Ireland’s solar capacity reached 2.7 GW by May 2026, showing 297% growth since 2023 and 50% growth in 12 months. Utility-scale solar remains the largest segment, but rooftop and distributed solar also expanded significantly. Solar generated over 1.1 TWh of electricity in the 12 months to May 2026, contributing to daytime demand and system resilience.
The report highlights solar’s growing role in Ireland’s energy system, moving beyond capacity to influence system operation and structure. Utility-scale solar projects like Clonfad and Lehinch are driving renewable electricity generation, while distributed solar is expanding across homes, farms, schools, and businesses.
Solar is increasingly contributing to energy resilience, system flexibility, and public participation. Microgeneration alone exceeds 800 MW, with over 100,000 domestic solar grants supported. The report emphasizes the importance of battery storage, flexibility, and energy storage as solar generation expands.
Ireland’s solar sector is attracting significant investment, with KPMG projecting over €2.3 billion in GVA by 2030. The report stresses the need for workforce development, with Solar Ireland partnering with Collins McNicholas to launch a Renewable Energy Workforce & Skills Survey.
Globally, solar is one of the fastest-growing sources of electricity generation, with Ireland’s growth reflecting a successful energy transition. The report places Ireland’s solar market within the broader European and global context, highlighting the opportunities for further growth.
Policy and regulatory developments like RESS auctions and RED III are shaping the route to market, with a shift towards frameworks that consider system integration, supply chain resilience, and industrial competitiveness. The report concludes by emphasizing the importance of continued investment and coordination across policy, planning, grid infrastructure, skills development, and market design to support Ireland’s solar sector’s growth.
