Solar Panels in Glenealy, Co. Wicklow
Glenealy is a small town in Co. Wicklow with a population of around 623. Located 6.8 km from Wicklow Town, the area has a solar yield of 838 kWh/kWp. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,352 kWh annually, saving an estimated €1006+ per year. The SEAI grant of up to €1,800 and 0% VAT bring the net cost to €3,200–€6,200.
How productive are solar panels in Glenealy?
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 838 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 3,352 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,514 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €1006+ |
| Household Coverage | 80% of avg use |
Solar yield calculated for Glenealy (52.97°N, 6.14°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Monthly Solar Output in Glenealy
kWh per month (4kWp system)
Glenealy at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 623 (Census 2022) |
| Households | 213 |
| Houses/Bungalows | 98% of dwellings |
| Owner-Occupied | 67% |
| Built Before 2000 | 61% |
| Avg. Rooms per Home | 6 |
| Elevation | 68 metres |
| Eircode Area | A67 |
| Dist. to Wicklow Town | 6.8 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 52.9668°N, 6.1430°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Casement Aerodrome, 42.6 km).
Weather & Climate in Glenealy
Weather data from Met Eireann (Casement Aerodrome station, 42.6 km from Glenealy). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Solar Suitability in Glenealy
98% of dwellings in Glenealy are houses or bungalows, making the area highly suited for rooftop solar panels. 67% of homes are owner-occupied — homeowners can apply directly for the SEAI grant. 61% of homes were built before 2000, qualifying for the SEAI solar grant (homes built and occupied before 2021 are eligible).
About Solar Energy in Glenealy
Glenealy is a small town in Co. Wicklow with a population of 623 (CSO Census 2022). It is conveniently close to Wicklow Town (6.8 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Glenealy is A67. You'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. According to the 2022 Census, Glenealy has 213 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 3,352 kWh per year (838 kWh/kWp). The area has relatively low rainfall (804 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 10.2°C.
Benefits of Solar Panels in Glenealy
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Glenealy can save an estimated €1006+ 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 Glenealy benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Glenealy today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
Government Support for Solar in Glenealy
Homeowners in Glenealy, 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 Glenealy
Read verified reviews from solar panel installers serving Glenealy, Co. Wicklow.
Solar coverage near Glenealy
Also serving nearby areas in Wicklow:
Find Solar Installers in Wicklow
Browse SEAI-registered installers covering Glenealy and all of Wicklow.
What Glenealy homeowners ask about solar
How much do solar panels cost in Glenealy?
A 4kWp system in Glenealy 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 solar panels increase property value in Glenealy?
Yes. Solar panels improve your BER rating and can increase property value by up to 4%. Buyers increasingly look for energy-efficient homes with lower running costs. A solar system in Glenealy is a long-term investment in your property.
How long do solar panels last?
Modern solar panels are warrantied for 25-30 years and typically last even longer. Panel efficiency degrades by about 0.5% per year, so after 25 years, your panels will still produce around 87% of their original output. Inverters typically last 10-15 years and may need one replacement.
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).
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.
What is the Microgeneration Support Scheme?
The Microgeneration Support Scheme allows homeowners to sell surplus solar electricity back to the grid at 15-25c/kWh. You need a smart meter (free from ESB Networks) and a grid-connected system. The first €400/year of export income is tax-free.
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 Glenealy
Connect with SEAI-registered installers covering Glenealy, Co. Wicklow.