Solar Panels in Ballinabranna, Co. Carlow
Ballinabranna is a small town in Co. Carlow with a population of around 557. Located 6.8 km from Carlow Town, the area receives 1,490+ sunshine hours per year. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,644 kWh annually — saving an estimated €1093+ 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 Ballinabranna?
Solar Yield
4kWp Output
Sunshine
Est. Savings
Household Coverage
Population
Eircode Area
Dist. to Carlow Town
Location
Based on county-level solar data for Carlow. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
About Solar Energy in Ballinabranna
Ballinabranna is a small town in Co. Carlow with a population of 557 (CSO Census 2022). It is conveniently close to Carlow Town (6.8 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Ballinabranna is R14 — you'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. Co. Carlow ranks #5 in Ireland for solar yield, making Ballinabranna an excellent location for solar panels.
Benefits of Solar Panels in Ballinabranna
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Ballinabranna can save an estimated €1093+ per year on electricity with a 4kWp solar system generating 3,644 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. Carlow ranks #5 in Ireland for solar yield with 911 kWh/kWp. Homes in Ballinabranna benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Ballinabranna today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
Government Support for Solar in Ballinabranna
Homeowners in Ballinabranna, Co. Carlow 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 Carlow
SEAI registered solar panel installers covering Carlow.
Where can you find solar installers near Ballinabranna?
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Solar Panel FAQs for Ballinabranna
How much do solar panels cost in Ballinabranna?
A 4kWp system in Ballinabranna 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 3,644 kWh/year, paying for itself in 4-6 years.
How much electricity will solar panels generate in Ballinabranna?
Based on Carlow county data, a 4kWp system in Ballinabranna generates approximately 3,644 kWh per year — covering 87% of average household use (4,200 kWh/year). Carlow receives around 1,490 sunshine hours annually.
Are solar panels worth it in Ballinabranna?
Yes. With estimated savings of €1093+ per year, the €1,800 SEAI grant, 0% VAT, and export income of 15-25c/kWh, a solar system in Ballinabranna pays for itself in 4-6 years and lasts 25+ years.
What size solar system do I need for my home in Ballinabranna?
Most homes in Ballinabranna benefit from a 3-6 kWp system. A 4kWp system (10 panels) covers 87% of average household electricity use. Your installer will assess your roof space, orientation, and energy usage to recommend the optimal size.
What happens during a power cut?
Standard grid-tied solar systems shut down during a power cut for safety reasons (to protect ESB workers). If you need backup power, you can install a hybrid inverter with battery storage that provides power during outages.
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.
Sources
Last updated: February 2026
Reviewed by the Solar Info editorial team. Editorial policy
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