Solar Panels in Tinahely, Co. Wicklow
Tinahely is a small town in Co. Wicklow with a population of around 1,037. Located 34.6 km from Wicklow Town, the area has a solar yield of 792 kWh/kWp. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,168 kWh annually, saving an estimated €950+ per year. The SEAI grant of up to €1,800 and 0% VAT bring the net cost to €3,200–€6,200.
What is the solar potential in Tinahely?
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 792 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 3,168 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,448 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €950+ |
| Household Coverage | 75% of avg use |
Solar yield calculated for Tinahely (52.80°N, 6.46°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Monthly Solar Output in Tinahely
kWh per month (4kWp system)
Tinahely at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 1,037 (Census 2022) |
| Households | 396 |
| Houses/Bungalows | 96% of dwellings |
| Owner-Occupied | 61% |
| Built Before 2000 | 55% |
| Avg. Rooms per Home | 5.5 |
| Elevation | 95 metres |
| Eircode Area | Y25 |
| Dist. to Wicklow Town | 34.6 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 52.7995°N, 6.4636°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Oak Park, 31.1 km).
Weather & Climate in Tinahely
Weather data from Met Eireann (Oak Park station, 31.1 km from Tinahely). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Solar Suitability in Tinahely
96% of dwellings in Tinahely are houses or bungalows, making the area highly suited for rooftop solar panels. 61% of homes are owner-occupied — homeowners can apply directly for the SEAI grant. 55% of homes were built before 2000, qualifying for the SEAI solar grant (homes built and occupied before 2021 are eligible).
Solar Power in Tinahely, Co. Wicklow
Tinahely is a small town in Co. Wicklow with a population of 1,037 (CSO Census 2022). It is accessible from Wicklow Town (34.6 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Tinahely is Y25. You'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. According to the 2022 Census, Tinahely has 396 households, of which 96% are houses or bungalows — well suited for rooftop solar panels. Based on satellite data for this location, a 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,168 kWh per year (792 kWh/kWp). The area has relatively low rainfall (867 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 10.5°C.
Advantages of Solar Energy for Tinahely Homeowners
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Tinahely can save an estimated €950+ 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 Tinahely benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Tinahely today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
Solar grants available in Tinahely
Homeowners in Tinahely, 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.
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Your solar questions for Tinahely
How much do solar panels cost in Tinahely?
A 4kWp system in Tinahely 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.
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).
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.
Do solar panels increase property value in Tinahely?
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 Tinahely is a long-term investment in your property.
How much electricity will solar panels generate in Tinahely?
Based on Wicklow county data, a 4kWp system in Tinahely 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.
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
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