Solar Panels in Sneem, Co. Kerry
Sneem is a village in Co. Kerry with a population of around 386. Located 50.1 km from Killarney, the area receives 1,246+ sunshine hours per year. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,584 kWh annually — saving an estimated €1075+ per year. The SEAI grant of up to €1,800 and 0% VAT bring the net cost to €3,200–€6,200.
Sneem solar yield and performance data
Solar Yield
4kWp Output
Sunshine
Est. Savings
Household Coverage
Population
Eircode Area
Dist. to Killarney
Location
Based on county-level solar data for Kerry. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Sneem and Renewable Energy
Sneem is a village in Co. Kerry with a population of 386 (CSO Census 2022). It is located away from Killarney (50.1 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Sneem is P85 — you'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. Co. Kerry ranks #8 in Ireland for solar yield, making Sneem an excellent location for solar panels.
Why Go Solar in Sneem?
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Sneem can save an estimated €1075+ per year on electricity with a 4kWp solar system generating 3,584 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.
Top Solar County in Ireland
Co. Kerry ranks #8 in Ireland for solar yield with 896 kWh/kWp. Homes in Sneem benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Sneem today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
SEAI Solar Grant for Sneem Residents
Homeowners in Sneem, Co. Kerry 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 Kerry
SEAI registered solar panel installers covering Kerry.
Nearby Towns Also Served
Also serving nearby areas in Kerry:
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Browse SEAI-registered installers covering Sneem and all of Kerry.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Panels in Sneem
How much do solar panels cost in Sneem?
A 4kWp system in Sneem 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 3,584 kWh/year, paying for itself in 4-6 years.
How much electricity will solar panels generate in Sneem?
Based on Kerry county data, a 4kWp system in Sneem generates approximately 3,584 kWh per year — covering 85% of average household use (4,200 kWh/year). Kerry receives around 1,246 sunshine hours annually.
Are solar panels worth it in Sneem?
Yes. With estimated savings of €1075+ per year, the €1,800 SEAI grant, 0% VAT, and export income of 15-25c/kWh, a solar system in Sneem pays for itself in 4-6 years and lasts 25+ years.
Can I add a battery to my solar system?
Yes. A home battery (typically 5-10 kWh) stores excess solar electricity for evening use. This increases your self-consumption from around 30-40% to 60-80%. Batteries currently cost €3,000-€6,000 and are not yet covered by the SEAI grant.
What is the payback period for solar panels in Sneem?
With a net cost of €3,200-€6,200 after the SEAI grant and savings of €1075+ per year plus export income, a typical solar system in Sneem pays for itself in 4-6 years. After payback, you get 20+ years of near-free electricity.
What maintenance do solar panels need?
Solar panels need very little maintenance. Rain keeps them clean in most cases. There are no moving parts. Your inverter may need replacing once in 25 years (10-15 year lifespan). Annual visual checks and occasional cleaning if near trees is all that's needed.
Sources
Last updated: February 2026
Reviewed by the Solar Info editorial team. Editorial policy
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