More and more people across Ireland are making the switch to renewable energy, and solar power is leading the charge! It’s a smart, cost-effective way to save on your energy bills while also doing your bit for the planet. But here’s something you might not know: the amount of energy your solar panels produce can actually depend on where you live.
So, if you’ve ever wondered, what are the Ireland’s best counties for solar? – you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll take you through the top counties for solar energy, explain why your location matters, and help you figure out if solar is the perfect fit for your home or business. Let’s dive in!
What Are the Best Counties in Ireland for Solar Panels?
Ireland is packed with opportunities for solar energy, but some counties offer distinct advantages. Thanks to higher sunlight levels, helpful local policies, and generous incentives, these areas are ideal for installing solar panels. Here are Ireland’s top counties for solar energy:
- Wexford
- Waterford
- Wicklow
- Dublin
- Carlow
- Cork
- Kilkenny
- Kerry
- Clare
- Laois
- Kildare
- Meath
- Galway
- Tipperary
- Louth
- Offaly
- Westmeath
- Limerick
- Roscommon
- Longford
- Sligo
- Leitrim
- Mayo
- Monaghan
- Cavan
- Donegal
From the sun-soaked Wexford and Waterford in the southeast to counties like Cork and Kilkenny, these areas make solar panels an even smarter investment. Whether it’s due to better sunlight, available grants, or energy buyback schemes, these counties have clear advantages.
Top 26 Counties in Ireland for Solar Energy Potential
Solar panels are effective across Ireland, but some counties offer better conditions for maximising energy production and savings. Due to variations in sunlight and weather, certain areas outperform the national average in solar energy generation.
Here’s a breakdown of the top 26 counties in Ireland, ranked by annual solar generation per kWp of panels. (This data is based on a typical south-facing roof with a 30° pitch.)
Ireland’s Solar Hotspots
How much solar power can you expect to generate in each county? Let’s find out.
- Wexford – 965 kWh/kWp (9.2% above the national average)
- Waterford – 949 kWh/kWp (7.4% higher than the average)
- Wicklow – 947 kWh/kWp (7.1% above the national average)
- Dublin – 915 kWh/kWp (3.5% above the national average)
- Carlow – 911 kWh/kWp (3% higher than the average)
- Cork – 907 kWh/kWp (2.6% above the national average)
- Kilkenny – 905 kWh/kWp (2.3% higher than average)
- Kerry – 896 kWh/kWp (1.3% above average)
- Clare – 888 kWh/kWp (0.5% higher than average)
- Laois – 888 kWh/kWp (0.4% above average)
- Galway – 886 kWh/kWp (0.2% above average)
- Kildare – 885 kWh/kWp (0.1% above the national average)
- Meath – 885 kWh/kWp (0.1% above average)
Counties Performing Around the National Average
- Tipperary – 884 kWh/kWp (Almost exactly on the national average)
- Louth – 881 kWh/kWp (0.3% lower than average)
- Offaly – 881 kWh/kWp (Also 0.3% below the national average)
Counties Below the National Average
- Westmeath – 871 kWh/kWp (1.5% below average)
- Limerick – 869 kWh/kWp (1.7% lower than average)
- Roscommon – 867 kWh/kWp (2% below average)
- Longford – 854 kWh/kWp (3.3% lower than the national average)
- Sligo – 847 kWh/kWp (4.2% below average)
- Leitrim – 842 kWh/kWp (4.7% lower than average)
- Mayo – 841 kWh/kWp (4.9% below the national average)
- Monaghan – 841 kWh/kWp (Also 4.9% lower)
- Cavan – 841 kWh/kWp (4.8% below the national average)
Donegal: The Outlier
- Donegal – 817 kWh/kWp (7.6% below the national average)
While Donegal ranks lowest, there’s still potential for solar savings—especially when taking advantage of grants and modern panel efficiency.
How Location Affects Solar Panel Efficiency in Ireland?
Your location plays a huge role in how much energy your solar panels will generate. While solar works well across Ireland, factors like sunlight exposure, weather patterns, and local climate can affect efficiency.
