Solar Panels in Dunkineely, Co. Donegal
Dunkineely is a village in Co. Donegal with a population of around 352. Located 53.9 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.
Dunkineely 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.
Dunkineely and Renewable Energy
Dunkineely is a village in Co. Donegal with a population of 352 (CSO Census 2022). It is located away from Letterkenny (53.9 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Dunkineely is F94 — you'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant.
Why Go Solar in Dunkineely?
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Dunkineely 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.
Energy Independence
For homes in rural Dunkineely, solar panels provide energy security and reduced reliance on the grid. Combined with a battery, you can store power for evening use.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Dunkineely today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
SEAI Solar Grant for Dunkineely Residents
Homeowners in Dunkineely, 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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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Panels in Dunkineely
How much do solar panels cost in Dunkineely?
A 4kWp system in Dunkineely 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 Dunkineely?
Based on Donegal county data, a 4kWp system in Dunkineely 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 Dunkineely?
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 Dunkineely pays for itself in 4-6 years and lasts 25+ years.
What is the payback period for solar panels in Dunkineely?
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 Dunkineely pays for itself in 4-6 years. After payback, you get 20+ years of near-free electricity.
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.
Sources
Last updated: February 2026
Reviewed by the Solar Info editorial team. Editorial policy
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