Solar Panels in Castletownbere, Co. Cork
Castletownbere is a small town in Co. Cork with a population of around 999. Located 102.5 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.
How much solar energy can you generate in Castletownbere?
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.
Solar Power in Castletownbere, Co. Cork
Castletownbere is a small town in Co. Cork with a population of 999 (CSO Census 2022). It is located away from Cork City (102.5 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Castletownbere is P85 — you'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. Co. Cork ranks #6 in Ireland for solar yield, making Castletownbere an excellent location for solar panels.
Advantages of Solar Energy for Castletownbere Homeowners
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Castletownbere 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 Castletownbere benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Castletownbere today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
What SEAI grants can Castletownbere homeowners claim?
Homeowners in Castletownbere, 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.
Solar Panels in Areas Near Castletownbere
Also serving nearby areas in Cork:
Find Solar Installers in Cork
Browse SEAI-registered installers covering Castletownbere and all of Cork.
Common Questions About Going Solar in Castletownbere
How much do solar panels cost in Castletownbere?
A 4kWp system in Castletownbere 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 Castletownbere?
Based on Cork county data, a 4kWp system in Castletownbere 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 Castletownbere?
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 Castletownbere pays for itself in 4-6 years and lasts 25+ years.
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.
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.
Is my roof suitable for solar panels in Castletownbere?
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.
Sources
Last updated: February 2026
Reviewed by the Solar Info editorial team. Editorial policy
Get a Free Solar Quote in Castletownbere
Connect with SEAI-registered installers covering Castletownbere, Co. Cork.