Ireland’s solar energy increased by 49% in the last year and by 160% since 2023, new figures show today.
Solar Ireland said solar power is now meeting the electricity needs of over 370,000 homes and preventing more than 395,000 tonnes of carbon emissions each year.
May was a record-breaking month for Irish solar power as it supplied 6.5% of the country’s total electricity demand, up from 3.2% in May last year.
A new peak was set on 18 May, when solar met 21.1% of national demand at 1:45 p.m.
19 utility-scale solar farm sites now operational and contributing just over 50% of total installed capacity.
But microgeneration from rooftop solar panels on homes and small business is also making a significant impact – over 138,000 homes now have rooftop solar, representing 576 MW of capacity and a 55% increase year-on-year.
“This year’s report shows just how far we have come in such a short space of time,” said Ronan Power, CEO of Solar Ireland.
“Solar has moved from a concept to essential national infrastructure, delivering clean power to hundreds of thousands of homes, supporting local jobs, and cutting carbon emissions at scale. We are seeing real momentum across every part of the country, and it is being matched by real impact,” Mr Power said.
He said that analysis from KPMG has also shown that solar is not just a climate solution, but is a driver of jobs, investment and long-term resilience.
“With up to €7.3 billion in economic output forecast between now and 2030, this sector is becoming a cornerstone of Ireland’s clean energy economy,” Ronan Power said.
“Ireland’s solar future depends on converting strong momentum into sustained delivery. With more than 21 GW of solar and solar-hybrid projects in the pipeline, the sector is well positioned to play a leading role in meeting Ireland’s 2030 climate targets,” he added.
