Project Spotlight: Using Solar to Strengthen Business Resilience

When people think about solar energy, they often picture homes or large solar farms.

Increasingly, however, some of Ireland's most recognisable businesses are demonstrating that rooftop and onsite solar have become strategic business investments. One such example is The Smugglers Inn, the award-winning boutique hotel and restaurant overlooking the Atlantic in Waterville, Co. Kerry.

Operating a year-round hospitality business means managing significant electricity demand. Commercial kitchens, guest accommodation, restaurant services, bars and wellness facilities all require reliable, affordable energy throughout the day and into the evening.

For businesses like Smugglers Inn, energy is not simply another overhead – it is fundamental to delivering the customer experience.

Building resilience, not just generating electricity

Working with Solar Ireland member SolarSmart Energy, Smugglers Inn recently installed a 72 kWp ground-mounted solar PV system alongside integrated battery storage, creating a smart energy system designed around the hotel's operational needs.

The installation is expected to:

• Generate around 67,000 kWh of electricity each year
• Supply approximately 55% of the hotel's annual electricity demand
• Reduce emissions by around 22 tonnes of CO₂ annually
• Deliver projected savings of more than €19,000 every year

These are impressive figures. But perhaps the most interesting part of the project isn't the solar array itself. It's how the business is using solar generation, battery storage and intelligent energy management together to maximise the value of every unit of electricity it produces.

Solar+ in action

What makes this project particularly interesting is that it goes beyond solar generation alone.

The installation combines 160 bifacial solar panels, Sigenergy SigenStor hybrid inverters and 45 kWh of battery storage to create a fully integrated energy system. Rather than exporting all excess electricity, the batteries store energy generated during the day for use when demand is highest.

During the summer, excess solar generation is stored before powering the evening restaurant service, when electricity demand peaks. In winter, the batteries can charge overnight using lower-cost electricity before supplying power during the busiest periods of the day.

Approximately 75% of all electricity generated is expected to be consumed onsite, reducing reliance on imported electricity while improving operational resilience.

This is a practical example of what Solar Ireland describes as Solar+ – combining solar PV, battery storage and smart energy management to maximise value for businesses while supporting a more flexible electricity system.

Built by Solar Ireland members

Projects like this also demonstrate the strength of Ireland's growing solar supply chain. The project brought together the expertise of Solar Ireland member SolarSmart Energy, which designed and delivered the installation, together with battery storage technology from fellow member Sigenergy.

By combining high-performance solar generation with advanced energy storage and intelligent controls, the project demonstrates how collaboration across the sector is delivering practical, future-ready energy solutions for Irish businesses.

Designed for Ireland's toughest conditions

Located less than 100 metres from the Atlantic Ocean, the project also demonstrates how modern solar technology can perform in some of Ireland's most challenging environments.

Marine-grade components, specialist earthing and surge protection, together with bifacial dual-glass solar panels, were selected by SolarSmart to withstand salt spray, coastal winds and humidity while ensuring long-term reliability.

Remarkably, the installation was completed in less than two weeks, demonstrating how quickly well-designed commercial solar projects can be delivered with minimal disruption to business operations.

A growing opportunity for Irish businesses

As energy prices remain a key concern for businesses across Ireland, projects like Smugglers Inn demonstrate that solar is no longer simply an environmental initiative. It is becoming part of long-term business strategy.

Across hospitality, manufacturing, agriculture and retail, organisations are increasingly investing in onsite renewable generation to improve resilience, manage operating costs and strengthen competitiveness.

Solar Ireland's Scale of Solar 2026 report highlights this growing trend, with commercial and industrial rooftop solar continuing to play an increasingly important role in Ireland's clean energy transition.

Projects like Smugglers Inn demonstrate how Ireland's solar sector is evolving beyond standalone generation. By combining solar PV, battery storage and intelligent energy management, businesses are reducing costs, improving resilience and making better use of every unit of clean electricity they generate.

It is a practical example of Solar+ in action, and of the innovation being delivered by Solar Ireland members across the country.