Thinking about installing solar panels in Cork? With energy costs rising and climate concerns growing, many homeowners are now exploring solar power as a reliable way to cut their bills and reduce their carbon footprint. But not all areas in Cork perform the same when it comes to solar energy.
A detailed study has analysed 413 towns and villages across the county to find out where solar panels work best. The results offer valuable insights into how much electricity different areas can produce and how much money you could save each year.
So, in this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the findings and reveal the best place in Cork for solar panels.
How We Identified the Best Place in Cork for Solar Panels?
To understand which areas in Cork offer the most solar energy, a detailed study was carried out. The results are based on real data, providing the most reliable insight yet into how solar panels perform across the county.
413 areas were included
Every corner of Cork was studied – from busy towns to quiet villages – using official area names from Tailte Éireann’s open data list. This allowed the research to give a full picture of solar potential across the county.
Based on one standard system
All output estimates used the same type of system – a common household solar panel setup. This approach gave a fair comparison across every town and village included in the report.
Data from official sources
The study used trusted national data to check local conditions like sunshine, temperature, and wind. This helped give more accurate estimates for how much energy homes in each area could produce.
Weather was taken into account
Different places get different amounts of sun and wind, which can affect how well solar panels perform. These details were all built into the calculations, giving a clearer picture of each area’s true potential.
What Did the Study Find About Solar Energy in Cork?
The study didn’t just list the best place – it also showed how much electricity people in Cork could expect to generate. These findings are useful for anyone thinking about making the switch to solar.
Wide range of output
The results showed a wide range. Some areas produce more power than others, mainly due to their location and how much sunlight they receive throughout the year.
Average is 3,907 kWh
This means many homes in Cork could meet most of their electricity needs with solar panels alone, especially if they use energy during daylight hours.
Savings from €1,492 to €1,812
Based on a typical electricity rate of 43 cents per kWh, homes could cut their energy costs by hundreds of euros a year. The savings depend on how much sunlight an area gets.
Usage matches output
So with a good solar setup, most homes in Cork could cover nearly all of their yearly energy use – or even more in some cases.
The Best Place in Cork for Solar Panels
Among all 413 areas reviewed in the study, one spot stood out. It had the highest level of expected solar power generation.
Timoleague came first
This coastal village topped the list with an output of 4,215.76 kWh per year – the best result in the entire county.
Nearby areas also rank high
These nearby areas also ranked very high, making them strong options for anyone living nearby who’s thinking about solar panels.
Coastal spots do better
Places near the sea often enjoy clearer skies and fewer obstacles, which means panels in these areas can produce more electricity.
How Popular Cork Towns Compare
Even in larger towns, results varied. While some areas had strong solar potential, others performed closer to the average.
Midleton ranks 17th
Midleton came in 17th place overall. It’s one of the best-performing larger towns in the county for solar energy production.
Carrigaline, Cobh, Kinsale Do Well
These popular spots all produced more electricity than the county average, showing strong potential for homeowners in these areas.
Cork City Is Average
With an estimated output of 3,907.69 kWh, Cork City ranked 225th. It’s a solid result, though not as high as some of the nearby towns.
Mallow and Fermoy Are Lower
These towns sit in hilly or sheltered areas, which can block sunlight and reduce how much energy the panels collect during the day.
Solar Energy Changes with the Seasons
Your solar panels won’t produce the same amount of electricity every month. Some seasons are better than others – and this is normal in all parts of Ireland.
May is the best month
Longer days and stronger sunlight mean May is often the best month for generating power from your solar panels.
December Is The Lowest – Around 27% of May’s output
Shorter days and low sun in winter mean panels produce less, though the energy you collect can still help with everyday use.
Extra Power In Summer
During brighter months, panels can make more electricity than a household needs. This extra power doesn’t go to waste if a feed-in tariff is in place.
Feed-in tariffs give credit
In Ireland, you can send unused electricity back to your provider in return for credit on your bill. This credit helps reduce costs in lower-output months.
Conclusion!
Cork has strong potential for solar energy, with areas like Timoleague leading the way. Whether you live in a top-ranking town or one with average output, solar panels can still help you cut energy costs and use cleaner power. The results of this study offer a useful guide, but every home is different.
Moreover, if you want expert advice based on your own location, Nusolas Energy is here to help. They offer trusted support and local knowledge to find the best solar solution for your home. Contact Nusolas Energy today to see how much you could save with solar.
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