Solar Panels in Ballybofey, Co. Donegal
Ballybofey, Co. Donegal, receives 1,175+ sunshine hours per year — ideal conditions for solar energy. A 4kWp system generates approximately 3,268 kWh annually, covering 78% of average household electricity use and saving an estimated €980+ 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.
Ballybofey solar yield and performance data
Solar Yield
4kWp Output
Sunshine
Est. Savings
Household Coverage
Population
Eircode Area
Dist. to Letterkenny
Location
Based on county-level solar data for Donegal. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Ballybofey and Renewable Energy
Ballybofey is a town in Co. Donegal with a population of 5,406 (CSO Census 2022). It is a short drive from Letterkenny (17.7 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Ballybofey is F94 — you'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant.
Why Go Solar in Ballybofey?
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Ballybofey can save an estimated €980+ per year on electricity with a 4kWp solar system generating 3,268 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.
Increase Property Value
Solar panels improve your BER rating and can add up to 4% to your property value.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Ballybofey today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
SEAI Solar Grant for Ballybofey Residents
Homeowners in Ballybofey, Co. Donegal 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 Donegal
SEAI registered solar panel installers covering Donegal.
Nearby Towns Also Served
Also serving nearby areas in Donegal:
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Browse SEAI-registered installers covering Ballybofey and all of Donegal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Panels in Ballybofey
How much do solar panels cost in Ballybofey?
A 4kWp system in Ballybofey 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 3,268 kWh/year, paying for itself in 4-6 years.
How much electricity will solar panels generate in Ballybofey?
Based on Donegal county data, a 4kWp system in Ballybofey generates approximately 3,268 kWh per year — covering 78% of average household use (4,200 kWh/year). Donegal receives around 1,175 sunshine hours annually.
Are solar panels worth it in Ballybofey?
Yes. With estimated savings of €980+ per year, the €1,800 SEAI grant, 0% VAT, and export income of 15-25c/kWh, a solar system in Ballybofey pays for itself in 4-6 years and lasts 25+ years.
Can I get solar panels on an east or west facing roof in Ballybofey?
Yes. East or west-facing roofs still produce 80-85% of the output of a south-facing roof. Many installers recommend splitting panels across east and west to spread generation throughout the day, which can actually improve self-consumption.
What roof direction is best for solar panels in Ballybofey?
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.
What is the payback period for solar panels in Ballybofey?
With a net cost of €3,200-€6,200 after the SEAI grant and savings of €980+ per year plus export income, a typical solar system in Ballybofey pays for itself in 4-6 years. After payback, you get 20+ years of near-free electricity.
Sources
Last updated: February 2026
Reviewed by the Solar Info editorial team. Editorial policy
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