Solar Panels in Malin, Co. Donegal
Malin is a coastal village in Co. Donegal with a population of around 154. Located 51.2 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 Malin?
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 Malin, Co. Donegal
Malin is a village in Co. Donegal with a population of 154 (CSO Census 2022). It is located away from Letterkenny (51.2 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. Malin's coastal position means good exposure to sunlight, though installations should account for higher wind loads and salt air. The Eircode routing key for Malin is F94 — you'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant.
Advantages of Solar Energy for Malin Homeowners
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Malin 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.
Coastal Location Advantage
Malin's coastal position often means fewer obstructions and clearer horizons for solar exposure. Modern panels are designed to withstand coastal conditions including salt air.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Malin today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
What SEAI grants can Malin homeowners claim?
Homeowners in Malin, 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 Malin
Also serving nearby areas in Donegal:
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Common Questions About Going Solar in Malin
How much do solar panels cost in Malin?
A 4kWp system in Malin 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 Malin?
Based on Donegal county data, a 4kWp system in Malin 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 Malin?
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 Malin pays for itself in 4-6 years and lasts 25+ years.
Can I get solar panels on an east or west facing roof in Malin?
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.
How does shading affect solar panels in Malin?
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.
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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