Solar Panels in Raphoe, Co. Donegal
Raphoe is a small town in Co. Donegal with a population of around 1,161. Located 12.6 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 Raphoe?
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 Raphoe, Co. Donegal
Raphoe is a small town in Co. Donegal with a population of 1,161 (CSO Census 2022). It is a short drive from Letterkenny (12.6 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Raphoe is F94 — you'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant.
Advantages of Solar Energy for Raphoe Homeowners
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Raphoe 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 Raphoe today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
What SEAI grants can Raphoe homeowners claim?
Homeowners in Raphoe, 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 Raphoe
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Common Questions About Going Solar in Raphoe
How much do solar panels cost in Raphoe?
A 4kWp system in Raphoe 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 Raphoe?
Based on Donegal county data, a 4kWp system in Raphoe 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 Raphoe?
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 Raphoe pays for itself in 4-6 years and lasts 25+ years.
What happens to my solar panels if I move house in Raphoe?
Solar panels stay with the property — they're a permanent fixture. They add value to your home for the next buyer. The SEAI grant does not need to be repaid if you sell. Your installer can transfer monitoring accounts to the new owner.
What size solar system do I need for my home in Raphoe?
Most homes in Raphoe benefit from a 3-6 kWp system. A 4kWp system (10 panels) covers 78% of average household electricity use. Your installer will assess your roof space, orientation, and energy usage to recommend the optimal size.
What is the payback period for solar panels in Raphoe?
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 Raphoe pays for itself in 4-6 years. After payback, you get 20+ years of near-free electricity.
Sources
Last updated: February 2026
Reviewed by the Solar Info editorial team. Editorial policy
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