Ireland’s solar association, Solar Ireland, has confirmed that the country has surpassed 1 GW of installed rooftop solar capacity, forming part of a total national solar capacity of 2.1 GW as of November 2025.

The milestone covers over 170,000 rooftops nationwide. It was celebrated at Fingallians GAA Club in Dublin, where a 120-panel installation is expected to generate more than 51,000 kWh per year, cut 18 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, and deliver a return on investment within three to five years. The system was installed by local company SolarSmart and supported by local government.

Ronan Power, CEO of Solar Ireland, said Ireland reaching 1 GW of rooftop solar represents a “national demonstration of what happens when policy certainty, public support and industry capability align” and described rooftop solar as one of Ireland’s most “successful and inclusive climate solutions.”

The Irish government has prioritised expanding rooftop solar, providing grants through the Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland (SEAI). In November 2025, the government confirmed that the residential rooftop solar grant will remain at €1,800 in 2026. Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien, noted that the milestone “shows exactly why continued support through SEAI grants and targeted investment in small-scale and community renewables is so important.”

William Walsh, SEAI CEO, described the 1 GW achievement as reflective of “incredible momentum in retrofit across all sectors.” Nicholas Tarrant, Managing Director of ESB Networks, highlighted that approximately 50,000 solar installations are being completed annually on homes, farms, businesses, and within communities, reinforcing the sector’s growth and adoption.

Explore the full details of Ireland’s rooftop solar milestone and its implications for the renewable energy sector in the complete story.