Solar Panels in Rhode, Co. Offaly
Rhode is a small town in Co. Offaly with a population of around 841. Located 21 km from Tullamore, the area receives 1,240+ sunshine hours per year. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,524 kWh annually — saving an estimated €1057+ per year. The SEAI grant of up to €1,800 and 0% VAT bring the net cost to €3,200–€6,200.
Rhode solar yield and performance data
Solar Yield
4kWp Output
Sunshine
Est. Savings
Household Coverage
Population
Eircode Area
Dist. to Tullamore
Location
Based on county-level solar data for Offaly. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Rhode and Renewable Energy
Rhode is a small town in Co. Offaly with a population of 841 (CSO Census 2022). It is a short drive from Tullamore (21 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Rhode is H46 — you'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant.
Why Go Solar in Rhode?
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Rhode can save an estimated €1057+ per year on electricity with a 4kWp solar system generating 3,524 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 Rhode today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
SEAI Solar Grant for Rhode Residents
Homeowners in Rhode, Co. Offaly 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 Offaly
SEAI registered solar panel installers covering Offaly.
Nearby Towns Also Served
Also serving nearby areas in Offaly:
Find Solar Installers in Offaly
Browse SEAI-registered installers covering Rhode and all of Offaly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Panels in Rhode
How much do solar panels cost in Rhode?
A 4kWp system in Rhode 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 3,524 kWh/year, paying for itself in 4-6 years.
How much electricity will solar panels generate in Rhode?
Based on Offaly county data, a 4kWp system in Rhode generates approximately 3,524 kWh per year — covering 84% of average household use (4,200 kWh/year). Offaly receives around 1,240 sunshine hours annually.
Are solar panels worth it in Rhode?
Yes. With estimated savings of €1057+ per year, the €1,800 SEAI grant, 0% VAT, and export income of 15-25c/kWh, a solar system in Rhode pays for itself in 4-6 years and lasts 25+ years.
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 roof direction is best for solar panels in Rhode?
South-facing roofs produce the most electricity (100% of potential). South-east and south-west roofs produce around 95%. East or west-facing roofs still produce 80-85%. North-facing roofs are generally not recommended for solar panels in Ireland.
How does shading affect solar panels in Rhode?
Shading from trees, chimneys, or nearby buildings can reduce output significantly. Modern systems use optimisers or microinverters so that shading on one panel doesn't drag down the whole system. Your installer will assess shading during the site survey.
Sources
Last updated: February 2026
Reviewed by the Solar Info editorial team. Editorial policy
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