Solar Panels in Ballinaclash, Co. Wicklow
Ballinaclash is a village in Co. Wicklow with a population of around 309. Located 16.6 km from Wicklow Town, the area has a solar yield of 811 kWh/kWp. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,244 kWh annually, saving an estimated €973+ per year. The SEAI grant of up to €1,800 and 0% VAT bring the net cost to €3,200–€6,200.
Ballinaclash solar yield and performance data
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 811 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 3,244 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,448 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €973+ |
| Household Coverage | 77% of avg use |
Solar yield calculated for Ballinaclash (52.90°N, 6.26°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Monthly Solar Output in Ballinaclash
kWh per month (4kWp system)
Ballinaclash at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 309 (Census 2022) |
| Households | 105 |
| Houses/Bungalows | 98% of dwellings |
| Owner-Occupied | 70% |
| Built Before 2000 | 56% |
| Avg. Rooms per Home | 5.8 |
| Elevation | 58 metres |
| Eircode Area | Y14 |
| Dist. to Wicklow Town | 16.6 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 52.9039°N, 6.2575°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Oak Park, 44.4 km).
Weather & Climate in Ballinaclash
Weather data from Met Eireann (Oak Park station, 44.4 km from Ballinaclash). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Solar Suitability in Ballinaclash
98% of dwellings in Ballinaclash are houses or bungalows, making the area highly suited for rooftop solar panels. 70% of homes are owner-occupied — homeowners can apply directly for the SEAI grant. 56% of homes were built before 2000, qualifying for the SEAI solar grant (homes built and occupied before 2021 are eligible).
Going Solar in Ballinaclash
Ballinaclash is a village in Co. Wicklow with a population of 309 (CSO Census 2022). It is a short drive from Wicklow Town (16.6 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Ballinaclash is Y14. You'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. According to the 2022 Census, Ballinaclash has 105 households, of which 98% are houses or bungalows — well suited for rooftop solar panels. Based on satellite data for this location, a 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,244 kWh per year (811 kWh/kWp). The area has relatively low rainfall (867 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 10.5°C.
Solar panel benefits in Ballinaclash, Wicklow
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Ballinaclash can save an estimated €973+ 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 Ballinaclash benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Ballinaclash today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
Ballinaclash SEAI solar PV grant details
Homeowners in Ballinaclash, 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 Ballinaclash
Read verified reviews from solar panel installers serving Ballinaclash, Co. Wicklow.
Where can you find solar installers near Ballinaclash?
Also serving nearby areas in Wicklow:
Find Solar Installers in Wicklow
Browse SEAI-registered installers covering Ballinaclash and all of Wicklow.
Solar Panel FAQs for Ballinaclash
How much do solar panels cost in Ballinaclash?
A 4kWp system in Ballinaclash 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.
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.
What happens during a power cut?
Standard grid-tied solar systems shut down during a power cut for safety reasons (to protect ESB workers). If you need backup power, you can install a hybrid inverter with battery storage that provides power during outages.
What is the payback period for solar panels in Ballinaclash?
With a net cost of €3,200-€6,200 after the SEAI grant and savings of €973+ per year plus export income, a typical solar system in Ballinaclash pays for itself in 4-6 years. After payback, you get 20+ years of near-free electricity.
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.
What roof direction is best for solar panels in Ballinaclash?
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.
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.
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
Get a Free Solar Quote in Ballinaclash
Connect with SEAI-registered installers covering Ballinaclash, Co. Wicklow.