Day by day people are getting interested in renewable energy, which is rising across Ireland, with solar power becoming a practical option for homes and businesses.
However, did you know that where you live can affect how much energy your solar panels generate? While solar panels work well across the country, some counties benefit more due to better sunlight and weather conditions.
In this blog, we’ll look at the top 26 counties in Ireland for solar, explain why location matters, and highlight key factors to keep in mind when considering solar panels. Whether you live in Cork, Wexford, Galway, or any other country, this guide will help you decide if solar power is right for you.
What Are the Ireland's Best Counties for Solar?
There are numerous counties in Ireland suitable for solar panel installations, but in this post, we will highlight what are the Ireland's best counties for solar.
These include Wexford, Waterford, Wicklow, Dublin, Carlow, Cork, Kilkenny, Kerry, Clare, Laois, Kildare, Meath, Galway, Tipperary, Louth, Offaly, Westmeath, Limerick, Roscommon, Longford, Sligo, Leitrim, Mayo, Monaghan, Cavan, and Donegal. These counties stand out due to their favourable sunlight levels, supportive local policies, and available incentives.
Whether it’s the coastal climate of Waterford or the solar-friendly environment in Kilkenny, each offers unique benefits that make solar a smart investment. With grants, energy buyback schemes, and efficient local installers, these counties are ideal for using renewable energy and reducing long-term energy costs.
Top 26 Counties for Solar Energy in Ireland
Ireland offers varying solar energy potential across its counties, with some areas performing significantly above the national average.
Here's an overview of the top 26 counties for annual solar generation per kWp of panels, based on a south-facing roof with a 30° pitch:
1. County Wexford leads the way with 965 kWh/kWp, 9.2% above the national average.
2. County Waterford follows closely at 949 kWh/kWp, 7.4% higher than the average.
3. County Wicklow generates 947 kWh/kWp, showing a 7.1% increase.
4. County Dublin produces 915 kWh/kWp, 3.5% above the national benchmark.
5. County Carlow delivers 911 kWh/kWp, exceeding the average by 3%.
6. County Cork offers 907 kWh/kWp, 2.6% more than the average.
7. County Kilkenny stands at 905 kWh/kWp, which is 2.3% higher.
8. County Kerry contributes 896 kWh/kWp, 1.3% above average.
9. County Clare generates 888 kWh/kWp, +0.5%.
10.County Laois delivers 888 kWh/kWp, +0.4%.
11. County Galway achieves 886 kWh/kWp, 0.2% more than the national average.
12. County Kildare generates 885 kWh/kWp, +0.1%.
13. County Meath also produces 885 kWh/kWp, +0.1%.
14. County Tipperary aligns almost perfectly with the average at 884 kWh/kWp, -0.1%.
15. County Louth generates 881 kWh/kWp, showing a decline of 0.3%.
16. County Offaly also produces 881 kWh/kWp, with a decline of 0.3%.
17. County Westmeath delivers 871 kWh/kWp, 1.5% below the average.
18. County Limerick provides 869 kWh/kWp, 1.7% lower.
19. County Roscommon generates 867 kWh/kWp, marking a 2% decrease.
20. County Longford delivers 854 kWh/kWp, 3.3% below average.
21. County Sligo generates 847 kWh/kWp, 4.2% lower than the national figure.
22. County Leitrim reaches 842 kWh/kWp, falling short by 4.7%.
23. County Mayo generates 841 kWh/kWp, with a decline of 4.9%.
24. County Monaghan produces 841 kWh/kWp, showing a decline of 4.9%.
25. County Cavan closely follows at 841 kWh/kWp, with a decline of 4.8%.
26. County Donegal ranks last among the top counties, with 817 kWh/kWp, showing the largest decline of 7.6%.
These counties highlight the diversity of solar energy potential across Ireland, with Wexford and Waterford standing out as the most favourable locations for solar panel installations. Conversely, counties like Mayo to Donegal experience lower solar generation, making them less ideal for maximising solar energy output.
However, the best part is, if you’re planning to go solar in these or any other counties across Ireland, Going Solar is your top choice for installation, backed by our proven experience and expertise.
Why Location Matters for Solar Panel Efficiency in Ireland?
When it comes to installing solar panels, location plays an important role in how much energy they can generate. Factors such as the amount of sunlight, weather patterns, and local climate directly affect solar efficiency across different counties.
Below, we’ll explore how geography and weather impact solar power output in Ireland.
Geographic Variations in Solar Potential
Counties in the southern part of Ireland, like Cork and Wexford, generally receive more sunlight compared to those in the north. This makes them more suitable for solar power generation.
Despite Ireland’s overall lower solar radiation compared to sunnier countries, panels can still produce a significant amount of energy when properly installed in areas with consistent sunlight.
Climate and Weather Patterns
Ireland’s weather is known for frequent cloud cover and rainfall, which can reduce the overall performance of solar panels. However, modern solar technology allows panels to generate energy even in low-light conditions.
Seasonal changes also play a role, with longer daylight hours in summer boosting energy production, while shorter days in winter reduce output.
3 Factors to Consider When Installing Solar Panels in Your County
When deciding to install solar panels, understanding available financial support, energy savings potential, and local energy buyback options is crucial.
Below, we explain how grants, cost recovery, and energy schemes can influence your decision.
Available Grants and Incentives
Irish homeowners can benefit from the SEAI solar PV grant, which significantly reduces the upfront cost of installing solar panels. This grant currently covers up to 25% of the installation cost, offering a maximum of €2,100 in 2024.
However, it's important to note that this amount has decreased to €1,800 in 2025. Counties that actively support solar adoption through local incentives may further improve affordability for homeowners.
Local Energy Providers and Buyback Schemes
Some counties have partnerships with energy providers that offer buyback schemes, allowing homeowners to sell excess electricity generated by their solar panels back to the grid.
These feed-in tariffs not only help reduce energy bills but also improve the financial benefits of going solar over time. Exploring local energy provider options can maximise savings in the long run.
Installation Costs and ROI
The cost of installing solar panels varies across counties, depending on local installer rates and conditions. On average, the payback period for solar panels in Ireland is between 5 to 6 years.
Once you recover the initial investment, you can enjoy free electricity for the remainder of the panel’s lifespan, which is typically 25 years.
By then, advancements in solar technology may offer better upgrade options, but you’ll already have benefitted from years of clean energy and reduced costs.
In conclusion
Selecting the best county for solar panels in Ireland is crucial to maximising energy efficiency and financial savings. From Wexford, Waterford, Wicklow, Dublin, Carlow, Cork, Kilkenny, Kerry, Clare, Laois, Kildare, Meath, Galway, Tipperary, Louth, Offaly, Westmeath, Limerick, Roscommon, Longford, Sligo, Leitrim, Mayo, Monaghan, Cavan, to Donegal, each county offers potential for solar energy installations.
If you're unsure about the best location or need expert guidance, reach out to Going Solar for professional assistance. Our team can help you navigate incentives, find the ideal setup, and make your switch to solar energy smooth.
Let’s power your future with clean, renewable energy!
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