Ireland solar capacity reaches 1.76 GW: A major milestone in renewable energy
Ireland has made an impressive leap in its solar energy capacity, reaching a total of 1.76 GW. This remarkable achievement is split between 1.13 GW connected to the grid and 0.63 GW in private generation, as reported by the Irish Solar Energy Association (ISEA).
Rapid expansion driving Ireland solar capacity growth
As of the end of May, all of Ireland’s 1.76 GW solar installations are located within the Republic, with no installations in Northern Ireland as yet. A significant portion of the grid-connected capacity, approximately 1.1 GW, comes from utility-scale solar farms, while 30 MW is derived from smaller-scale solar projects. This rapid expansion indicates Ireland’s strong commitment to renewable energy and the strategic efforts to harness solar power effectively. For further insights into the solar revolution in Ireland, visit PVKnowhow.
Milestone reflections and future prospects for Ireland solar capacity
Chief Executive of ISEA, Conall Bolger, emphasized that the growth of the solar sector is indeed astounding. Just two years back, Ireland had a mere 25 MW of operational solar capacity. The current 1.76 GW milestone underscores the industry’s potential to drive economic growth and spearhead energy transformation across the nation.
The role of private generation in boosting Ireland solar capacity
The 0.63 GW of private generation primarily offsets private consumption rather than being exported to the grid. This category accounts for installations on domestic rooftops, educational institutions, farms, and commercial properties. Such developments not only contribute to energy independence but also play a significant role in reducing individual carbon footprints.
Recent achievements highlight Ireland solar capacity progress
The ISEA report further highlighted some remarkable achievements in Ireland’s solar sector. The country is now installing solar panels at an impressive rate of 1 MW per day. Notably, the first quarter of 2025 marked the first instance where solar exports to the grid exceeded 5% of total electricity generation.
Solar energy’s contribution to total electricity generation rose to 1.8% in the first quarter of 2025, a substantial increase from the 0.4% reported during the same period the previous year. Ireland’s progress in renewable energy is further bolstered by its grid-scale battery storage initiatives, with 20 MW currently operational and an additional 500 MW in the planning stages.
For more updates on renewable energy developments in Ireland, explore PVKnowhow’s Ireland Solar News Archives.
Ireland’s solar capacity growth story is a testament to the country’s dedication to renewable energy, setting a precedent for future sustainable developments.
