Solar Panels in Bilboa, Co. Carlow
Located just 8.8 km from Carlow Town, Bilboa receives 1,490+ sunshine hours per year — among the highest in Ireland. A 4kWp system generates approximately 3,644 kWh annually, covering 87% of average household electricity use and saving an estimated €1093+ per year. With the SEAI grant of up to €1,800 and 0% VAT, the net cost is €3,200–€6,200 with payback in 4–6 years.
Bilboa solar yield and performance data
Solar Yield
4kWp Output
Sunshine
Est. Savings
Household Coverage
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.
Bilboa and Renewable Energy
Bilboa is a area near the county town in Co. Carlow. It is conveniently close to Carlow Town (8.8 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Bilboa is R14 — you'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. Co. Carlow ranks #5 in Ireland for solar yield, making Bilboa an excellent location for solar panels.
Why Go Solar in Bilboa?
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Bilboa 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 Bilboa benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Bilboa today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
SEAI Solar Grant for Bilboa Residents
Homeowners in Bilboa, 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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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Panels in Bilboa
How much do solar panels cost in Bilboa?
A 4kWp system in Bilboa 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 Bilboa?
Based on Carlow county data, a 4kWp system in Bilboa 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 Bilboa?
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 Bilboa pays for itself in 4-6 years and lasts 25+ years.
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.
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.
Can I get solar panels on an east or west facing roof in Bilboa?
Yes. East or west-facing roofs still produce 80-85% of the output of a south-facing roof. Many installers recommend splitting panels across east and west to spread generation throughout the day, which can actually improve self-consumption.
Sources
Last updated: February 2026
Reviewed by the Solar Info editorial team. Editorial policy
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