Solar Panels in Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow
Located just 14 km from Wicklow Town, Kilcoole receives 1,448+ sunshine hours per year — among the highest in Ireland. A 4kWp system generates approximately 3,788 kWh annually, covering 90% of average household electricity use and saving an estimated €1136+ 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.
Kilcoole 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.
Kilcoole and Renewable Energy
Kilcoole is a town in Co. Wicklow with a population of 4,569 (CSO Census 2022). It is a short drive from Wicklow Town (14 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Kilcoole is A98 — you'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. Co. Wicklow ranks #3 in Ireland for solar yield, making Kilcoole an excellent location for solar panels.
Why Go Solar in Kilcoole?
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Kilcoole 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 Kilcoole benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Kilcoole today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
SEAI Solar Grant for Kilcoole Residents
Homeowners in Kilcoole, 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:
Find Solar Installers in Wicklow
Browse SEAI-registered installers covering Kilcoole and all of Wicklow.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Panels in Kilcoole
How much do solar panels cost in Kilcoole?
A 4kWp system in Kilcoole 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 Kilcoole?
Based on Wicklow county data, a 4kWp system in Kilcoole 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 Kilcoole?
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 Kilcoole pays for itself in 4-6 years and lasts 25+ years.
Do I need a smart meter for solar panels?
You need a smart meter to sell surplus electricity back to the grid. ESB Networks installs smart meters for free. Your installer submits the NC6 form to ESB Networks after installation, which triggers the meter upgrade if needed.
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.
Can I get solar panels on an east or west facing roof in Kilcoole?
Yes. East or west-facing roofs still produce 80-85% of the output of a south-facing roof. Many installers recommend splitting panels across east and west to spread generation throughout the day, which can actually improve self-consumption.
Sources
Last updated: February 2026
Reviewed by the Solar Info editorial team. Editorial policy
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