Solar Panels in Shillelagh, Co. Wicklow
Shillelagh is a village in Co. Wicklow with a population of around 390. Located 41.6 km from Wicklow Town, the area has a solar yield of 788 kWh/kWp. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,152 kWh annually, saving an estimated €946+ 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 Shillelagh?
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 788 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 3,152 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,448 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €946+ |
| Household Coverage | 75% of avg use |
Solar yield calculated for Shillelagh (52.75°N, 6.54°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Monthly Solar Output in Shillelagh
kWh per month (4kWp system)
Shillelagh at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 390 (Census 2022) |
| Households | 148 |
| Houses/Bungalows | 95% of dwellings |
| Owner-Occupied | 65% |
| Built Before 2000 | 57% |
| Avg. Rooms per Home | 5.6 |
| Elevation | 69 metres |
| Eircode Area | Y25 |
| Dist. to Wicklow Town | 41.6 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 52.7539°N, 6.5371°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Oak Park, 28.1 km).
Weather & Climate in Shillelagh
Weather data from Met Eireann (Oak Park station, 28.1 km from Shillelagh). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Solar Suitability in Shillelagh
95% of dwellings in Shillelagh are houses or bungalows, making the area highly suited for rooftop solar panels. 65% of homes are owner-occupied — homeowners can apply directly for the SEAI grant. 57% of homes were built before 2000, qualifying for the SEAI solar grant (homes built and occupied before 2021 are eligible).
Shillelagh and Renewable Energy
Shillelagh is a village in Co. Wicklow with a population of 390 (CSO Census 2022). It is accessible from Wicklow Town (41.6 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Shillelagh is Y25. You'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. According to the 2022 Census, Shillelagh has 148 households, of which 95% are houses or bungalows — well suited for rooftop solar panels. Based on satellite data for this location, a 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,152 kWh per year (788 kWh/kWp). The area has relatively low rainfall (867 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 10.5°C.
What Shillelagh homeowners gain from solar
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Shillelagh can save an estimated €946+ 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 Shillelagh benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Shillelagh today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
How to claim the SEAI grant in Shillelagh
Homeowners in Shillelagh, 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 Shillelagh
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Panels in Shillelagh
How much do solar panels cost in Shillelagh?
A 4kWp system in Shillelagh 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.
Are solar panels worth it in Shillelagh?
Yes. With estimated savings of €946+ per year, the €1,800 SEAI grant, 0% VAT, and export income of 15-25c/kWh, a solar system in Shillelagh pays for itself in 4-6 years and lasts 25+ years.
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.
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.
What is the payback period for solar panels in Shillelagh?
With a net cost of €3,200-€6,200 after the SEAI grant and savings of €946+ per year plus export income, a typical solar system in Shillelagh pays for itself in 4-6 years. After payback, you get 20+ years of near-free electricity.
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.
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.
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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