Solar Panels in Drumkeen, Co. Donegal
Drumkeen is a village in Co. Donegal with a population of around 333. Located 9.8 km from Letterkenny, the area receives 1,175+ sunshine hours per year. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,268 kWh annually — saving an estimated €980+ 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 Drumkeen?
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.
Solar Power in Drumkeen, Co. Donegal
Drumkeen is a village in Co. Donegal with a population of 333 (CSO Census 2022). It is conveniently close to Letterkenny (9.8 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Drumkeen is F94 — you'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant.
Advantages of Solar Energy for Drumkeen Homeowners
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Drumkeen 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 Drumkeen today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
What SEAI grants can Drumkeen homeowners claim?
Homeowners in Drumkeen, 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 Drumkeen
Also serving nearby areas in Donegal:
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Common Questions About Going Solar in Drumkeen
How much do solar panels cost in Drumkeen?
A 4kWp system in Drumkeen 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 Drumkeen?
Based on Donegal county data, a 4kWp system in Drumkeen 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 Drumkeen?
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 Drumkeen pays for itself in 4-6 years and lasts 25+ years.
Do solar panels work in winter in Donegal?
Yes, solar panels generate electricity all year round. While output is lower in winter, Donegal still receives usable daylight hours even in December. Annual generation figures (3,268 kWh for a 4kWp system) already account for seasonal variation.
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 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.
Sources
Last updated: February 2026
Reviewed by the Solar Info editorial team. Editorial policy
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