Solar Panels in Johnstown, Co. Kilkenny
Johnstown is a village in Co. Kilkenny with a population of around 450. Located 24.9 km from Kilkenny, the area receives 1,360+ sunshine hours per year. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,620 kWh annually — saving an estimated €1086+ per year. The SEAI grant of up to €1,800 and 0% VAT bring the net cost to €3,200–€6,200.
What is the solar potential in Johnstown?
Solar Yield
4kWp Output
Sunshine
Est. Savings
Household Coverage
Population
Eircode Area
Dist. to Kilkenny
Location
Based on county-level solar data for Kilkenny. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
About Solar Energy in Johnstown
Johnstown is a village in Co. Kilkenny with a population of 450 (CSO Census 2022). It is a short drive from Kilkenny (24.9 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Johnstown is R32 — you'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. Co. Kilkenny ranks #7 in Ireland for solar yield, making Johnstown an excellent location for solar panels.
Benefits of Solar Panels in Johnstown
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Johnstown can save an estimated €1086+ per year on electricity with a 4kWp solar system generating 3,620 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. Kilkenny ranks #7 in Ireland for solar yield with 905 kWh/kWp. Homes in Johnstown benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Johnstown today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
Government Support for Solar in Johnstown
Homeowners in Johnstown, Co. Kilkenny 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 Kilkenny
SEAI registered solar panel installers covering Kilkenny.
Where can you find solar installers near Johnstown?
Also serving nearby areas in Kilkenny:
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Solar Panel FAQs for Johnstown
How much do solar panels cost in Johnstown?
A 4kWp system in Johnstown 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 3,620 kWh/year, paying for itself in 4-6 years.
How much electricity will solar panels generate in Johnstown?
Based on Kilkenny county data, a 4kWp system in Johnstown generates approximately 3,620 kWh per year — covering 86% of average household use (4,200 kWh/year). Kilkenny receives around 1,360 sunshine hours annually.
Are solar panels worth it in Johnstown?
Yes. With estimated savings of €1086+ per year, the €1,800 SEAI grant, 0% VAT, and export income of 15-25c/kWh, a solar system in Johnstown pays for itself in 4-6 years and lasts 25+ years.
What is the payback period for solar panels in Johnstown?
With a net cost of €3,200-€6,200 after the SEAI grant and savings of €1086+ per year plus export income, a typical solar system in Johnstown pays for itself in 4-6 years. After payback, you get 20+ years of near-free electricity.
What roof direction is best for solar panels in Johnstown?
South-facing roofs produce the most electricity (100% of potential). South-east and south-west roofs produce around 95%. East or west-facing roofs still produce 80-85%. North-facing roofs are generally not recommended for solar panels in Ireland.
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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