Solar Panels in Glen of Imaal, Co. Wicklow
Glen of Imaal is a village in Co. Wicklow with a population of around 400. Located 36 km from Wicklow Town, the area has a solar yield of 758 kWh/kWp. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,032 kWh annually, saving an estimated €910+ 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 Glen of Imaal, Co. Wicklow
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 758 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 3,032 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,448 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €910+ |
| Household Coverage | 72% of avg use |
Solar yield calculated for Glen of Imaal (52.99°N, 6.58°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Monthly Solar Output in Glen of Imaal
kWh per month (4kWp system)
Glen of Imaal at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 400 (Census 2022) |
| Elevation | 179 metres |
| Eircode Area | R56 |
| Dist. to Wicklow Town | 36 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 52.9875°N, 6.5821°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Oak Park, 26.4 km).
Weather & Climate in Glen of Imaal
Weather data from Met Eireann (Oak Park station, 26.4 km from Glen of Imaal). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Glen of Imaal: Local Solar Energy Profile
Glen of Imaal is a village in Co. Wicklow with a population of 400 (CSO Census 2022). It is accessible from Wicklow Town (36 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. At an elevation of 179 metres, installations in Glen of Imaal should consider potential wind exposure when planning panel mounting. The Eircode routing key for Glen of Imaal is R56. 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 3,032 kWh per year (758 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 Glen of Imaal
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Glen of Imaal can save an estimated €910+ 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 Glen of Imaal benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Glen of Imaal today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
What SEAI grants can Glen of Imaal homeowners claim?
Homeowners in Glen of Imaal, 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 Glen of Imaal
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Solar Panels in Areas Near Glen of Imaal
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Common Questions About Going Solar in Glen of Imaal
How much do solar panels cost in Glen of Imaal?
A 4kWp system in Glen of Imaal 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.
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.
Is my roof suitable for solar panels in Glen of Imaal?
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 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 roof direction is best for solar panels in Glen of Imaal?
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 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.
What size solar system do I need for my home in Glen of Imaal?
Most homes in Glen of Imaal benefit from a 3-6 kWp system. A 4kWp system (10 panels) covers 72% of average household electricity use. Your installer will assess your roof space, orientation, and energy usage to recommend the optimal size.
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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