Ireland’s solar capacity has surpassed 2 GW, driven by rapid rooftop adoption, says ESB Networks
Solar generation met over 21% of national electricity demand at summer peak, underscoring its growing system role
However, SEAI had earlier cautioned that Ireland risks missing its 2030 solar target without stronger policy measures
Ireland’s national solar capacity has surpassed 2 GW for the first time, supported by over 155,000 rooftop solar PV systems across homes, farms, and businesses, says the country’s electricity system operator, ESB Networks.
The increase follows steady growth since the country’s maiden solar farm was commissioned in April 2022, it adds. Neoen commissioned the 8 MW Millvale Solar Farm back then in Wicklow as the 1st grid-scale solar project to connect to the national grid under the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS).
Since then, the country’s total installed PV capacity has now grown to 2.1 GW. Solar Ireland had previously pegged the cumulative PV capacity of Ireland as having exceeded 1.7 GW as of June 17, 2025 (see Ireland’s Cumulative Installed Solar PV Capacity Exceeds 1.7 GW).
ESB says that at its summer peak, solar generation supplied more than 21% of Ireland’s national electricity demand, adding that this is equivalent to powering 1 in 5 light bulbs in the country.
“This landmark achievement demonstrates the growing role of solar energy in Ireland’s journey towards a low-carbon future and supports the national target of sourcing 80% of electricity from renewables by 2030,” said ESB Networks Head of Programme Delivery John O’Connor. “The contribution of households installing rooftop solar and major renewable developers delivering large-scale projects has been instrumental in reaching this milestone.”
According to Solar Ireland CEO Ronan Power, the country has more than doubled its solar capacity within 3 years, which shows growing momentum for Ireland to achieve its 8 GW solar target for 2030, and go beyond it.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) had previously stated that Ireland will likely miss its 2030 target for renewable energy share, including the 8 GW solar target, by up to 2.9 GW with existing measures. With rooftop solar support and additional measures, it can reach a maximum of 6.5 GW, still falling short of the 8 GW goal under the Climate Action Plan (CAP24). It recommended stronger policy support to curb delays in the rollout of renewables (see Ireland Far From Achieving 2030 Wind & Solar Targets, Says SEAI).
