Ireland reaches 1GW rooftop solar milestone
Ireland has reached a milestone of 1GW of rooftop solar panels installed nationwide.
There have been more than 170,000 recorded rooftop solar panel systems installed nationwide across homes, farms, businesses and community buildings.
The transition has been supported by SEAI solar PV grants and strong public engagement.
The milestone was marked on Friday with an event at Fingallians GAA Club in Swords, where a 120-panel installation supported by the Fingal Climate Action Fund.
The system will generate over 51,000 kWh a year, avoid 18 tonnes of CO₂ annually, and pay back within three to five years.
The system was installed by SolarSmart, one of Ireland’s growing network of local solar companies.
“Reaching 1 GW of rooftop solar is a milestone that belongs to communities across Ireland. Households, farms, sports clubs, small businesses and community groups are now generating their own clean power, reducing their bills and cutting emissions," said Minister or Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O'Brien.
"This progress shows exactly why continued support through SEAI grants and targeted investment in small-scale and community renewables is so important.
"When government, system operators and the industry work together, we can deliver real change on the ground – and today’s milestone is proof of that.”
Nicholas Tarrant, managing director of ESB Networks, said: “The rapid growth in rooftop solar installations in recent years demonstrates the positive local contribution towards our climate targets made by individuals across Ireland.
"Achieving the collective capacity to generate 1 GW of energy from rooftop solar represents a significant milestone. Approximately 50,000 solar installations are being completed annually on homes, farms, businesses, and within communities.
"By continuing to work together as a society, we will realise our climate ambitions and ensure a successful transition to a clean, electric future.”
William Walsh, CEO of the SEAI, said the milestone is "reflective of the incredible momentum in retrofit across all sectors".
"All across the country, people are taking more control over their energy bills, while making their homes and workplaces more comfortable through solar and other retrofitting measures supported by the SEAI," he added.
Ronan Power, CEO of Solar Ireland, said the milestone was "a national demonstration of what happens when policy certainty, public support and industry capability align.
Ireland has reached a mileston of 1GW worth of rooftop solar systems. (Pic: Chris Bellew/Fennell Photography)
"The momentum is extraordinary, and with continued support for SEAI grants and small-scale renewables, rooftop solar can remain one of Ireland’s most successful and inclusive climate solutions.”
Rooftop solar is projected to continue growing strongly through 2026, contributing to Ireland’s wider ambition of reaching 8 GW of total solar capacity by 2030.
Photo: Pictured are from left, William Walsh, CEO of SEAI, Bevin Cody, Strategy, Innovation and Electrification Manager ESB Networks, Ronan Power, CEO of Solar Ireland, Nicholas Tarrant, Managing Director ESB Networks, and Darragh O’Brien TD, Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment. (Pic: Chris Bellew/Fennell Photography)
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