Solar Panels in Old Leighlin, Co. Carlow
Located just 12.9 km from Carlow Town, Old Leighlin 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.
Old Leighlin 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.
Old Leighlin and Renewable Energy
Old Leighlin is a community in Co. Carlow. It is a short drive from Carlow Town (12.9 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Old Leighlin is Y21 — you'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. Co. Carlow ranks #5 in Ireland for solar yield, making Old Leighlin an excellent location for solar panels.
Why Go Solar in Old Leighlin?
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Old Leighlin 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 Old Leighlin benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Old Leighlin today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
SEAI Solar Grant for Old Leighlin Residents
Homeowners in Old Leighlin, 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:
Find Solar Installers in Carlow
Browse SEAI-registered installers covering Old Leighlin and all of Carlow.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Panels in Old Leighlin
How much do solar panels cost in Old Leighlin?
A 4kWp system in Old Leighlin 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 Old Leighlin?
Based on Carlow county data, a 4kWp system in Old Leighlin 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 Old Leighlin?
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 Old Leighlin pays for itself in 4-6 years and lasts 25+ years.
Can I add a battery to my solar system?
Yes. A home battery (typically 5-10 kWh) stores excess solar electricity for evening use. This increases your self-consumption from around 30-40% to 60-80%. Batteries currently cost €3,000-€6,000 and are not yet covered by the SEAI grant.
Do I need a smart meter for solar panels?
You need a smart meter to sell surplus electricity back to the grid. ESB Networks installs smart meters for free. Your installer submits the NC6 form to ESB Networks after installation, which triggers the meter upgrade if needed.
What happens to my solar panels if I move house in Old Leighlin?
Solar panels stay with the property — they're a permanent fixture. They add value to your home for the next buyer. The SEAI grant does not need to be repaid if you sell. Your installer can transfer monitoring accounts to the new owner.
Sources
Last updated: February 2026
Reviewed by the Solar Info editorial team. Editorial policy
Get a Free Solar Quote in Old Leighlin
Connect with SEAI-registered installers covering Old Leighlin, Co. Carlow.