Solar Panels in Ballinlough, Co. Cork
Ballinlough is a village in Co. Cork with a population of around 343. Located 3.4 km from Cork City, the area receives 1,380+ sunshine hours per year. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,628 kWh annually — saving an estimated €1088+ per year. The SEAI grant of up to €1,800 and 0% VAT bring the net cost to €3,200–€6,200.
Ballinlough solar yield and performance data
Solar Yield
4kWp Output
Sunshine
Est. Savings
Household Coverage
Population
Eircode Area
Dist. to Cork City
Location
Based on county-level solar data for Cork. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Ballinlough and Renewable Energy
Ballinlough is a village in Co. Cork with a population of 343 (CSO Census 2022). It is conveniently close to Cork City (3.4 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Ballinlough is T45 — you'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. Co. Cork ranks #6 in Ireland for solar yield, making Ballinlough an excellent location for solar panels.
Why Go Solar in Ballinlough?
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Ballinlough can save an estimated €1088+ per year on electricity with a 4kWp solar system generating 3,628 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. Cork ranks #6 in Ireland for solar yield with 907 kWh/kWp. Homes in Ballinlough benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Ballinlough today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
SEAI Solar Grant for Ballinlough Residents
Homeowners in Ballinlough, Co. Cork 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 Cork
SEAI registered solar panel installers covering Cork.
Nearby Towns Also Served
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Panels in Ballinlough
How much do solar panels cost in Ballinlough?
A 4kWp system in Ballinlough 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 3,628 kWh/year, paying for itself in 4-6 years.
How much electricity will solar panels generate in Ballinlough?
Based on Cork county data, a 4kWp system in Ballinlough generates approximately 3,628 kWh per year — covering 86% of average household use (4,200 kWh/year). Cork receives around 1,380 sunshine hours annually.
Are solar panels worth it in Ballinlough?
Yes. With estimated savings of €1088+ per year, the €1,800 SEAI grant, 0% VAT, and export income of 15-25c/kWh, a solar system in Ballinlough pays for itself in 4-6 years and lasts 25+ years.
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.
What happens during a power cut?
Standard grid-tied solar systems shut down during a power cut for safety reasons (to protect ESB workers). If you need backup power, you can install a hybrid inverter with battery storage that provides power during outages.
What is the difference between solar PV and solar thermal?
Solar PV panels generate electricity from sunlight. Solar thermal panels heat water directly. For most Irish homes, solar PV is the better investment — it's more versatile, qualifies for the SEAI grant, and you can sell excess electricity. Solar thermal only heats water.
Sources
Last updated: February 2026
Reviewed by the Solar Info editorial team. Editorial policy
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