Ireland Solar Capacity: 1 GW Added in 2025
Ireland’s journey towards a renewable energy future took a monumental leap forward in 2025, with the country adding an impressive 1 gigawatt (GW) of new solar capacity within a single year. This remarkable achievement brings the nation’s total installed solar capacity to 2.345 GW by the end of December, effectively tripling its solar footprint since 2023. This rapid expansion signals a new era for clean energy on the Emerald Isle, driven by strong policy, favourable economics, and growing public enthusiasm.
A Year of Broken Records in Ireland solar capacity
The growth in 2025 was not just steady; it was exponential. According to a report from Solar Ireland, national solar capacity officially surpassed the 2 GW mark during the year, reaching over 2.1 GW by November. This surge was powered by both large-scale solar farms and a distributed revolution happening on rooftops across the country.
One of the most significant milestones was the performance of the rooftop solar sector, which alone exceeded 1 GW of capacity in December. This capacity is spread across more than 170,000 homes, farms, schools, and businesses, demonstrating a powerful, grassroots movement towards energy independence and sustainability.
Tangible Impact on Power and Emissions from Ireland solar capacity
This new gigawatt of solar power is already making a substantial difference. The “Scale of Solar 2025” report estimates that Ireland’s total solar infrastructure now generates approximately 1.56 million megawatt-hours (MWh) annually. This is enough clean electricity to power over 370,000 Irish homes.
Beyond providing power, this expansion plays a crucial role in meeting climate targets. The added capacity is projected to save around 396,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year, contributing significantly to the nation’s decarbonisation efforts. As analyses from EirGrid continue to examine the delicate balance between electricity demand and supply, the reliability and predictability of solar energy during daylight hours provide a vital component to a stable, modern grid.
The Momentum Continues for Ireland solar capacity
The solar boom shows no signs of slowing down. The development pipeline for new projects stood at a healthy 1.7 GW by the end of 2025, indicating that the industry is poised for sustained growth. Investment continues to pour into the sector, with companies like Uniper Renewables receiving investment approval for over 568 MW of new capacity in 2025 alone.
The success of 2025 can be attributed to a confluence of factors, including rising energy awareness among the public, the increasingly attractive economics of solar installations, and an expanded, skilled workforce capable of deploying projects of all sizes. As Ireland continues its transition, the sun is clearly shining brighter than ever on its renewable energy ambitions.
