Solar Panels in Ballycotton, Co. Cork
Ballycotton is a small town in Co. Cork with a population of around 544. Located 32.6 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.
What is the solar potential in Ballycotton?
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.
About Solar Energy in Ballycotton
Ballycotton is a small town in Co. Cork with a population of 544 (CSO Census 2022). It is accessible from Cork City (32.6 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Ballycotton is P25 — you'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. Co. Cork ranks #6 in Ireland for solar yield, making Ballycotton an excellent location for solar panels.
Benefits of Solar Panels in Ballycotton
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Ballycotton 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 Ballycotton benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Ballycotton today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
Government Support for Solar in Ballycotton
Homeowners in Ballycotton, 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.
Where can you find solar installers near Ballycotton?
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Solar Panel FAQs for Ballycotton
How much do solar panels cost in Ballycotton?
A 4kWp system in Ballycotton 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 Ballycotton?
Based on Cork county data, a 4kWp system in Ballycotton 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 Ballycotton?
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 Ballycotton pays for itself in 4-6 years and lasts 25+ years.
What roof direction is best for solar panels in Ballycotton?
South-facing roofs produce the most electricity (100% of potential). South-east and south-west roofs produce around 95%. East or west-facing roofs still produce 80-85%. North-facing roofs are generally not recommended for solar panels in Ireland.
What size solar system do I need for my home in Ballycotton?
Most homes in Ballycotton benefit from a 3-6 kWp system. A 4kWp system (10 panels) covers 86% of average household electricity use. Your installer will assess your roof space, orientation, and energy usage to recommend the optimal size.
What happens to my solar panels if I move house in Ballycotton?
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
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