Solar Panels in Newcastle, Co. Wicklow
Newcastle is a small town in Co. Wicklow with a population of around 1,010. Located 10.1 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.
How much solar energy can you generate in Newcastle?
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.
Solar Power in Newcastle, Co. Wicklow
Newcastle is a small town in Co. Wicklow with a population of 1,010 (CSO Census 2022). It is a short drive from Wicklow Town (10.1 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Newcastle is A98 — you'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. Co. Wicklow ranks #3 in Ireland for solar yield, making Newcastle an excellent location for solar panels.
Advantages of Solar Energy for Newcastle Homeowners
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Newcastle 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 Newcastle benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Newcastle today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
What SEAI grants can Newcastle homeowners claim?
Homeowners in Newcastle, 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.
Solar Panels in Areas Near Newcastle
Also serving nearby areas in Wicklow:
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Browse SEAI-registered installers covering Newcastle and all of Wicklow.
Common Questions About Going Solar in Newcastle
How much do solar panels cost in Newcastle?
A 4kWp system in Newcastle 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 Newcastle?
Based on Wicklow county data, a 4kWp system in Newcastle 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 Newcastle?
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 Newcastle pays for itself in 4-6 years and lasts 25+ years.
How long does solar panel installation take?
A typical residential installation takes 1-2 days. This includes scaffolding, mounting the panels, wiring, inverter installation, and connecting to the grid. Your installer handles the ESB Networks notification (NC6 form).
What is the payback period for solar panels in Newcastle?
With a net cost of €3,200-€6,200 after the SEAI grant and savings of €1136+ per year plus export income, a typical solar system in Newcastle pays for itself in 4-6 years. After payback, you get 20+ years of near-free electricity.
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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