- How Geography Influences Solar Energy Generation
Counties in the south and southeast, like Wexford, Waterford, and Cork, receive more sunshine, making them perfect for solar power. On the other hand, counties in the northwest often see less sunlight, meaning lower energy output.
- Seasonal and Climatic Factors Affecting Solar Energy Output
Although Ireland has a reputation for cloudy weather, modern solar panels are still very effective in low-light conditions. Longer days in summer mean more energy, while shorter winter days can result in less output. However, with the right system design, your solar panels will work efficiently all year round.
Important Factors to Keep in Mind Before Installing Solar Panels
If you’re thinking about installing solar panels, it’s crucial to understand how financial incentives, energy savings, and local buyback schemes can impact both the cost and long-term benefits of installing solar panels in your area.
1. Financial Support and Incentives
In Ireland, homeowners can benefit from the SEAI solar PV grant, which reduces the cost of installing solar panels. This grant covers up to 25% of installation costs, with a maximum value of €1,800 in 2024. However, this will decrease to €1,800 in 2025. Additionally, some counties offer local incentives, further making solar energy more affordable.
2. Energy Buyback Schemes and Local Providers
Some counties in Ireland have buyback schemes where homeowners can sell excess energy generated by their solar panels back to the grid. This can help reduce energy bills and even generate some extra income. Depending on where you live and your energy provider, these schemes can significantly boost the financial benefits.
3. Cost of Installation and Long-Term Savings
The cost of installing solar panels varies depending on the region, influenced by local installers and specific conditions. On average, homeowners can expect to recover their investment within 5 to 6 years. After that, your solar panels will continue to provide free electricity for the next 20 years or more, meaning huge savings on energy bills. Plus, with advances in solar technology, you can enjoy even greater energy savings in the future.ngs on energy bills. Plus, with advances in solar technology, you can enjoy even greater energy savings in the future.
Start Your Solar Journey with SPV Energy
If you’re ready to make the switch to solar energy, SPV Energy is here to help. With years of experience in installing solar panels and in-depth knowledge of Ireland’s best counties for solar energy, we’ll design a system that works for you. Take advantage of lower energy bills and start your solar journey today.
Contact SPV Energy to get started and unlock the benefits of solar power!
Conclusion
When you’re asking, “What are the Ireland’s best counties for solar?” It’s clear that places like Wexford, Waterford, and Wicklow have the best conditions for solar energy generation. While some areas produce lower solar output, advancements in solar technology and available financial incentives make solar a worthwhile investment no matter where you live. By understanding the differences in solar potential and local support systems, homeowners and businesses can make an informed decision about installing solar panels.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which counties in Ireland are best for solar energy?
Counties such as Wexford, Waterford, Wicklow, Dublin, Cork, and Kilkenny are among the best for solar energy in Ireland. These counties receive higher levels of sunlight and benefit from local policies that make solar energy even more cost-effective.
2. How does the location in Ireland affect solar panel performance?
Your location plays a crucial role in solar panel efficiency. Areas in the southeast, like Wexford and Waterford, receive more sunshine, making them ideal for solar energy generation. Counties in the northwest, like Donegal, get less sunlight, which can result in lower energy production.
3. What are the financial incentives available for installing solar panels in Ireland?
Homeowners in Ireland can benefit from the SEAI solar PV grant, which covers up to 25% of installation costs. The grant value will be €1,800 in 2024, decreasing to €1,800 in 2025. Additionally, some counties offer local incentives to make solar panels even more affordable.
4. Can I make money from my solar panels in Ireland?
Yes, some counties in Ireland have energy buyback schemes. These programs allow homeowners to sell excess energy generated by their solar panels back to the grid, helping reduce energy bills or even generating additional income.
5. What is the return on investment (ROI) for installing solar panels in Ireland?
On average, homeowners can expect to recover the cost of installation within 5 to 6 years. After that, the solar panels will continue to provide free electricity for over 20 years, offering significant savings on energy bills.
6. Can solar panels still work effectively in cloudy weather in Ireland?
Yes, modern solar panels are highly efficient even in low-light conditions. While Ireland’s climate can be cloudy, solar panels will still generate energy, especially during the longer days of summer. With the right system design, they can work effectively all year round.