Solar Ireland welcomes Seán Sherlock as Director of Policy and Regulation

Solar Ireland has appointed Seán Sherlock as its new Director of Policy and Regulation, strengthening its policy leadership at a key point for Ireland’s solar sector.

Ireland’s solar capacity has grown rapidly in recent years. The policy focus is now increasingly on delivery: ensuring renewable electricity auctions are effective, grid investment and connection processes keep pace with deployment, planning frameworks are consistent and timely, and solar contributes meaningfully to energy affordability for homes, farms and businesses.

Seán brings more than two decades of experience at senior levels of Irish government, including service as a TD and Minister of State across education, enterprise, foreign affairs, and research and innovation. He also has extensive experience at EU level, including chairing negotiations on major research and innovation programmes.

His appointment comes as work continues on future renewable electricity support auctions, grid reform through the Accelerating Renewable Electricity Taskforce, and broader discussions on planning, flexibility and system integration. Solar Ireland has consistently highlighted the need for alignment across these policy areas to ensure that solar deployment translates into reliable, cost-effective outcomes for consumers and the wider energy system.

As Director of Policy and Regulation, Seán will lead Solar Ireland’s engagement with Government, regulators and system operators, with a focus on evidence-based policy, practical delivery, and constructive collaboration across the energy sector.

Ronan Power, CEO of Solar Ireland, said:
“Solar is now a core part of Ireland’s electricity system. The challenge is ensuring that policy, regulation and infrastructure work together to deliver secure, affordable power at scale. Seán’s experience across Government and regulation will strengthen our ability to engage on auctions, grid delivery, planning and system integration in a constructive and solutions-focused way.”

Seán Sherlock said:
“Ireland’s solar sector is scaling quickly, but the next phase is about integration and outcomes. Getting policy right across grid, planning and market frameworks will be essential if solar is to deliver clean, affordable energy at scale. I am looking forward to working with Solar Ireland’s members and stakeholders to support evidence-based, practical solutions.”

Seán has already joined the Solar Ireland team and is working across its core policy priorities, including renewable electricity auctions, grid connection and flexibility, planning and permitting, and the role of solar in reducing energy costs and supporting communities.

Solar Ireland also confirmed that Eva Barrett is departing the organisation. Eva has made a significant contribution to Solar Ireland’s evidence-based policy work and to building relationships across Government and the wider energy sector. Solar Ireland thanks her for her dedication and wishes her every success in the next chapter.