Solar Panels in Castletown, Co. Laois
Castletown is a village in Co. Laois with a population of around 454. Located 7.2 km from Portlaoise, the area receives 1,278+ sunshine hours per year. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,552 kWh annually — saving an estimated €1066+ 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 Castletown?
Solar Yield
4kWp Output
Sunshine
Est. Savings
Household Coverage
Population
Eircode Area
Dist. to Portlaoise
Location
Based on county-level solar data for Laois. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
About Solar Energy in Castletown
Castletown is a village in Co. Laois with a population of 454 (CSO Census 2022). It is conveniently close to Portlaoise (7.2 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Castletown is R56 — you'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. Co. Laois ranks #10 in Ireland for solar yield, making Castletown an excellent location for solar panels.
Benefits of Solar Panels in Castletown
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Castletown can save an estimated €1066+ per year on electricity with a 4kWp solar system generating 3,552 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. Laois ranks #10 in Ireland for solar yield with 888 kWh/kWp. Homes in Castletown benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Castletown today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
Government Support for Solar in Castletown
Homeowners in Castletown, Co. Laois 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 Laois
SEAI registered solar panel installers covering Laois.
Where can you find solar installers near Castletown?
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Solar Panel FAQs for Castletown
How much do solar panels cost in Castletown?
A 4kWp system in Castletown 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 3,552 kWh/year, paying for itself in 4-6 years.
How much electricity will solar panels generate in Castletown?
Based on Laois county data, a 4kWp system in Castletown generates approximately 3,552 kWh per year — covering 85% of average household use (4,200 kWh/year). Laois receives around 1,278 sunshine hours annually.
Are solar panels worth it in Castletown?
Yes. With estimated savings of €1066+ per year, the €1,800 SEAI grant, 0% VAT, and export income of 15-25c/kWh, a solar system in Castletown pays for itself in 4-6 years and lasts 25+ years.
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.
Is my roof suitable for solar panels in Castletown?
Most roofs are suitable. You need at least 15-20 m² of unshaded roof space for a typical 4kWp system (10 panels). South, east, or west-facing roofs work well. Your installer will assess your roof's orientation, angle, and structural suitability during a site survey.
Can I get solar panels on an east or west facing roof in Castletown?
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.
Sources
Last updated: February 2026
Reviewed by the Solar Info editorial team. Editorial policy
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