Solar Panels in Athenry, Co. Galway
Athenry, Co. Galway, receives 1,182+ sunshine hours per year — ideal conditions for solar energy. A 4kWp system generates approximately 3,544 kWh annually, covering 84% of average household electricity use and saving an estimated €1063+ per year. With the SEAI grant of up to €1,800 and 0% VAT, the net cost is €3,200–€6,200 with payback in 4–6 years.
Athenry solar yield and performance data
Solar Yield
4kWp Output
Sunshine
Est. Savings
Household Coverage
Population
Eircode Area
Dist. to Galway
Location
Based on county-level solar data for Galway. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Athenry and Renewable Energy
Athenry is a town in Co. Galway with a population of 4,603 (CSO Census 2022). It is a short drive from Galway (20.8 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Athenry is F45 — you'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant.
Why Go Solar in Athenry?
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Athenry can save an estimated €1063+ per year on electricity with a 4kWp solar system generating 3,544 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 Athenry today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
SEAI Solar Grant for Athenry Residents
Homeowners in Athenry, Co. Galway 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 Galway
SEAI registered solar panel installers covering Galway.
Nearby Towns Also Served
Also serving nearby areas in Galway:
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Panels in Athenry
How much do solar panels cost in Athenry?
A 4kWp system in Athenry 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 3,544 kWh/year, paying for itself in 4-6 years.
How much electricity will solar panels generate in Athenry?
Based on Galway county data, a 4kWp system in Athenry generates approximately 3,544 kWh per year — covering 84% of average household use (4,200 kWh/year). Galway receives around 1,182 sunshine hours annually.
Are solar panels worth it in Athenry?
Yes. With estimated savings of €1063+ per year, the €1,800 SEAI grant, 0% VAT, and export income of 15-25c/kWh, a solar system in Athenry pays for itself in 4-6 years and lasts 25+ years.
What happens during a power cut?
Standard grid-tied solar systems shut down during a power cut for safety reasons (to protect ESB workers). If you need backup power, you can install a hybrid inverter with battery storage that provides power during outages.
Can I get solar panels on an east or west facing roof in Athenry?
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.
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.
Sources
Last updated: February 2026
Reviewed by the Solar Info editorial team. Editorial policy
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