Solar Panels in Leap, Co. Cork
Leap is a village in Co. Cork with a population of around 167. Located 58 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 Leap?
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 Leap, Co. Cork
Leap is a village in Co. Cork with a population of 167 (CSO Census 2022). It is located away from Cork City (58 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Leap is P72 — you'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. Co. Cork ranks #6 in Ireland for solar yield, making Leap an excellent location for solar panels.
Advantages of Solar Energy for Leap Homeowners
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Leap 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 Leap benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Leap today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
What SEAI grants can Leap homeowners claim?
Homeowners in Leap, 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
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Solar Panels in Areas Near Leap
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Common Questions About Going Solar in Leap
How much do solar panels cost in Leap?
A 4kWp system in Leap 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 Leap?
Based on Cork county data, a 4kWp system in Leap 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 Leap?
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 Leap pays for itself in 4-6 years and lasts 25+ years.
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.
What is the difference between solar PV and solar thermal?
Solar PV panels generate electricity from sunlight. Solar thermal panels heat water directly. For most Irish homes, solar PV is the better investment — it's more versatile, qualifies for the SEAI grant, and you can sell excess electricity. Solar thermal only heats water.
How long does solar panel installation take?
A typical residential installation takes 1-2 days. This includes scaffolding, mounting the panels, wiring, inverter installation, and connecting to the grid. Your installer handles the ESB Networks notification (NC6 form).
Sources
Last updated: February 2026
Reviewed by the Solar Info editorial team. Editorial policy
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