Solar Panels in Ireland: County-by-County Performance Guide (2026)

Solar panels perform well across Ireland, but output varies noticeably by county due to differences in sunshine hours, coastal weather patterns, urban shading, and roof orientation. According to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), modern solar PV systems can generate meaningful electricity even in cloudy conditions, making them suitable nationwide when properly designed.

In this 2026 regional guide, we explore how solar performs in different counties, what homeowners can realistically expect, and how to maximise output wherever you live.

What Affects Solar Performance by County?

Before comparing regions, it is important to understand what drives solar output in Ireland.

Sunshine Hours

Southern and eastern counties typically receive more annual sunlight than western and northwestern regions.

Cloud Cover and Rainfall

Counties on the Atlantic coast experience more frequent cloud and rainfall, which can slightly reduce yearly generation.

Urban Density

Cities with dense housing can experience shading from neighbouring buildings, chimneys, and trees.

Roof Direction and Pitch

South facing roofs with minimal obstructions perform best. East and west facing systems still deliver strong returns when properly sized.

For more on this, see East vs West vs South: The Best Roof Orientation for Solar in Ireland.

Solar Performance in Dublin

Dublin consistently ranks among the strongest regions for residential solar performance.

Why Dublin Performs Well

• Higher sunshine hours than western counties
• Dense electricity usage that supports self consumption
• Large number of suitable south facing and semi detached roofs

What Homeowners Can Expect

Most Dublin homes with well designed systems achieve strong annual yields and faster payback periods.

Learn more in EV Charging Costs in Dublin vs Cork: What to Expect and How to Monitor Your Solar Performance Like a Pro.

Solar Panels in Cork

Cork is one of Ireland’s best performing counties for solar energy.

Why Cork Is a Strong Solar Region

• High annual sunlight levels
• Large number of detached and rural homes
• Excellent roof space availability

Performance Outlook

Many Cork homeowners see generation levels close to top national averages, particularly in East and South Cork.

For rural and agricultural properties, see Solar for Farms in Ireland: What Are the Real Benefits?.

Solar Performance in Galway

Galway offers solid solar potential despite higher rainfall.

Key Factors in Galway

• More cloud cover than eastern counties
• Strong coastal winds that help panel cooling
• Growing uptake in suburban and rural areas

What This Means for Homeowners

With proper system sizing and good roof orientation, Galway homes still achieve reliable long term output.

See How Weather Patterns Affect Solar Output Across Ireland for more regional insight.

Limerick, Clare, and the Mid West

The Mid West region delivers balanced solar performance.

Strengths

• Moderate sunshine
• Lower urban shading
• Good availability of roof space

Considerations

In rural parts of Clare and West Limerick, shading from trees and hillsides may need to be addressed with optimisers.

Learn more in The Complete 2026 Guide to Solar Optimisers in Ireland.

Waterford, Wexford, and the South East

The South East is often called Ireland’s “sunny corner” for good reason.

Why This Region Excels

• Among the highest sunshine levels nationally
• Lower average rainfall
• Strong coastal light conditions

Performance Potential

Homes in this region frequently achieve some of the highest annual outputs per kWp in the country.

For regional comparison, see Solar in Galway vs Limerick vs Waterford: Regional Performance Guide.

Midlands: Kildare, Meath, Laois, and Offaly

The Midlands provide excellent conditions for residential solar.

Advantages

• Open landscapes
• Minimal coastal weather systems
• Good sunlight consistency

Typical Results

These counties often match or outperform national averages when roofs are unobstructed.

For system sizing guidance, see How Much Solar Power Do You Really Need in Ireland?.

Western and Northwestern Counties

Counties such as Mayo, Donegal, and Sligo face more challenging weather patterns.

Challenges

• Higher rainfall
• Frequent cloud cover
• Strong Atlantic weather systems

Why Solar Still Works

Modern panels perform well in diffuse light. While total output may be slightly lower, savings remain strong over time.

See How Shading Affects Your Solar Output (And What You Can Do About It).

Urban vs Rural Performance

Urban Homes

• More shading risks
• Smaller roof areas
• Higher electricity usage

Rural Homes

• Larger roofs
• Fewer obstructions
• More design flexibility

Both can perform well when systems are professionally designed.

For property suitability, read What Types of Properties Are Best Suited for Solar in Ireland?.

Average Solar Performance by Region (Indicative)

Actual results depend on roof design, shading, and system quality.

How to Maximise Solar Performance in Any County

Regardless of location, these steps improve results nationwide:

Use High Quality Inverters and Panels

Modern equipment improves low light performance and long term reliability.

Optimise System Design

Correct panel placement, tilt, and spacing makes a major difference.

Add Monitoring

Real time monitoring helps detect faults early.

Manage Shading

Trim trees and use optimisers where necessary.

Match System Size to Usage

Oversized or undersized systems reduce overall ROI.

Learn more in Should You Oversize Your Solar System? Pros and Cons.

Is Solar Worth It in Every Irish County?

Yes. While performance varies slightly by region, solar delivers positive financial returns in every county in Ireland when professionally installed and properly designed.

Differences in generation between counties are far smaller than many homeowners expect. System quality and installation standards matter far more than location alone.

Final Thoughts

Solar panels are a reliable investment across Ireland in 2026, from Dublin and Cork to Galway and Donegal. While southern and eastern counties enjoy slightly higher output, homeowners nationwide can benefit from reduced bills, export payments, and long term energy security.

The key is working with an experienced installer who understands how to tailor systems to local conditions.

If you would like a personalised county specific assessment, WattCharger can design a system that maximises performance for your exact location and property type.