Ireland Reaches 1 GW of Rooftop Solar – A Major Milestone for Homes, Farms, Clubs and Businesses Nationwide
Ireland has marked another major milestone in its clean-energy transition, with 1 GW of rooftop solar now installed across the country.
From homes and farms to sports clubs, SMEs and community buildings, rooftop solar has become one of Ireland’s most successful and accessible climate solutions, supported by SEAI solar PV grants and strong public engagement.
Rooftop installations have grown rapidly in recent years and now exceed 170,000 systems nationwide. This 1 GW milestone demonstrates the crucial role households and communities are playing in reducing emissions, lowering energy costs and strengthening Ireland’s energy security.
Darragh O’Brien TD, Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, welcomed the achievement:
“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. 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 ESB Networks, emphasised the importance of continuing to build on this accomplishment:
“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, Chief Executive of SEAI, highlighted the importance of rooftop solar as one of Ireland’s most successful climate actions:
"Today's 1 GW announcement is reflective of the incredible momentum in retrofit across all sectors. With generous government grants available through SEAI, it's no surprise demand has been so high. Households, farms, sports clubs, and small businesses are all making solar an important part of reducing their reliance on fossil fuels. 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.”
Ronan Power, Chief Executive of Solar Ireland, highlighted the significance of the moment:
“Hitting 1 GW of rooftop solar is far more than a number, it’s a national demonstration of what happens when policy certainty, public support and industry capability align. Behind this milestone are more than 170,000 homes, farms, clubs and businesses who made the choice to generate clean power for themselves and their communities. Rooftop solar is reducing energy bills, supporting local installers, cutting emissions and strengthening Ireland’s resilience. 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.”
The milestone was marked today at Fingallians GAA Club in Swords, where a 120-panel installation supported by the Fingal Climate Action Fund will generate over 51,000 kWh a year, avoid 18 tonnes of CO₂ annually, and pay back within 3–5 years. The system was installed by SolarSmart, one of Ireland’s growing network of local solar companies.
Rooftop solar is now projected to continue growing strongly through 2026, contributing to Ireland’s wider ambition of reaching 8 GW of total solar capacity by 2030.