Solar Panels in Knockananna, Co. Wicklow
Knockananna is a village in Co. Wicklow with a population of around 201. Located 32.7 km from Wicklow Town, the area has a solar yield of 786 kWh/kWp. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,144 kWh annually, saving an estimated €943+ 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 Knockananna, Co. Wicklow
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 786 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 3,144 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,448 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €943+ |
| Household Coverage | 75% of avg use |
Solar yield calculated for Knockananna (52.87°N, 6.50°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Monthly Solar Output in Knockananna
kWh per month (4kWp system)
Knockananna at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 201 (Census 2022) |
| Households | 70 |
| Houses/Bungalows | 100% of dwellings |
| Owner-Occupied | 64% |
| Built Before 2000 | 71% |
| Avg. Rooms per Home | 5.7 |
| Elevation | 205 metres |
| Eircode Area | Y14 |
| Dist. to Wicklow Town | 32.7 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 52.8725°N, 6.4980°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Oak Park, 28 km).
Weather & Climate in Knockananna
Weather data from Met Eireann (Oak Park station, 28 km from Knockananna). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Solar Suitability in Knockananna
100% of dwellings in Knockananna are houses or bungalows, making the area highly suited for rooftop solar panels. 64% of homes are owner-occupied — homeowners can apply directly for the SEAI grant. 71% of homes were built before 2000, qualifying for the SEAI solar grant (homes built and occupied before 2021 are eligible).
Knockananna: Local Solar Energy Profile
Knockananna is a village in Co. Wicklow with a population of 201 (CSO Census 2022). It is accessible from Wicklow Town (32.7 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. At an elevation of 205 metres, installations in Knockananna should consider potential wind exposure when planning panel mounting. The Eircode routing key for Knockananna is Y14. You'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. According to the 2022 Census, Knockananna has 70 households, of which 100% are houses or bungalows — well suited for rooftop solar panels. Based on satellite data for this location, a 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,144 kWh per year (786 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 Knockananna
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Knockananna can save an estimated €943+ 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 Knockananna benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Knockananna today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
What SEAI grants can Knockananna homeowners claim?
Homeowners in Knockananna, 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 Knockananna
Read verified reviews from solar panel installers serving Knockananna, Co. Wicklow.
Solar Panels in Areas Near Knockananna
Also serving nearby areas in Wicklow:
Find Solar Installers in Wicklow
Browse SEAI-registered installers covering Knockananna and all of Wicklow.
Common Questions About Going Solar in Knockananna
How much do solar panels cost in Knockananna?
A 4kWp system in Knockananna 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.
What is the difference between solar PV and solar thermal?
Solar PV panels generate electricity from sunlight. Solar thermal panels heat water directly. For most Irish homes, solar PV is the better investment: it's more versatile, qualifies for the SEAI grant, and you can sell excess electricity. Solar thermal only heats water.
How much electricity will solar panels generate in Knockananna?
Based on Wicklow county data, a 4kWp system in Knockananna generates approximately 3,788 kWh per year, covering 75% of average household use (4,200 kWh/year). Wicklow receives around 1,448 sunshine hours annually.
Are solar panels worth it in Knockananna?
Yes. With estimated savings of €943+ per year, the €1,800 SEAI grant, 0% VAT, and export income of 15-25c/kWh, a solar system in Knockananna pays for itself in 4-6 years and lasts 25+ years.
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 get solar panels on an east or west facing roof in Knockananna?
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.
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 Knockananna
Connect with SEAI-registered installers covering Knockananna, Co. Wicklow.