Solar Panels in Ballycastle, Co. Mayo
Ballycastle is a village in Co. Mayo with a population of around 220. Located 57.9 km from Castlebar, the area receives 1,105+ sunshine hours per year. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,364 kWh annually — saving an estimated €1009+ 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 Ballycastle?
Solar Yield
4kWp Output
Sunshine
Est. Savings
Household Coverage
Population
Eircode Area
Dist. to Castlebar
Location
Based on county-level solar data for Mayo. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
About Solar Energy in Ballycastle
Ballycastle is a village in Co. Mayo with a population of 220 (CSO Census 2022). It is located away from Castlebar (57.9 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Ballycastle is F52 — you'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant.
Benefits of Solar Panels in Ballycastle
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Ballycastle can save an estimated €1009+ per year on electricity with a 4kWp solar system generating 3,364 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.
Energy Independence
For homes in rural Ballycastle, solar panels provide energy security and reduced reliance on the grid. Combined with a battery, you can store power for evening use.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Ballycastle today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
Government Support for Solar in Ballycastle
Homeowners in Ballycastle, Co. Mayo 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 Mayo
SEAI registered solar panel installers covering Mayo.
Where can you find solar installers near Ballycastle?
Also serving nearby areas in Mayo:
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Solar Panel FAQs for Ballycastle
How much do solar panels cost in Ballycastle?
A 4kWp system in Ballycastle 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 3,364 kWh/year, paying for itself in 4-6 years.
How much electricity will solar panels generate in Ballycastle?
Based on Mayo county data, a 4kWp system in Ballycastle generates approximately 3,364 kWh per year — covering 80% of average household use (4,200 kWh/year). Mayo receives around 1,105 sunshine hours annually.
Are solar panels worth it in Ballycastle?
Yes. With estimated savings of €1009+ per year, the €1,800 SEAI grant, 0% VAT, and export income of 15-25c/kWh, a solar system in Ballycastle pays for itself in 4-6 years and lasts 25+ years.
How long do solar panels last?
Modern solar panels are warrantied for 25-30 years and typically last even longer. Panel efficiency degrades by about 0.5% per year — so after 25 years, your panels will still produce around 87% of their original output. Inverters typically last 10-15 years and may need one replacement.
Do solar panels work in winter in Mayo?
Yes, solar panels generate electricity all year round. While output is lower in winter, Mayo still receives usable daylight hours even in December. Annual generation figures (3,364 kWh for a 4kWp system) already account for seasonal variation.
How long does solar panel installation take?
A typical residential installation takes 1-2 days. This includes scaffolding, mounting the panels, wiring, inverter installation, and connecting to the grid. Your installer handles the ESB Networks notification (NC6 form).
Sources
Last updated: February 2026
Reviewed by the Solar Info editorial team. Editorial policy
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