Solar Panels in Newmarket, Co. Cork
Newmarket is a small town in Co. Cork with a population of around 1,052. Located 49.4 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 Newmarket?
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 Newmarket, Co. Cork
Newmarket is a small town in Co. Cork with a population of 1,052 (CSO Census 2022). It is accessible from Cork City (49.4 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Newmarket is P56 — you'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. Co. Cork ranks #6 in Ireland for solar yield, making Newmarket an excellent location for solar panels.
Advantages of Solar Energy for Newmarket Homeowners
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Newmarket 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 Newmarket benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Newmarket today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
What SEAI grants can Newmarket homeowners claim?
Homeowners in Newmarket, 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 Newmarket
Also serving nearby areas in Cork:
Find Solar Installers in Cork
Browse SEAI-registered installers covering Newmarket and all of Cork.
Common Questions About Going Solar in Newmarket
How much do solar panels cost in Newmarket?
A 4kWp system in Newmarket 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 Newmarket?
Based on Cork county data, a 4kWp system in Newmarket 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 Newmarket?
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 Newmarket pays for itself in 4-6 years and lasts 25+ years.
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.
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 does shading affect solar panels in Newmarket?
Shading from trees, chimneys, or nearby buildings can reduce output significantly. Modern systems use optimisers or microinverters so that shading on one panel doesn't drag down the whole system. Your installer will assess shading during the site survey.
Sources
Last updated: February 2026
Reviewed by the Solar Info editorial team. Editorial policy
Get a Free Solar Quote in Newmarket
Connect with SEAI-registered installers covering Newmarket, Co. Cork.