Solar Panels in Clare Island, Co. Mayo
Clare Island, in rural Co. Mayo, receives 1,105+ sunshine hours per year — ideal conditions for solar energy. A 4kWp system generates approximately 3,364 kWh annually, covering 80% of average household electricity use and saving an estimated €1009+ per year. With the SEAI grant of up to €1,800 and 0% VAT, the net cost is €3,200–€6,200 with payback in 4–6 years.
How much solar energy can you generate in Clare Island?
Solar Yield
4kWp Output
Sunshine
Est. Savings
Household Coverage
Eircode Area
Dist. to Castlebar
Location
Based on county-level solar data for Mayo. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Solar Power in Clare Island, Co. Mayo
Clare Island is a community in Co. Mayo. It is accessible from Castlebar (45.6 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Clare Island is F28 — you'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant.
Advantages of Solar Energy for Clare Island Homeowners
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Clare Island 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 Clare Island, 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 Clare Island today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
What SEAI grants can Clare Island homeowners claim?
Homeowners in Clare Island, 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.
Solar Panels in Areas Near Clare Island
Also serving nearby areas in Mayo:
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Browse SEAI-registered installers covering Clare Island and all of Mayo.
Common Questions About Going Solar in Clare Island
How much do solar panels cost in Clare Island?
A 4kWp system in Clare Island 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 Clare Island?
Based on Mayo county data, a 4kWp system in Clare Island 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 Clare Island?
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 Clare Island pays for itself in 4-6 years and lasts 25+ years.
What happens to my solar panels if I move house in Clare Island?
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.
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 maintenance do solar panels need?
Solar panels need very little maintenance. Rain keeps them clean in most cases. There are no moving parts. Your inverter may need replacing once in 25 years (10-15 year lifespan). Annual visual checks and occasional cleaning if near trees is all that's needed.
Sources
Last updated: February 2026
Reviewed by the Solar Info editorial team. Editorial policy
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