Solar Panels in Glencairn, Co. Waterford
Glencairn, in rural Co. Waterford, receives 1,465+ sunshine hours per year — among the highest in Ireland. A 4kWp system generates approximately 3,796 kWh annually, covering 90% of average household electricity use and saving an estimated €1139+ 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.
What is the solar potential in Glencairn?
Solar Yield
4kWp Output
Sunshine
Est. Savings
Household Coverage
Eircode Area
Dist. to Waterford
Location
Based on county-level solar data for Waterford. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
About Solar Energy in Glencairn
Glencairn is a rural area in Co. Waterford. It is located away from Waterford (61.8 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Glencairn is P14 — you'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. Co. Waterford ranks #2 in Ireland for solar yield, making Glencairn an excellent location for solar panels.
Benefits of Solar Panels in Glencairn
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Glencairn can save an estimated €1139+ per year on electricity with a 4kWp solar system generating 3,796 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. Waterford ranks #2 in Ireland for solar yield with 949 kWh/kWp. Homes in Glencairn benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Glencairn today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
Government Support for Solar in Glencairn
Homeowners in Glencairn, Co. Waterford 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 Waterford
SEAI registered solar panel installers covering Waterford.
Where can you find solar installers near Glencairn?
Also serving nearby areas in Waterford:
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Solar Panel FAQs for Glencairn
How much do solar panels cost in Glencairn?
A 4kWp system in Glencairn 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 3,796 kWh/year, paying for itself in 4-6 years.
How much electricity will solar panels generate in Glencairn?
Based on Waterford county data, a 4kWp system in Glencairn generates approximately 3,796 kWh per year — covering 90% of average household use (4,200 kWh/year). Waterford receives around 1,465 sunshine hours annually.
Are solar panels worth it in Glencairn?
Yes. With estimated savings of €1139+ per year, the €1,800 SEAI grant, 0% VAT, and export income of 15-25c/kWh, a solar system in Glencairn pays for itself in 4-6 years and lasts 25+ years.
What roof direction is best for solar panels in Glencairn?
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.
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 is the Microgeneration Support Scheme?
The Microgeneration Support Scheme allows homeowners to sell surplus solar electricity back to the grid at 15-25c/kWh. You need a smart meter (free from ESB Networks) and a grid-connected system. The first €400/year of export income is tax-free.
Sources
Last updated: February 2026
Reviewed by the Solar Info editorial team. Editorial policy
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