Forecasting the future of solar energy in Ireland

As we continue to push the boundaries of Ireland’s energy transition, it is evident that solar power is playing an increasingly critical role in reshaping our energy landscape. With Ireland’s solar installed capacity having expanded rapidly, the question now is: where do we go from here? … asks Declan Cullinane, ISEA Board Chair.

At ISEA, we understand the monumental effort that lies ahead. While solar has quickly become a key part of our energy mix, the journey is far from over. We need to forecast the path forward with clarity, address the roadblocks, and harness the opportunities that will allow us to meet our ambitious targets.

What the data tells us

Ireland’s solar sector has reached a pivotal moment. The government’s target of 8GW of solar capacity by 2030 is an achievable milestone, but it requires us to double our current rate of deployment. The Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS), combined with evolving policies, has helped us gain substantial ground. However, continued momentum will depend on further policy refinement and market innovations to ensure every watt of solar potential is realised.

As we move towards 2025, the sector will see an increase in rooftop installations across the residential, commercial and industrial sectors. Simultaneously, utilityscale solar will grow, supported by Ireland’s ever-improving policy landscape. Strategic planning and investment will be crucial in ensuring that Ireland’s solar sector remains competitive, sustainable and resilient in the face of evolving energy demands. The key challenges are as follows:

Declan Cullinane is the Country Manager for BayWa r.e. in Ireland, specialising in the utility-scale development of solar, wind and storage projects. With a degree in mechanical engineering and over 15 years of experience in the design, commercial viability and construction of renewable energy projects across Europe, emerging markets, and Ireland, Declan brings a wealth of expertise to his role. He is responsible for the operations and strategic growth of BayWa r.e. in Ireland, focusing on development and acquisition initiatives. Since joining the board of the Irish Solar Energy Association (ISEA) in 2021, Declan has been an influential leader. He assumed the role of Chair this year, driving forward the agenda for renewable energy in Ireland.

Grid integration

Solar energy’s expansion is putting pressure on Ireland’s grid infrastructure. We have seen tremendous growth, but the grid needs to evolve to accommodate the higher levels of intermittent renewable energy. Building grid capacity and improving storage solutions will be essential to manage increased solar input without compromising system stability.

Regulatory and planning barriers

Solar energy projects are moving at a rapid pace, but existing planning and regulatory frameworks are not keeping up. While there have been positive developments, such as exemptions for rooftop solar and new microgeneration support schemes, further reforms are needed to streamline approval processes and enable faster project delivery.

Public perception and engagement

Solar energy brings tangible benefits to communities, but we must work harder to communicate these advantages and address concerns. Public perception can either be a barrier or a driver, while proactive engagement with local communities is crucial for ensuring widespread support for solar projects. We must identify opportunities and focus on where we can make strides. Potential areas to concentrate on are:

Economic growth and job creation

Solar energy has the potential to be a significant economic driver. Recent estimates suggest that achieving 8GW of solar capacity could create 15,000 jobs across the sector by 2030. This is not just about building solar farms – it is about fostering a skilled workforce, supporting regional economies, and bolstering Ireland’s green credentials.

Technological innovation

The rapid advancement in solar technology is an opportunity we cannot overlook. More efficient panels, integrated storage solutions and smart grids will transform how we generate, store and distribute solar energy. These innovations will also drive down costs, making solar energy increasingly accessible to homes, businesses and developers.

Stronger policy frameworks

The EU-wide Solar Standard, mandating solar installations on new buildings by 2026, is just the beginning. Continued advocacy and close collaboration with policymakers will be essential to ensure that Ireland stays ahead of the curve, not just meeting, but exceeding, the targets set for the sector.

Strategic priorities: what to focus on Advocacy and Policy Reform – At ISEA, we will continue to push for policies that support the long-term growth of the solar industry. This includes advocating for grid capacity improvements, planning reforms and market mechanisms that allow for fair pricing of solar energy.

Collaboration across the sector –

To build a strong and sustainable solar industry, we must foster collaboration across the supply chain. This also includes developers, suppliers and financial institutions working together to overcome bottlenecks and to ensure that the solar sector can scale efficiently and sustainably.

Investment in people and skills –Solar is not just about technology … it is about people. Developing the skills and expertise needed to support the sector’s growth is crucial. By investing in education and training, we can build a workforce capable of delivering Ireland’s ambitious solar goals.

Vision for 2030

By 2030, I see a future where solar energy is deeply embedded in Ireland’s energy infrastructure. With 8GW of capacity in place, solar will power over 20% of our electricity needs, reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, and make a significant contribution to Ireland’s climate goals.

This future is not just about energy generation – it is about transforming how we live and work. From urban rooftops to large-scale rural solar farms, solar energy will be a key pillar of Ireland’s energy independence and economic growth. As technological advancements continue to unfold, we will see smarter, more resilient energy systems that meet the needs of our communities while safeguarding the environment.

Moving forward together

As we look to the future, ISEA remains committed to guiding Ireland’s solar energy journey. The road ahead is challenging, but it is also full of promise. Together, with continued collaboration, innovation and strategic investment, we can achieve the ambitious vision we’ve set out for Ireland’s solar sector. Let’s all work together to unlock the full potential of solar energy and build a cleaner, greener future.