Planning Permission Unlocks 1GW Solar Milestone
Struggling with high energy bills? Ireland’s 1GW rooftop solar breakthrough shows planning permission paves the way for cost-saving clean power on homes and farms.
Ireland has achieved a key renewable energy target, installing 1 gigawatt of rooftop solar systems nationwide. This capacity spans over 170,000 installations on homes, farms, businesses, and community sites. Growth accelerated recently, with about 50,000 new systems added each year. The milestone highlights widespread adoption driven by supportive policies and public enthusiasm.
Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien TD praised the progress as a vital step in the nation’s clean-energy shift. He noted how households and communities contribute to emission reductions and enhanced energy security. ESB Networks Managing Director Nicholas Tarrant stressed the local impact, pointing to rooftop solar’s role in meeting climate goals through collective action.
Ronan Power, Chief Executive of Solar Ireland, described the 1GW mark as evidence of aligned policy, support, and industry efforts. Installers benefit alongside users who see lower bills and greater resilience. Projections indicate continued expansion toward 8GW total solar capacity by 2030, bolstered by SEAI grants for small-scale renewables.
Key enablers include streamlined processes like An Bord Pleanála decision reviews for larger projects, alongside exemptions for most domestic setups under planning permission thresholds. Farms often navigate flood-risk development assessments, yet approvals for solar arrays proceed efficiently. This framework supports housing scheme approval integrations and material contravention considerations where needed, minimizing environmental impact while accelerating deployment.
Total operational solar now exceeds 2.1GW across all types, per recent data up to mid-2025. Rooftop systems lead this surge, outpacing ground-mounted installations. Businesses and clubs join households in harnessing sunlight, fostering local jobs and grid stability. Future growth hinges on sustained grants and regulatory clarity.
- 170,000+ rooftop systems operational.
- 50,000 annual installations recently.
- Targets: 8GW total solar by 2030.
- Benefits: Bill savings, emission cuts, energy security.
Originally reported in Irish Farmers Journal on Tue, 16 Dec 2025 02:10:53 +0000. Full story
