Solar Panels in Blainroe, Co. Wicklow
Blainroe is a small town in Co. Wicklow with a population of around 500. Located 4 km from Wicklow Town, the area has a solar yield of 830 kWh/kWp. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,320 kWh annually, saving an estimated €996+ per year. The SEAI grant of up to €1,800 and 0% VAT bring the net cost to €3,200–€6,200.
Blainroe solar yield and performance data
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 830 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 3,320 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,514 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €996+ |
| Household Coverage | 79% of avg use |
Solar yield calculated for Blainroe (52.95°N, 6.03°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Monthly Solar Output in Blainroe
kWh per month (4kWp system)
Blainroe at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 500 (Census 2022) |
| Elevation | 45 metres |
| Eircode Area | A67 |
| Dist. to Wicklow Town | 4 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 52.9467°N, 6.0257°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Casement Aerodrome, 48.5 km).
Weather & Climate in Blainroe
Weather data from Met Eireann (Casement Aerodrome station, 48.5 km from Blainroe). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Going Solar in Blainroe
Blainroe is a small town in Co. Wicklow with a population of 500 (CSO Census 2022). It is conveniently close to Wicklow Town (4 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Blainroe is A67. You'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. Based on satellite data for this location, a 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,320 kWh per year (830 kWh/kWp). The area has relatively low rainfall (804 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 10.2°C.
Solar panel benefits in Blainroe, Wicklow
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Blainroe can save an estimated €996+ 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 Blainroe benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Blainroe today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
Blainroe SEAI solar PV grant details
Homeowners in Blainroe, 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.
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Solar Panel FAQs for Blainroe
How much do solar panels cost in Blainroe?
A 4kWp system in Blainroe 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 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.
Is my roof suitable for solar panels in Blainroe?
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.
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 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.
Can I sell excess solar electricity?
Yes. Under Ireland's Microgeneration Support Scheme, you sell surplus electricity at 15-25c/kWh. You need a smart meter (ESB Networks installs free). The first €400/year of export income is tax-free.
How long does solar panel installation take?
A typical residential installation takes 1-2 days. This includes scaffolding, mounting the panels, wiring, inverter installation, and connecting to the grid. Your installer handles the ESB Networks notification (NC6 form).
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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