Solar Panels in Curraheen, Co. Cork
Located just 6.5 km from Cork City, Curraheen 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.
What is the solar potential in Curraheen?
Solar Yield
4kWp Output
Sunshine
Est. Savings
Household Coverage
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 Curraheen
Curraheen is a area near the county town in Co. Cork. It is conveniently close to Cork City (6.5 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Curraheen is T34 — you'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. Co. Cork ranks #6 in Ireland for solar yield, making Curraheen an excellent location for solar panels.
Benefits of Solar Panels in Curraheen
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Curraheen 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 Curraheen benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Curraheen today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
Government Support for Solar in Curraheen
Homeowners in Curraheen, 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 Curraheen?
Also serving nearby areas in Cork:
Find Solar Installers in Cork
Browse SEAI-registered installers covering Curraheen and all of Cork.
Solar Panel FAQs for Curraheen
How much do solar panels cost in Curraheen?
A 4kWp system in Curraheen 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 Curraheen?
Based on Cork county data, a 4kWp system in Curraheen 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 Curraheen?
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 Curraheen pays for itself in 4-6 years and lasts 25+ years.
What roof direction is best for solar panels in Curraheen?
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.
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.
Do I need a smart meter for solar panels?
You need a smart meter to sell surplus electricity back to the grid. ESB Networks installs smart meters for free. Your installer submits the NC6 form to ESB Networks after installation, which triggers the meter upgrade if needed.
Sources
Last updated: February 2026
Reviewed by the Solar Info editorial team. Editorial policy
Get a Free Solar Quote in Curraheen
Connect with SEAI-registered installers covering Curraheen, Co. Cork.