National milestones reached in solar energy generation

MINISTER for Climate, Energy, and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien, has announced another major milestone for solar energy in Ireland, with installed solar capacity passing the 3 GW (GigaWatts) milestone for the first time.

The roll-out of solar energy – from rooftop solar all the way up to utility-scale solar farms – continues to accelerate at pace.

The latest milestone comes just days after a new record for peak output from utility-scale solar farms was set on the national grid.

Generation from utility-scale solar farms on the grid has now surpassed 1.3 GW – supplying one third of the country’s total dispatchable electricity generation at that time.

Commenting on these developments, Minister O’Brien said: “This week we have seen two major milestones for utility-scale solar – reaching 3 GW (GigaWatts) of installed solar capacity and establishing a new record for peak utility-scale solar farm generation [1.3 GW] at a given time on the grid.

"At times on Monday of this week, we saw utility-scale solar energy exceeding a third of the total electricity mix on the national grid. These milestones highlight just how rapidly solar energy, including the growing rooftop revolution, is becoming a major part of our energy system.

“With continued investment in solar – across homes, farms, businesses and large grid-scale projects – Ireland is building a growing source of homegrown, clean electricity, and strengthening our energy security.”

Nicholas Tarrant, managing director, ESB Networks, added:

“This milestone underlines the growing role solar energy is playing in Ireland’s journey to a low-carbon future. The contribution of both domestic solar panels and major renewable developers delivering large-scale projects has been instrumental in passing the 3 GW threshold.

“ESB Networks is currently delivering a major programme of investment in the Irish electricity network under Price Review 6 to enable the further growth of renewables and support Ireland’s transition to a clean electric future.”

Ireland’s first grid-scale solar farm was energised in April 2022, and a rooftop revolution is already well underway across Ireland.

Over 200,000 homes across Ireland have installed solar panels, with over 120,000 homes receiving Solar PV grants since the PV support scheme began.

Data from the CSO shows that over 200,000 homes across Ireland have installed solar panels – many with SEAI support and some without.

SEAI received over 31,000 applications for Solar PV in 2026 (to the end of July). This is a 76% increase on the same period in 2025.

Moreover, free solar panels have been provided to 2,000 schools across Ireland.

Where excess energy is produced, it can be sold into the grid under microgeneration.

Speaking on the development of the programme, Minister O’Brien continued: “The successful solar growth in Ireland has been underpinned by clear Government policy and targeted support schemes and measures. We are committed to funding the Solar PV grant for the lifetime of this Government, up until 2030.”