Ireland’s Solar PV Growth in 2025: A Year of Records

2025 was a milestone year for solar photovoltaic (PV) power in Ireland — with record installations, significant grant uptake, and growing contributions to the country’s clean energy transition.

According to SEAI data, 2025 was the highest year on record for solar panel installations and government grants under the SEAI schemes. Over 102,000 homes have now been grant-aided for solar panels since 2018, and roughly a third of those happened in 2025 alone. Businesses also saw strong uptake, with more than 4,500 enterprises supported to reduce energy costs through renewable technologies.

Industry reporting also highlights that Ireland has now passed 2 GW of installed solar capacity nationwide. Of this, around 1 GW is installed on rooftops of homes, farms, sports clubs and businesses, indicating that solar is no longer a niche technology but an increasingly ordinary part of the national energy mix.

Domestic, Commercial & Building-Scale Adoption

In 2025 grant data, tens of thousands of solar PV schemes received funding:

• Over 33,000 solar PV grants were awarded to households, marking a significant increase in uptake compared to previous years.

• Over 4,500 businesses accessed grants across every county in Ireland.

This broad adoption reflects both consumer interest and confidence among commercial operators and building owners in the value of solar power — not only for environmental reasons but also for long-term energy cost savings.

Power Generation & Environmental Impact

Ireland’s solar capacity growth is now generating substantial clean electricity. One industry analysis estimates that Ireland’s solar PV generation in 2025 could total around 1.5 million MWh — enough to meet the annual electricity needs of more than 370,000 homes.

This increase in solar generation displaces fossil fuel-based electricity and has a measurable environmental impact. More generation from renewables means fewer greenhouse gas emissions, reduced reliance on imported energy, and a stronger contribution to national climate targets. Renewable generation growth also supports greater energy security, particularly at peak demand times.

Looking Forward

With solar capacity measured in gigawatts rather than megawatts and grant uptake at record levels, solar PV is clearly becoming a core part of Ireland’s energy mix rather than a side-line renewable technology. Continued growth in 2026 and beyond will be shaped by policy, grid readiness, and how installers and households leverage updated grant schemes and commercial solar opportunities.