Solar Ireland 2026: From Ambition to Delivery
Around 600 delegates gathered to explore what comes next for Ireland's fastest-growing renewable technology.
On 18 June, policymakers, industry leaders, developers, network operators, investors, researchers and communities came together at the RDS for Solar Ireland 2026, our flagship annual conference.
Under the theme Energising Life – Decarbonising how we live, this year's conference explored how solar is becoming embedded in everyday life across Ireland, and what is needed to deliver the next phase of the country's energy transition.
The event also marked the launch of the Scale of Solar 2026 report, providing the latest evidence on the remarkable growth of the sector and the opportunities that lie ahead.
A sector coming of age
The conference opened with a powerful message from Solar Ireland CEO Ronan Power.
Just four years after Ireland's first utility-scale solar farm connected to the grid, the country has reached 2.7GW of installed solar capacity, with 1GW added in the last 12 months alone.
Solar quickly is becoming an essential part of Ireland's electricity system, helping to power homes, farms, businesses and communities across the country.
But as Ronan reminded delegates, reaching 2030 targets is not the destination. The focus must now shift to what comes next, including long-term targets, stronger infrastructure and policies that support continued growth.
Six themes emerged throughout the day
1. Delivery has become the priority
Across every session, speakers agreed that the conversation has fundamentally changed.
The challenge is no longer whether Ireland should invest in solar. The challenge is how quickly projects can be delivered, connected and integrated into the wider electricity system.
Planning reform, grid investment and regulatory certainty all emerged as critical priorities.
2. Solar is becoming part of everyday life
Whether discussing rooftop solar, manufacturing, farming or public buildings, the conference repeatedly returned to one central idea:
Solar is no longer something happening "over there". It is becoming part of everyday life.
From reducing household energy bills and supporting farmers to improving business competitiveness and strengthening communities, solar is delivering tangible benefits across Ireland.
3. Energy security and affordability now go hand in hand
Ireland's dependence on imported fossil fuels remains a significant challenge.
Speakers highlighted the role solar can play in reducing exposure to international energy markets while helping households and businesses manage energy costs.
The discussion also explored new approaches to ensuring the energy transition benefits everyone, including vulnerable households and communities.
4. Storage and flexibility are moving centre stage
One of the strongest themes throughout the conference was the growing importance of battery storage and flexibility.
Whether considering rooftop solar, utility-scale projects or lessons from Spain, speakers agreed that storage will be essential to maximising renewable generation, reducing dispatch down and strengthening the electricity system.
5. Rural Ireland has a major role to play
The session on Solar Farms, Land & Rural Renewal highlighted the growing opportunities for farmers and rural communities.
From diversification and long-term income to biodiversity enhancement and community benefit funds, solar is increasingly supporting rural development alongside Ireland's climate ambitions.
6. Ireland has a unique opportunity
International keynote speaker José Donoso, CEO of Spain's UNEF, shared lessons from one of Europe's most mature solar markets.
His message was clear: countries that provide long-term certainty, invest in infrastructure and continue adapting regulation will attract investment and accelerate deployment.
Ireland has many of the ingredients needed to become a renewable energy leader. The challenge is maintaining momentum.
Launching the Scale of Solar 2026 report
A highlight of the day was the launch of the Scale of Solar 2026 report by Minister Darragh O'Brien.
The report highlights the extraordinary progress made across the sector while identifying the priorities that will shape the years ahead.
Key findings include:
- 2.7GW of solar connected by May 2026
- 1GW connected in the previous 12 months
- More than 190,000 homes powered by solar
- Ireland remains one of Europe's fastest-growing solar markets
Download the Scale of Solar 2026 report
Thank you
Solar Ireland would like to thank all of our speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, members, delegates and partners for helping make Solar Ireland 2026 our largest and most impactful conference to date.
Together, we are helping shape a more secure, affordable and sustainable energy future for Ireland.
View the conference photo gallery
The conversation continues
While the conference has come to a close, the work continues.
Over the coming weeks, we will continue sharing insights from the conference, stories from the Scale of Solar 2026 report and examples of how solar is already transforming homes, farms, businesses and communities across Ireland.
We look forward to continuing the conversation throughout the year and to welcoming you to Solar Ireland 2027. The date will be announced soon.