Solar Panels in Mountcharles, Co. Donegal
Mountcharles is a small town in Co. Donegal with a population of around 652. Located 45.4 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.
Mountcharles 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.
Mountcharles and Renewable Energy
Mountcharles is a small town in Co. Donegal with a population of 652 (CSO Census 2022). It is accessible from Letterkenny (45.4 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Mountcharles is F94 — you'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant.
Why Go Solar in Mountcharles?
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Mountcharles 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 Mountcharles, 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 Mountcharles today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
SEAI Solar Grant for Mountcharles Residents
Homeowners in Mountcharles, 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
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Panels in Mountcharles
How much do solar panels cost in Mountcharles?
A 4kWp system in Mountcharles 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 Mountcharles?
Based on Donegal county data, a 4kWp system in Mountcharles 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 Mountcharles?
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 Mountcharles pays for itself in 4-6 years and lasts 25+ years.
Can I get solar panels on an east or west facing roof in Mountcharles?
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 is the payback period for solar panels in Mountcharles?
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 Mountcharles pays for itself in 4-6 years. After payback, you get 20+ years of near-free electricity.
Do I need planning permission for solar panels?
Most residential solar installations are exempt from planning permission, provided panels don't project more than 15cm from the roof and don't cover more than 50% of total roof area.
Sources
Last updated: February 2026
Reviewed by the Solar Info editorial team. Editorial policy
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