Solar Panels in Carnew, Co. Wicklow
Carnew is a small town in Co. Wicklow with a population of around 1,233. Located 42.8 km from Wicklow Town, the area receives 1,448+ sunshine hours per year. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,788 kWh annually — saving an estimated €1136+ 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 Carnew?
Solar Yield
4kWp Output
Sunshine
Est. Savings
Household Coverage
Population
Eircode Area
Dist. to Wicklow Town
Location
Based on county-level solar data for Wicklow. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
About Solar Energy in Carnew
Carnew is a small town in Co. Wicklow with a population of 1,233 (CSO Census 2022). It is accessible from Wicklow Town (42.8 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Carnew is Y14 — you'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. Co. Wicklow ranks #3 in Ireland for solar yield, making Carnew an excellent location for solar panels.
Benefits of Solar Panels in Carnew
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Carnew can save an estimated €1136+ per year on electricity with a 4kWp solar system generating 3,788 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. Wicklow ranks #3 in Ireland for solar yield with 947 kWh/kWp. Homes in Carnew benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Carnew today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
Government Support for Solar in Carnew
Homeowners in Carnew, Co. Wicklow 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 Wicklow
SEAI registered solar panel installers covering Wicklow.
Where can you find solar installers near Carnew?
Also serving nearby areas in Wicklow:
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Solar Panel FAQs for Carnew
How much do solar panels cost in Carnew?
A 4kWp system in Carnew 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 3,788 kWh/year, paying for itself in 4-6 years.
How much electricity will solar panels generate in Carnew?
Based on Wicklow county data, a 4kWp system in Carnew generates approximately 3,788 kWh per year — covering 90% of average household use (4,200 kWh/year). Wicklow receives around 1,448 sunshine hours annually.
Are solar panels worth it in Carnew?
Yes. With estimated savings of €1136+ per year, the €1,800 SEAI grant, 0% VAT, and export income of 15-25c/kWh, a solar system in Carnew 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.
What roof direction is best for solar panels in Carnew?
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.
Do solar panels work in winter in Wicklow?
Yes, solar panels generate electricity all year round. While output is lower in winter, Wicklow still receives usable daylight hours even in December. Annual generation figures (3,788 kWh for a 4kWp system) already account for seasonal variation.
Sources
Last updated: February 2026
Reviewed by the Solar Info editorial team. Editorial policy
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