Laois among counties that get the least amount of sunlight

Laois is among the counties that get the least amount of sunlight, according to a new study. 

Energia, a leading provider of renewable energy solutions, has conducted an extensive analysis of sunlight hours across the twenty-six counties in Ireland, shedding light on the optimal locations for solar energy. These are Ireland's best locations for solar panel installation if you want to add a renewable energy source to your home and reduce your carbon footprint.

The top five counties in Ireland with the highest average number of sunlight hours include: Wexford, Waterford, Wicklow, Cork and Sligo.

Wexford takes the crown as Ireland’s best county to install solar panels, soaking up a massive 1358.76 sunlight hours annually. 

On the other end of the scale Kerry has the least amount of sunshine only receiving 1231.68 hours of sunlight per year. The months with the least amount of daylight are March, April, May, August, September, and November. 

Laois is ranked second since it only receives 1255.08 hours of sunlight annually. Kildare is not far behind, with only 1259.76 hours of sunshine annually.

Robert Stringer from Energia’s Solar team says: “Electricity generated by the solar PV system produces less carbon emissions per unit of electricity than electricity imported from the grid. Plus, electricity generated by your solar PV system can be exported back to the grid and you will receive a payment for each unit exported. Energia currently offers a CEG rate of 0.24c, one of the highest rates available. In addition, a solar PV system adds value to your home, as well as improving the BER rating. A higher BER opens up access to lower-cost green financing for mortgages and home loans."

Find the full study here.