Solar Panels in Doneraile, Co. Cork
Doneraile is a small town in Co. Cork with a population of around 857. Located 36.8 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.
Doneraile 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.
Doneraile and Renewable Energy
Doneraile is a small town in Co. Cork with a population of 857 (CSO Census 2022). It is accessible from Cork City (36.8 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Doneraile is P12 — you'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. Co. Cork ranks #6 in Ireland for solar yield, making Doneraile an excellent location for solar panels.
Why Go Solar in Doneraile?
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Doneraile 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 Doneraile benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Doneraile today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
SEAI Solar Grant for Doneraile Residents
Homeowners in Doneraile, 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
Also serving nearby areas in Cork:
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Panels in Doneraile
How much do solar panels cost in Doneraile?
A 4kWp system in Doneraile 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 Doneraile?
Based on Cork county data, a 4kWp system in Doneraile 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 Doneraile?
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 Doneraile pays for itself in 4-6 years and lasts 25+ years.
What roof direction is best for solar panels in Doneraile?
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.
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.
What size solar system do I need for my home in Doneraile?
Most homes in Doneraile 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.
Sources
Last updated: February 2026
Reviewed by the Solar Info editorial team. Editorial policy
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