Solar Panels in Donard, Co. Wicklow
Donard is a village in Co. Wicklow with a population of around 238. Located 38.3 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.
Donard solar yield and performance data
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.
Donard and Renewable Energy
Donard is a village in Co. Wicklow with a population of 238 (CSO Census 2022). It is accessible from Wicklow Town (38.3 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Donard is E45 — you'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. Co. Wicklow ranks #3 in Ireland for solar yield, making Donard an excellent location for solar panels.
Why Go Solar in Donard?
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Donard 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 Donard benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Donard today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
SEAI Solar Grant for Donard Residents
Homeowners in Donard, 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.
Nearby Towns Also Served
Also serving nearby areas in Wicklow:
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Browse SEAI-registered installers covering Donard and all of Wicklow.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Panels in Donard
How much do solar panels cost in Donard?
A 4kWp system in Donard 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 Donard?
Based on Wicklow county data, a 4kWp system in Donard 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 Donard?
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 Donard pays for itself in 4-6 years and lasts 25+ years.
How do I get the SEAI grant in Donard?
Apply online at seai.ie with your MPRN and Eircode. Use an SEAI-registered installer. Do not start work before your Letter of Offer. After installation, complete a BER assessment. The grant is paid to your bank within 4-6 weeks.
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.
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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