aughrim has 527 households, of which 99% are houses or bungalows — well suited for rooftop solar panels. Based on satellite data for this location, a 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,204 kWh per year (801 kWh/kWp). The area has relatively low rainfall (867 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 10.5°C.
What Aughrim homeowners gain from solar
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Aughrim can save an estimated €961+ per year on electricity with a 4kWp solar system generating 3,788 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. Wicklow ranks #3 in Ireland for solar yield with 947 kWh/kWp. Homes in Aughrim benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Aughrim today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
How to claim the SEAI grant in Aughrim
Homeowners in Aughrim, Co. Wicklow 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 Wicklow
SEAI registered solar panel installers covering Wicklow.
Top Rated Solar Installers Near Aughrim
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Panels in Aughrim
How much do solar panels cost in Aughrim?
A 4kWp system in Aughrim 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 3,788 kWh/year, paying for itself in 4-6 years.
Do solar panels work in winter in Wicklow?
Yes, solar panels generate electricity all year round. While output is lower in winter, Wicklow still receives usable daylight hours even in December. Annual generation figures (3,788 kWh for a 4kWp system) already account for seasonal variation.
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.
What size solar system do I need for my home in Aughrim?
Most homes in Aughrim benefit from a 3-6 kWp system. A 4kWp system (10 panels) covers 76% 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 Aughrim?
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 roof direction is best for solar panels in Aughrim?
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 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.
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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