Solar Panels in Kells, Co. Kilkenny
Kells is a village in Co. Kilkenny with a population of around 291. Located 12.6 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.
Kells solar yield and performance data
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.
Kells and Renewable Energy
Kells is a village in Co. Kilkenny with a population of 291 (CSO Census 2022). It is a short drive from Kilkenny (12.6 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Kells is W34 — you'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. Co. Kilkenny ranks #7 in Ireland for solar yield, making Kells an excellent location for solar panels.
Why Go Solar in Kells?
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Kells 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 Kells benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Kells today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
SEAI Solar Grant for Kells Residents
Homeowners in Kells, 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.
Nearby Towns Also Served
Also serving nearby areas in Kilkenny:
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Panels in Kells
How much do solar panels cost in Kells?
A 4kWp system in Kells 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 Kells?
Based on Kilkenny county data, a 4kWp system in Kells 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 Kells?
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 Kells pays for itself in 4-6 years and lasts 25+ years.
What size solar system do I need for my home in Kells?
Most homes in Kells benefit from a 3-6 kWp system. A 4kWp system (10 panels) covers 86% of average household electricity use. Your installer will assess your roof space, orientation, and energy usage to recommend the optimal size.
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 happens to my solar panels if I move house in Kells?
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.
Sources
Last updated: February 2026
Reviewed by the Solar Info editorial team. Editorial policy
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