Solar Panels in Rathcrogue, Co. Carlow
Located just 5.1 km from Carlow Town, Rathcrogue 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.
Rathcrogue 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.
Rathcrogue and Renewable Energy
Rathcrogue is a area near the county town in Co. Carlow. It is conveniently close to Carlow Town (5.1 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Rathcrogue is R14 — you'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. Co. Carlow ranks #5 in Ireland for solar yield, making Rathcrogue an excellent location for solar panels.
Why Go Solar in Rathcrogue?
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Rathcrogue 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 Rathcrogue benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Rathcrogue today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
SEAI Solar Grant for Rathcrogue Residents
Homeowners in Rathcrogue, 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 Rathcrogue and all of Carlow.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Panels in Rathcrogue
How much do solar panels cost in Rathcrogue?
A 4kWp system in Rathcrogue 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 Rathcrogue?
Based on Carlow county data, a 4kWp system in Rathcrogue 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 Rathcrogue?
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 Rathcrogue pays for itself in 4-6 years and lasts 25+ years.
What is the payback period for solar panels in Rathcrogue?
With a net cost of €3,200-€6,200 after the SEAI grant and savings of €1093+ per year plus export income, a typical solar system in Rathcrogue pays for itself in 4-6 years. After payback, you get 20+ years of near-free electricity.
How long do solar panels last?
Modern solar panels are warrantied for 25-30 years and typically last even longer. Panel efficiency degrades by about 0.5% per year — so after 25 years, your panels will still produce around 87% of their original output. Inverters typically last 10-15 years and may need one replacement.
How does shading affect solar panels in Rathcrogue?
Shading from trees, chimneys, or nearby buildings can reduce output significantly. Modern systems use optimisers or microinverters so that shading on one panel doesn't drag down the whole system. Your installer will assess shading during the site survey.
Sources
Last updated: February 2026
Reviewed by the Solar Info editorial team. Editorial policy
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