Ireland's Solar Boom: 1 GW Added in 2025 as Capacity Triples

Ireland experienced a solar revolution in 2025, adding over 1 gigawatt of new solar capacity and reaching 2,345 MW total installed capacity by year end, according to figures released this week by Solar Ireland. This represents more than triple the capacity installed in 2023, with over 170,000 Irish homes, farms, and businesses now generating their own clean electricity.

The milestone demonstrates that solar energy has transitioned from emerging technology to mainstream infrastructure in Ireland, with a record-breaking 34,088 households installing solar panels in 2025 alone.

Record-Breaking Growth Across All Sectors

The 1,005 MW of solar capacity added in 2025 marks a significant acceleration compared to 452 MW in 2024 and 543 MW in 2023. "2025 was a defining year for solar in Ireland," said Ronan Power, chief executive of Solar Ireland. "Solar remains the most accessible and fastest-to-deploy clean energy technology available in Ireland today, and when policy signals are clear, uptake follows."

At the time of writing, Ireland's total solar capacity breaks down as follows:

Rooftop solar proved particularly successful, surpassing 1 GW of cumulative capacity in December 2025. This milestone was achieved across more than 170,000 installations spanning homes, farms, businesses, and community buildings throughout Ireland.

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34,000 Households Went Solar in 2025

According to data from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, a record 34,088 households installed solar panels under the SEAI Solar PV Scheme in 2025. This represents a 16% increase from the 29,000 installations in 2024 and a 49% increase compared to 2023.

Five counties led the charge with over 1,000 installations each: Clare, Kerry, Waterford, Mayo, and Wexford. The SEAI processed its 100,000th paid application under the Domestic Solar PV Scheme by the end of 2025, marking another historic milestone for Irish renewable energy.

"The pace of adoption we saw last year shows that Irish households and businesses are taking climate action seriously," said Briain Kelly, editor at EnergyEfficiency.ie. "With SEAI grants and falling costs, solar PV is becoming an increasingly viable financial decision and a no-brainer for those looking to reduce their energy bills."

What's Driving Ireland's Solar Surge?

Several factors combined to create ideal conditions for solar adoption in 2025, and these supportive policies remain in place for 2026:

SEAI Grant Stability: The government's decision to maintain the full €1,800 SEAI grant for solar installations throughout 2026 provides crucial certainty for homeowners. At the time of writing, this grant significantly reduces upfront costs, with typical 5 kWp systems costing around €6,000 after grant support.

0% VAT on Residential Solar: The zero-rated VAT for residential solar panel installations remains in effect, further improving affordability for Irish households.

Rising Electricity Prices: With wholesale electricity prices still more than double their 2019 levels, the financial case for solar has never been stronger. Households with solar typically reduce electricity bills by 30 to 50%.

Proven Technology: With over 170,000 successful installations nationwide, solar is no longer experimental. It's a proven, mainstream technology backed by decades of panel warranties and thousands of satisfied Irish homeowners.

Quick Installation: Unlike many home improvements, solar can be installed in a matter of weeks, immediately reducing daytime electricity costs and providing instant returns.

Looking Ahead: 1.7 GW in the Pipeline

The momentum shows no signs of slowing. Solar Ireland reports that 1.7 GW of solar capacity is currently in the construction pipeline, with continued delivery expected across both utility-scale and rooftop sectors throughout 2026.

"What is particularly encouraging is the balance between utility-scale delivery and the continued expansion of rooftop solar across homes, farms, and businesses," Power noted. The sector is also seeing deeper integration of battery storage systems, which allow households to store excess solar energy for use during evening hours when electricity prices peak.

Ireland is targeting 8 GW of nationwide solar capacity by 2030. With 2,345 MW already installed and strong policy support continuing, this ambitious goal is increasingly achievable. According to KPMG's Sunrise report, meeting the 2030 target could deliver €2.3 to €2.7 billion in gross value added and support over 7,000 jobs by the end of the decade.

From Solar Curious to Solar Ready: Is Now the Time?

