One of the most common questions we get from Cork homeowners is: "how many panels do I actually need?" The honest answer is — it depends. But there's a straightforward process for working it out.
Start With Your Electricity Consumption
Pull out a recent ESB bill and look for your annual kWh consumption. A typical Cork semi-detached home uses between 3,500 and 5,000 kWh per year. If you have an electric vehicle or are planning to add a heat pump, your figure will be higher.
What Does Cork's Climate Allow?
Cork receives approximately 1,100–1,200 peak sun hours per year — less than Spain, but more than you might think. A 1kWp solar system in Cork will typically generate around 850–950 kWh per year, depending on roof orientation and shading.
Sizing the System
| Home Type | Annual Usage | Recommended System |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 bed apartment/house | 2,000–3,000 kWh | 2–3 kWp (6–8 panels) |
| 3-bed semi-detached | 3,500–4,500 kWh | 3–4 kWp (8–11 panels) |
| 4–5 bed detached | 5,000–7,000 kWh | 4–6 kWp (11–16 panels) |
South-Facing Isn't Essential
Ideally you want a south-facing roof at a pitch of 30–40 degrees. But east/west-facing roofs still generate 80–85% of the output of a south-facing system, and can actually be better for self-consumption since they spread generation across more of the day.
Get a Free Assessment
Cork Solar Installers will assess your roof, your consumption, and your goals and recommend the right system size — at no cost. Call us or fill in the quote form and we'll be in touch.