Solar Panels in Laragh, Co. Wicklow
Laragh is a village in Co. Wicklow with a population of around 445. Located 17.2 km from Wicklow Town, the area has a solar yield of 800 kWh/kWp. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,200 kWh annually, saving an estimated €960+ 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 Laragh?
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 800 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 3,200 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,514 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €960+ |
| Household Coverage | 76% of avg use |
Solar yield calculated for Laragh (53.01°N, 6.30°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Monthly Solar Output in Laragh
kWh per month (4kWp system)
Laragh at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 445 (Census 2022) |
| Households | 155 |
| Houses/Bungalows | 98% of dwellings |
| Owner-Occupied | 68% |
| Built Before 2000 | 79% |
| Avg. Rooms per Home | 5.8 |
| Elevation | 147 metres |
| Eircode Area | A67 |
| Dist. to Wicklow Town | 17.2 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 53.0084°N, 6.2976°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Casement Aerodrome, 34.4 km).
Weather & Climate in Laragh
Weather data from Met Eireann (Casement Aerodrome station, 34.4 km from Laragh). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Solar Suitability in Laragh
98% of dwellings in Laragh are houses or bungalows, making the area highly suited for rooftop solar panels. 68% of homes are owner-occupied — homeowners can apply directly for the SEAI grant. 79% of homes were built before 2000, qualifying for the SEAI solar grant (homes built and occupied before 2021 are eligible).
About Solar Energy in Laragh
Laragh is a village in Co. Wicklow with a population of 445 (CSO Census 2022). It is a short drive from Wicklow Town (17.2 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Laragh is A67. You'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. According to the 2022 Census, Laragh has 155 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 3,200 kWh per year (800 kWh/kWp). The area has relatively low rainfall (804 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 10.2°C.
Benefits of Solar Panels in Laragh
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Laragh can save an estimated €960+ 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 Laragh benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Laragh today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
Government Support for Solar in Laragh
Homeowners in Laragh, 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 Laragh
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Solar coverage near Laragh
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What Laragh homeowners ask about solar
How much do solar panels cost in Laragh?
A 4kWp system in Laragh 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 roof direction is best for solar panels in Laragh?
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 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.
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).
How does shading affect solar panels in Laragh?
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.
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.
Are solar panels worth it in Laragh?
Yes. With estimated savings of €960+ per year, the €1,800 SEAI grant, 0% VAT, and export income of 15-25c/kWh, a solar system in Laragh pays for itself in 4-6 years and lasts 25+ years.
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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