For Irish homeowners still considering whether solar is right for them, the 2025 figures provide compelling validation. This is not a niche technology or an uncertain investment. It's a proven infrastructure upgrade that over 170,000 Irish properties have already adopted.

The question is no longer "Does solar work in Ireland?" but rather "Am I missing out on savings by waiting?"

Key reasons 2026 is an excellent year to go solar:

• €1,800 SEAI grant confirmed to continue throughout the year
• 0% VAT saving hundreds of euros on installation costs
• Proven track record with 170,000+ successful Irish installations
• Payback periods of 4 to 7 years on average
• 25 to 30-year panel lifespans with manufacturer warranties
• Rising solar export payment rates up to €0.195 per kWh
• Immediate bill reductions of 30 to 50% for typical households
• Option to add battery storage for even greater savings and energy independence

Solar Plus Battery: Maximising Your Investment

While the 1 GW rooftop milestone is impressive, many solar owners are now adding battery storage to maximise their investment. Without a battery, households typically consume 30 to 40% of the solar energy they generate, with the remainder exported to the grid.

Adding a home battery system increases self-consumption to 70 to 80%, storing excess daytime solar generation for use during peak evening hours when grid electricity is most expensive. This is particularly valuable given the price volatility in Ireland's wholesale electricity market.

While there is currently no SEAI grant for battery storage, systems qualify for 0% VAT when installed alongside solar panels, and the payback period is improving as electricity prices remain elevated.

Solar for EV Owners: A Perfect Partnership

For the growing number of Irish EV owners, combining solar with a smart home charger creates exceptional value. Smart chargers like the Zappi and Ohme Home Pro can charge your vehicle directly from excess solar generation, making EV charging essentially free when the sun shines.

With EV sales surging 48.7% in January 2026 and battery-electric vehicles now outselling traditional petrol and diesel cars, the combination of solar panels and smart EV charging is becoming the new standard for forward-thinking Irish households. According to the SEAI EV home charger grant scheme, homeowners can claim €300 towards installation costs at the time of writing.

What the Solar Boom Means for Your Home

Ireland's solar success story demonstrates several important realities for homeowners:

Solar works in Irish conditions: With over 170,000 successful installations from Dublin to Donegal, Galway to Wexford, solar generates significant electricity year-round in Ireland's climate.

It's economically proven: The rapid acceleration from 29,000 installations in 2024 to 34,088 in 2025 shows that Irish households understand the financial benefits. People invest in solar because it makes economic sense.

Policy support is stable: Unlike many government schemes that come and go, solar grants have remained consistent, with the full €1,800 confirmed for 2026 and 0% VAT continuing.

You're not alone: Solar is no longer early-adopter territory. You'll be joining over 170,000 Irish properties that have already made the switch.

The sector is mature: With utility-scale farms, community projects, farm installations, and residential systems all growing, Ireland has developed a robust, experienced solar industry with trusted installers nationwide.

Final Thoughts

Ireland's addition of 1 GW of solar capacity in 2025, bringing total installations to over 170,000 properties, marks a turning point. Solar energy is now mainstream, proven, and economically compelling for Irish households.

The question for homeowners is no longer whether solar works in Ireland but whether they can afford to miss out on the bill savings, energy independence, and property value increase that solar provides. With SEAI grants, 0% VAT, and rising electricity prices, the financial case has never been stronger.

As Solar Ireland CEO Ronan Power concluded: "Ireland is demonstrating that with the right policy foundations, solar can scale rapidly. The priority now is sustained delivery, deeper system integration, and ensuring we remain firmly on track to achieve the 8 GW nationwide solar PV target by 2030."

Ready to Join Ireland's Solar Revolution?

Be part of Ireland's renewable energy success story. WattCharger has helped hundreds of Irish homeowners make the switch to clean, affordable solar power. As SEAI-registered installers and Safe Electric Certified contractors, we handle everything from system design to grant applications.

Get your free solar consultation from Ireland's trusted renewable energy experts and discover how much you could save.