Solar Panels in Coolboy, Co. Wicklow
Coolboy is a village in Co. Wicklow with a population of around 272. Located 38.1 km from Wicklow Town, the area has a solar yield of 792 kWh/kWp. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,168 kWh annually, saving an estimated €950+ per year. The SEAI grant of up to €1,800 and 0% VAT bring the net cost to €3,200–€6,200.
Solar energy output for Coolboy, Co. Wicklow
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 792 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 3,168 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,448 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €950+ |
| Household Coverage | 75% of avg use |
Solar yield calculated for Coolboy (52.76°N, 6.48°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Monthly Solar Output in Coolboy
kWh per month (4kWp system)
Coolboy at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 272 (Census 2022) |
| Households | 91 |
| Houses/Bungalows | 99% of dwellings |
| Owner-Occupied | 87% |
| Built Before 2000 | 60% |
| Avg. Rooms per Home | 5.6 |
| Elevation | 75 metres |
| Eircode Area | Y25 |
| Dist. to Wicklow Town | 38.1 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 52.7586°N, 6.4775°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Oak Park, 31.5 km).
Weather & Climate in Coolboy
Weather data from Met Eireann (Oak Park station, 31.5 km from Coolboy). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Solar Suitability in Coolboy
99% of dwellings in Coolboy are houses or bungalows, making the area highly suited for rooftop solar panels. 87% of homes are owner-occupied — homeowners can apply directly for the SEAI grant. 60% of homes were built before 2000, qualifying for the SEAI solar grant (homes built and occupied before 2021 are eligible).
Coolboy: Local Solar Energy Profile
Coolboy is a village in Co. Wicklow with a population of 272 (CSO Census 2022). It is accessible from Wicklow Town (38.1 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Coolboy is Y25. You'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. According to the 2022 Census, Coolboy has 91 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 3,168 kWh per year (792 kWh/kWp). The area has relatively low rainfall (867 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 10.5°C.
How solar panels pay off in Coolboy
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Coolboy can save an estimated €950+ 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 Coolboy benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Coolboy today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
What SEAI grants can Coolboy homeowners claim?
Homeowners in Coolboy, 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 Coolboy
Read verified reviews from solar panel installers serving Coolboy, Co. Wicklow.
Solar Panels in Areas Near Coolboy
Also serving nearby areas in Wicklow:
Find Solar Installers in Wicklow
Browse SEAI-registered installers covering Coolboy and all of Wicklow.
Common Questions About Going Solar in Coolboy
How much do solar panels cost in Coolboy?
A 4kWp system in Coolboy 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 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.
What happens to my solar panels if I move house in Coolboy?
Solar panels stay with the property as a permanent fixture. They add value to your home for the next buyer. The SEAI grant does not need to be repaid if you sell. Your installer can transfer monitoring accounts to the new owner.
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 maintenance do solar panels need?
Solar panels need very little maintenance. Rain keeps them clean in most cases. There are no moving parts. Your inverter may need replacing once in 25 years (10-15 year lifespan). Annual visual checks and occasional cleaning if near trees is all that's needed.
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 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.
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 Coolboy
Connect with SEAI-registered installers covering Coolboy, Co. Wicklow.