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We analysed how much energy residents of 413 towns and villages in Cork can expect to produce from solar panels.
Results of this study form the most authoritative source of insights into Cork-wide solar power potential.
Also revealed is the best place in Cork for solar panels.
Spoiler: it’s Timoleague.
Continue reading to see where Cork City, Cobh, Carrigaline, Midleton and other towns in Cork rank.
Related: to find the estimated output for your area, use the search tool on our Solar Panels Cork page.
But first, a bit about the study.
413 areas in Co. Cork were captured in the study. The areas were sourced from Tailte Éireann’s Surveying Open Data Portal.
Energy calculations take into account solar radiation, temperature, wind speed and are based on a south facing, 4kWp system with fixed panels on a 35 degree slope.
The assumed overall system loss is 14%.
The goal of this study is to assess and compile area-specific solar output estimates to deliver the most accurate and authoritative insights into solar power potential in Cork.
However, all homes and their immediate surroundings are different (e.g. orientation to the sun varies and local buildings & trees can create shade).
To see how much electricity you can produce, get a free consultation and solar quote, here.
OK, let’s get to the results.
Cork residents can expect to generate between 3,470.82 kWh and 4,215.76 kWh of electricity per year from solar panels (as part of a 4kWp system).
The average amount of potential energy production from solar in Cork is 3,907.52 kWh.
Assuming a cost per kWh of 43 cents, typical in Ireland, the annual savings are between €1,492.45 and €1,812.78, with €1,680.23 being the average.
The table below summarises the high-level results from the Cork Solar Power Potential Study.
Cork Solar Potential |
Value @ €0.43 p/kWh |
|
|---|---|---|
| Average | 3,907.52 kWh | €1,680.23 |
| Highest | 4,215.76 kWh | €1,812.78 |
| Lowest | 3,470.82 kWh | €1,492.45 |
For context, the average Irish household consumes 4,200 kWh p/y, according to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities.
So where exactly has the highest solar output potential in Cork?
The best place in Cork for solar panels is Timoleague.
It tops the table, of 413 areas in Cork, with the highest estimated solar output.
This small village, of less than 400 residents, is located on the coast between Clonakilty and Kinsale.
Residents here can expect to generate 4,215.76 kWh from a 4kWp solar system.
The nearby areas of Templeomalus and Kilmaloda East take second and third place with 4,213.49 kWh and 4,207.17 kWh, respectively.
At the opposite end of the table are mountainous and hilly areas; specifically, Caherbarnagh with 3,470.82 kWh, Knockatooan with 3,495.01 kWh and Crinnaloo with 3,514.7 kWh.
Many factors impact how much electricity residents can produce from solar, including the terrain.
Homes in mountainous and hilly areas typically get less sun, and therefore, produce less electricity.
But that doesn’t mean they cannot produce the same amount of electricity as areas that get more sun; they may just need an additional solar panel.
Another key factor that impacts output is the time of year. So let’s briefly take a look at this next.
The output from solar panels varies widely by month.
As you’d expect, the summer months typically output most electricity while the least is generated during winter.
May is typically the best month for solar generation. December is generally the worst.
But let’s get more specific.
Cork City, with an annual solar output estimate of 3,907.69 kWh, has a near average output for Co. Cork.
The chart below shows Cork City’s monthly solar power potential.
As you can see, the estimated output varies widely by month.
In October, Cork residents can expect to generate approx. 50% of the electricity they would produce during the annual peak in May.
The month with the least amount of electricity generated will be December – nearly 27% of the May peak.
It’s common for households to produce more electricity than they consume during the summer months.
Feed-in tariffs can be used to sell excess electricity back to the grid / utility providers. Compensation is in the form of account credit, which is then typically used to offset electricity bills during low production months.
Now that we have a sense of the monthly output from solar in Cork, let’s jump back to the annual estimates specifically for some of the most populated towns in Co. Cork.
The table below lists the solar potential, electricity value and position in the study for some of the most populated towns in Co. Cork.
City / Town |
Estimated Output |
Value @ €0.43 p/kWh |
Rank Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cork City | 3,907.69 kWh | €1,680.31 | 225th |
| Carrigaline | 4,009.11 kWh | €1,723.92 | 168th |
| Cobh | 4,058.46 kWh | €1,745.14 | 116th |
| Midleton | 4,158.91 kWh | €1,788.33 | 17th |
| Mallow | 3,664.04 kWh | €1,575.54 | 357th |
| Youghal | 4,086.27 kWh | €1,757.1 | 91st |
| Bandon | 4,039.68 kWh | €1,737.06 | 122nd |
| Fermoy | 3,776.96 kWh | €1,624.09 | 295th |
| Monkstown | 4,021.69 kWh | €1,729.33 | 131st |
| Kinsale | 4,073.53 kWh | €1,751.62 | 103rd |
With the exception of Mallow and Fermoy, all of the towns listed have above average solar potential for Co. Cork.
The most populated area in Co. Cork, Cork City, is the 225th best place in Cork for solar panels with an output estimate of 3907.69 kWh (worth €1,680.31 at 43 cents per kWh).
If your area isn’t listed above, you may find it in the search tool on our Solar Panels Cork page.
But what if it’s not there either, and what if you want the most accurate estimate possible?
The amount of electricity that can be generated from solar panels depends on many factors.
The location of your home, its orientation to the sun, slope of the roof, the surroundings, solar panel type, and the quality of product used – these factors and more impact potential.
If you’re interested in seeing how much energy you can produce from the market leading solar solution, get a quote and free no-obligation solar survey here:
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