Solar Panels in Barnesmore, Co. Donegal
Barnesmore, 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.
How much solar energy can you generate in Barnesmore?
Solar Yield
4kWp Output
Sunshine
Est. Savings
Household Coverage
Eircode Area
Dist. to Letterkenny
Location
Based on county-level solar data for Donegal. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Solar Power in Barnesmore, Co. Donegal
Barnesmore is a community in Co. Donegal. It is accessible from Letterkenny (29.7 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Barnesmore is F94 — you'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant.
Advantages of Solar Energy for Barnesmore Homeowners
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Barnesmore 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 Barnesmore today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
What SEAI grants can Barnesmore homeowners claim?
Homeowners in Barnesmore, 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.
Solar Panels in Areas Near Barnesmore
Also serving nearby areas in Donegal:
Find Solar Installers in Donegal
Browse SEAI-registered installers covering Barnesmore and all of Donegal.
Common Questions About Going Solar in Barnesmore
How much do solar panels cost in Barnesmore?
A 4kWp system in Barnesmore 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 Barnesmore?
Based on Donegal county data, a 4kWp system in Barnesmore 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 Barnesmore?
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 Barnesmore pays for itself in 4-6 years and lasts 25+ years.
What is the Microgeneration Support Scheme?
The Microgeneration Support Scheme allows homeowners to sell surplus solar electricity back to the grid at 15-25c/kWh. You need a smart meter (free from ESB Networks) and a grid-connected system. The first €400/year of export income is tax-free.
What is the payback period for solar panels in Barnesmore?
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 Barnesmore pays for itself in 4-6 years. After payback, you get 20+ years of near-free electricity.
How does shading affect solar panels in Barnesmore?
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
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