Ireland’s Solar Capacity: A Remarkable Surge
Ireland has achieved a significant milestone in solar energy development, with its installed capacity reaching an impressive 1.76 GW as of July 1, 2024. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), this marks an extraordinary 160% increase from the previous year. For deeper insights into Ireland’s progress, you can explore detailed analyses in the Ireland Solar News Archives.
This surge was driven by the completion of more than 90 large-scale projects, each with a capacity of at least 5 MW. These projects now account for 55% of the total installed capacity, while the remaining 45% comes from small-scale and rooftop solar installations. This exceptional growth has positioned Ireland as the fastest-growing solar market in Europe—and the third fastest globally—for two consecutive years. For more details, visit PVKnowhow.
Ireland’s Solar Energy Production on the Rise
Reflecting this capacity growth, Ireland’s solar energy production has increased substantially, generating 1.5 TWh in 2024—a 150% rise from 2023. Solar power now contributes 5.4% to the country’s total energy production, up from 2.2% the previous year. This growth is a key part of Ireland’s strategy to diversify its renewable energy sources and reduce its dependency on fossil fuels. One notable achievement was the stunning 66 GWh output in April 2025. More information can be found here.
Future Goals: Ireland’s Solar Energy Ambitions
In 2025, the Irish government plans to launch the next round of the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS), a vital program for supporting renewable projects that will be open to all green technologies. The government’s aim is to increase the share of renewables in the national energy mix to 55% by 2025, up from the current 45%.
Looking further ahead, Ireland is targeting an installed solar capacity of 5 GW by 2027 as part of its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The government is also finalizing a new review of the RESS program, which is expected to be completed by the end of the year. This review will likely introduce stricter rules for grid connections to ensure future solar projects can be efficiently integrated into the national grid.
A Commitment to Renewable Energy
The rapid expansion of solar power in Ireland demonstrates the country’s profound dedication to renewable energy and its commitment to combating climate change. With strong government support and a clear focus on long-term sustainability, Ireland is firmly on track to becoming a leader in renewable energy in Europe. For more on Ireland’s solar energy advancements, visit PVKnowhow.
