Solar Panels in Cratloe, Co. Clare
Cratloe is a small town in Co. Clare with a population of around 899. Located 22.7 km from Ennis, the area receives 1,343+ sunshine hours per year. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,552 kWh annually — saving an estimated €1066+ per year. The SEAI grant of up to €1,800 and 0% VAT bring the net cost to €3,200–€6,200.
Cratloe solar yield and performance data
Solar Yield
4kWp Output
Sunshine
Est. Savings
Household Coverage
Population
Eircode Area
Dist. to Ennis
Location
Based on county-level solar data for Clare. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Cratloe and Renewable Energy
Cratloe is a small town in Co. Clare with a population of 899 (CSO Census 2022). It is a short drive from Ennis (22.7 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Cratloe is V94 — you'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. Co. Clare ranks #9 in Ireland for solar yield, making Cratloe an excellent location for solar panels.
Why Go Solar in Cratloe?
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Cratloe can save an estimated €1066+ per year on electricity with a 4kWp solar system generating 3,552 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. Clare ranks #9 in Ireland for solar yield with 888 kWh/kWp. Homes in Cratloe benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Cratloe today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
SEAI Solar Grant for Cratloe Residents
Homeowners in Cratloe, Co. Clare 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 Clare
SEAI registered solar panel installers covering Clare.
Nearby Towns Also Served
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Panels in Cratloe
How much do solar panels cost in Cratloe?
A 4kWp system in Cratloe 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 3,552 kWh/year, paying for itself in 4-6 years.
How much electricity will solar panels generate in Cratloe?
Based on Clare county data, a 4kWp system in Cratloe generates approximately 3,552 kWh per year — covering 85% of average household use (4,200 kWh/year). Clare receives around 1,343 sunshine hours annually.
Are solar panels worth it in Cratloe?
Yes. With estimated savings of €1066+ per year, the €1,800 SEAI grant, 0% VAT, and export income of 15-25c/kWh, a solar system in Cratloe pays for itself in 4-6 years and lasts 25+ years.
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.
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 get solar panels on an east or west facing roof in Cratloe?
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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