There are new solar panel installations taking place across The Banner County each week as Co. Clare businesses, farms, and of course households, embrace solar energy for the first time.
It is no surprise that each year, hundreds of homeowners in Clare decide to install solar PV panels. After all, solar energy is free, the panels pay themselves off in about 7 years, and renewable energy is much less harmful to the environment.
We have carefully curated a list of the best solar panel installers in Clare and across Munster, by looking at their experience, customer reviews, and PV panel quality.
Of course, doing your own research is key – but our network of installers is a great starting point for finding the very best solar PV installer in Co. Clare.
Solar Panels Adoption in Clare
Data from the Sustainable Energy Authority (SEAI) shows that since 2015, County Clare has been awarded 1,868 solar PV panel grants, with substantial growth in recent years.
In the past year alone, nearly one-third (582) of these grant-assisted solar installations were completed between January and August. This impressive growth reflects the increasing recognition of the long-term financial and environmental benefits of solar energy in Clare.
Clare Climate
Clare’s location on Ireland’s western coast is the most influential factor which influences the climate of the county.
Ireland’s climate is heavily influenced by the North Atlantic Gulf Stream, a warm ocean current that flows from the Gulf of Mexico to the west coast of Ireland, and helps to keep Ireland’s temperatures moderate.
But westerly winds sweeping in from the Atlantic also bring more rain to counties like Clare as moist air rises above mountain ranges such as the Slieve Aughty and Slieve Bernagh Mountains.
Clare Sunshine Hours
Clare’s location on the west coast of Ireland, at the edge of Europe, means that it receives less sunshine than the east of Ireland and other parts of Europe. But only sunlight is needed for solar panels to produce electricity — they don’t need blue skies with the sun splitting the rocks!
But although solar panels can generate electricity without direct sunshine, the more sunshine the better. In this graph, you can see estimates of sunshine hours for each month in Clare.
Clare Towns and Villages
Co. Clare, the Banner County, is located north of the River Shannon on the west coast of Ireland.
Clare had a population of 127,938 in Census 2022, with Ennis being the largest town and county seat.
Other urban areas with significant populations in Clare include towns like Shannon and Kilrush.
Clare is one of the most visited counties in Ireland due to its stunning landscapes, including the world-famous Cliffs of Moher and the Burren.
| Towns & Villages | Population |
|---|---|
| Ennis | 22,890 |
| Shannon | 10,256 |
| Kilrush | 2,649 |
| Corofin | 793 |
| Lahinch | 1,018 |
| Scariff | 854 |
| Tulla | 697 |
| Miltown Malbay | 921 |
Clare Housing
In total, 28,68 properties in Clare have been given a Building Energy Rating (BER). The BER analyses how energy efficient a building is and gives it a score from A to G.
A rated properties are on the rise – these energy efficient properties are often either newbuilds, or homes after having a deep retrofit carried out recently.
As of June 2024, 21% of properties in Clare have an A or B rating. More than 1 in 3 properties have a C rating, meaning 45% of buildings are D rated or lower.
| Energy Rating | Total Housing Stock | Avg Age | |||||||
| BER | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | ||
| Number of Properties | 2,295 | 3,728 | 9,765 | 6,317 | 3,155 | 1,147 | 2,295 | ||
Data accurate as of Q2, 2024. Source: CSO.ie
