Solar Panels in Rathvilly, Co. Carlow
Rathvilly is a small town in Co. Carlow with a population of around 1,074. Located 16.3 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 Rathvilly?
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 Rathvilly
Rathvilly is a small town in Co. Carlow with a population of 1,074 (CSO Census 2022). It is a short drive from Carlow Town (16.3 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Rathvilly is R93 — you'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. Co. Carlow ranks #5 in Ireland for solar yield, making Rathvilly an excellent location for solar panels.
Benefits of Solar Panels in Rathvilly
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Rathvilly 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 Rathvilly benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Rathvilly today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
Government Support for Solar in Rathvilly
Homeowners in Rathvilly, 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 Rathvilly?
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Solar Panel FAQs for Rathvilly
How much do solar panels cost in Rathvilly?
A 4kWp system in Rathvilly 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 Rathvilly?
Based on Carlow county data, a 4kWp system in Rathvilly 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 Rathvilly?
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 Rathvilly pays for itself in 4-6 years and lasts 25+ years.
Is my roof suitable for solar panels in Rathvilly?
Most roofs are suitable. You need at least 15-20 m² of unshaded roof space for a typical 4kWp system (10 panels). South, east, or west-facing roofs work well. Your installer will assess your roof's orientation, angle, and structural suitability during a site survey.
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.
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.
Sources
Last updated: February 2026
Reviewed by the Solar Info editorial team. Editorial policy
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