Solar Panels in Roundwood, Co. Wicklow
Roundwood is a small town in Co. Wicklow with a population of around 907. Located 15.2 km from Wicklow Town, the area has a solar yield of 807 kWh/kWp. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,228 kWh annually, saving an estimated €968+ per year. The SEAI grant of up to €1,800 and 0% VAT bring the net cost to €3,200–€6,200.
How much solar energy can you generate in Roundwood?
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 807 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 3,228 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,514 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €968+ |
| Household Coverage | 77% of avg use |
Solar yield calculated for Roundwood (53.06°N, 6.22°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Monthly Solar Output in Roundwood
kWh per month (4kWp system)
Roundwood at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 907 (Census 2022) |
| Households | 302 |
| Houses/Bungalows | 92% of dwellings |
| Owner-Occupied | 56% |
| Built Before 2000 | 49% |
| Avg. Rooms per Home | 5.3 |
| Elevation | 225 metres |
| Eircode Area | A63 |
| Dist. to Wicklow Town | 15.2 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 53.0635°N, 6.2247°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Casement Aerodrome, 30.5 km).
Weather & Climate in Roundwood
Weather data from Met Eireann (Casement Aerodrome station, 30.5 km from Roundwood). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Solar Suitability in Roundwood
92% of dwellings in Roundwood are houses or bungalows, making the area highly suited for rooftop solar panels. 56% of homes are owner-occupied — homeowners can apply directly for the SEAI grant.
Roundwood and Renewable Energy
Roundwood is a small town in Co. Wicklow with a population of 907 (CSO Census 2022). It is a short drive from Wicklow Town (15.2 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. At an elevation of 225 metres, installations in Roundwood should consider potential wind exposure when planning panel mounting. The Eircode routing key for Roundwood is A63. You'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. According to the 2022 Census, Roundwood has 302 households, of which 92% are houses or bungalows — well suited for rooftop solar panels. Based on satellite data for this location, a 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,228 kWh per year (807 kWh/kWp). The area has relatively low rainfall (804 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 10.2°C.
What Roundwood homeowners gain from solar
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Roundwood can save an estimated €968+ 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 Roundwood benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Roundwood today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
How to claim the SEAI grant in Roundwood
Homeowners in Roundwood, 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 Roundwood
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Towns near Roundwood for solar installation
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Panels in Roundwood
How much do solar panels cost in Roundwood?
A 4kWp system in Roundwood 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 is a BER assessment and do I need one?
A Building Energy Rating (BER) assessment is required after installing solar panels to claim the SEAI grant. A BER assessor visits your home and rates its energy efficiency from A1 to G. Solar panels typically improve your BER by 1-2 grades. The assessment costs around €150-€200.
What happens to my solar panels if I move house in Roundwood?
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.
Are solar panels worth it in Roundwood?
Yes. With estimated savings of €968+ per year, the €1,800 SEAI grant, 0% VAT, and export income of 15-25c/kWh, a solar system in Roundwood pays for itself in 4-6 years and lasts 25+ years.
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.
How does shading affect solar panels in Roundwood?
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.
Do solar panels increase property value in Roundwood?
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 Roundwood is a long-term investment in your property.
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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