Solar Panels in Blessington, Co. Wicklow
Blessington, Co. Wicklow, has a solar yield of 725 kWh/kWp (among the highest in Ireland). A 4kWp system generates approximately 2,900 kWh annually, covering 69% of average household electricity use and saving an estimated €870+ per year. With the SEAI grant of up to €1,800 and 0% VAT, the net cost is €3,200–€6,200 with payback in 4–6 years.
What is the solar potential in Blessington?
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 725 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 2,900 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,514 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €870+ |
| Household Coverage | 69% of avg use |
Solar yield calculated for Blessington (53.17°N, 6.53°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Monthly Solar Output in Blessington
kWh per month (4kWp system)
Blessington at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 5,611 (Census 2022) |
| Households | 1,851 |
| Houses/Bungalows | 86% of dwellings |
| Owner-Occupied | 69% |
| Built Before 2000 | 44% |
| Avg. Rooms per Home | 5.5 |
| Elevation | 206 metres |
| Eircode Area | W91 |
| Dist. to Wicklow Town | 39 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 53.1726°N, 6.5331°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Casement Aerodrome, 16.1 km).
Weather & Climate in Blessington
Weather data from Met Eireann (Casement Aerodrome station, 16.1 km from Blessington). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Solar Suitability in Blessington
86% of dwellings in Blessington are houses or bungalows, making the area highly suited for rooftop solar panels. 69% of homes are owner-occupied — homeowners can apply directly for the SEAI grant.
Solar Power in Blessington, Co. Wicklow
Blessington is a town in Co. Wicklow with a population of 5,611 (CSO Census 2022). It is accessible from Wicklow Town (39 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. At an elevation of 206 metres, installations in Blessington should consider potential wind exposure when planning panel mounting. The Eircode routing key for Blessington is W91. You'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. According to the 2022 Census, Blessington has 1,851 households, of which 86% are houses or bungalows — well suited for rooftop solar panels. Based on satellite data for this location, a 4kWp solar system generates approximately 2,900 kWh per year (725 kWh/kWp). The area has relatively low rainfall (804 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 10.2°C.
Advantages of Solar Energy for Blessington Homeowners
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Blessington can save an estimated €870+ 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 Blessington benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Blessington today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
Solar grants available in Blessington
Homeowners in Blessington, 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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Your solar questions for Blessington
How much do solar panels cost in Blessington?
A 4kWp system in Blessington 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 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 Blessington?
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.
Do I need planning permission for solar panels?
Most residential solar installations are exempt from planning permission, provided panels don't project more than 15cm from the roof and don't cover more than 50% of total roof area.
How does shading affect solar panels in Blessington?
Shading from trees, chimneys, or nearby buildings can reduce output significantly. Modern systems use optimisers or microinverters so that shading on one panel doesn't drag down the whole system. Your installer will assess shading during the site survey.
What is the payback period for solar panels in Blessington?
With a net cost of €3,200-€6,200 after the SEAI grant and savings of €870+ per year plus export income, a typical solar system in Blessington pays for itself in 4-6 years. After payback, you get 20+ years of near-free electricity.
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
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