Solar Panels in Belcarra, Co. Mayo
Belcarra is a village in Co. Mayo with a population of around 164. Located 7 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.
Belcarra solar yield and performance data
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.
Belcarra and Renewable Energy
Belcarra is a village in Co. Mayo with a population of 164 (CSO Census 2022). It is conveniently close to Castlebar (7 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Belcarra is F56 — you'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant.
Why Go Solar in Belcarra?
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Belcarra 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.
Increase Property Value
Solar panels improve your BER rating and can add up to 4% to your property value.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Belcarra today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
SEAI Solar Grant for Belcarra Residents
Homeowners in Belcarra, 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.
Nearby Towns Also Served
Also serving nearby areas in Mayo:
Find Solar Installers in Mayo
Browse SEAI-registered installers covering Belcarra and all of Mayo.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Panels in Belcarra
How much do solar panels cost in Belcarra?
A 4kWp system in Belcarra 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 Belcarra?
Based on Mayo county data, a 4kWp system in Belcarra 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 Belcarra?
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 Belcarra pays for itself in 4-6 years and lasts 25+ years.
What is the payback period for solar panels in Belcarra?
With a net cost of €3,200-€6,200 after the SEAI grant and savings of €1009+ per year plus export income, a typical solar system in Belcarra pays for itself in 4-6 years. After payback, you get 20+ years of near-free electricity.
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.
Can I get solar panels on an east or west facing roof in Belcarra?
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
Get a Free Solar Quote in Belcarra
Connect with SEAI-registered installers covering Belcarra, Co. Mayo.