Solar Panels in Ballon, Co. Carlow
Ballon is a small town in Co. Carlow with a population of around 801. Located 15.1 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.
Ballon solar yield and performance data
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.
Ballon and Renewable Energy
Ballon is a small town in Co. Carlow with a population of 801 (CSO Census 2022). It is a short drive from Carlow Town (15.1 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Ballon is R93 — you'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. Co. Carlow ranks #5 in Ireland for solar yield, making Ballon an excellent location for solar panels.
Why Go Solar in Ballon?
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Ballon 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 Ballon benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Ballon today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
SEAI Solar Grant for Ballon Residents
Homeowners in Ballon, 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.
Nearby Towns Also Served
Also serving nearby areas in Carlow:
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Browse SEAI-registered installers covering Ballon and all of Carlow.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Panels in Ballon
How much do solar panels cost in Ballon?
A 4kWp system in Ballon 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 Ballon?
Based on Carlow county data, a 4kWp system in Ballon 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 Ballon?
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 Ballon pays for itself in 4-6 years and lasts 25+ years.
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 difference between solar PV and solar thermal?
Solar PV panels generate electricity from sunlight. Solar thermal panels heat water directly. For most Irish homes, solar PV is the better investment — it's more versatile, qualifies for the SEAI grant, and you can sell excess electricity. Solar thermal only heats water.
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.
Sources
Last updated: February 2026
Reviewed by the Solar Info editorial team. Editorial policy
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