Solar Panels in Clonakilty, Co. Cork
Clonakilty, in rural Co. Cork, receives 1,380+ sunshine hours per year — among the highest in Ireland. A 4kWp system generates approximately 3,628 kWh annually, covering 86% of average household electricity use and saving an estimated €1088+ per year. With the SEAI grant of up to €1,800 and 0% VAT, the net cost is €3,200–€6,200 with payback in 4–6 years.
Clonakilty 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.
Clonakilty and Renewable Energy
Clonakilty is a town in Co. Cork with a population of 5,112 (CSO Census 2022). It is accessible from Cork City (41.7 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Clonakilty is P67 — you'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. Co. Cork ranks #6 in Ireland for solar yield, making Clonakilty an excellent location for solar panels.
Why Go Solar in Clonakilty?
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Clonakilty 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 Clonakilty benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Clonakilty today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
SEAI Solar Grant for Clonakilty Residents
Homeowners in Clonakilty, 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 Clonakilty
How much do solar panels cost in Clonakilty?
A 4kWp system in Clonakilty 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 Clonakilty?
Based on Cork county data, a 4kWp system in Clonakilty 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 Clonakilty?
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 Clonakilty pays for itself in 4-6 years and lasts 25+ years.
What is the payback period for solar panels in Clonakilty?
With a net cost of €3,200-€6,200 after the SEAI grant and savings of €1088+ per year plus export income, a typical solar system in Clonakilty pays for itself in 4-6 years. After payback, you get 20+ years of near-free electricity.
How do I get the SEAI grant in Clonakilty?
Apply online at seai.ie with your MPRN and Eircode. Use an SEAI-registered installer. Do not start work before your Letter of Offer. After installation, complete a BER assessment. The grant is paid to your bank within 4-6 weeks.
Can I add a battery to my solar system?
Yes. A home battery (typically 5-10 kWh) stores excess solar electricity for evening use. This increases your self-consumption from around 30-40% to 60-80%. Batteries currently cost €3,000-€6,000 and are not yet covered by the SEAI grant.
Sources
Last updated: February 2026
Reviewed by the Solar Info editorial team. Editorial policy
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