Solar Energy Ireland

The solar industry in Ireland is on the rise, creating numerous opportunities for solar professionals. Here are the key areas where they can excel in 2025:

1. Emerging Solar Projects:

With Ireland's target of 8 GW of solar capacity by 2030, there will be numerous large-scale solar farms, mini-generation projects, and residential installations. This will open doors for professionals to work on diverse and ambitious ventures.

As the solar industry expands, there will be a growing need for skilled workers in solar panel installation, maintenance, and predictive weather analytics.

2. Grid Integration:

Grid integration in Ireland strives to accommodate increasing solar capacity. It is crucial and helps to ensure a smooth and efficient energy supply. Solar professionals can contribute to grid integration projects.

3. Government Assistance:

The government of Ireland has introduced policies like the Micro-Generation Support Scheme (MSS) and the Small-scale Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (SRESS) to provide grants and fixed tariffs for solar projects.

Professionals can leverage these incentives to develop and manage solar panel installations that align with national energy goals.

4. Community Engagement:

The renewable energy targets of Ireland provide solar professionals with opportunities to connect with

potential clients who are motivated to adopt sustainable solutions. It can significantly increase the probability of converting potential customers into actual ones.

Engaging with local communities to promote solar energy adoption and develop community-based projects can create new opportunities for professionals. This includes working with homeowners, businesses, and local authorities to implement solar solutions.

This approach creates opportunities for collaboration and fosters public support for renewable energy initiatives.

Worth Reading: 10 Tips for Solar Professionals to Succeed in 2025



Challenges and Mitigation Strategies

While Ireland's solar industry is brimming with opportunities, it also faces its fair share of challenges.

However, solar professionals can overcome these hurdles with the right strategies and help drive the industry forward. Here are some of the challenges and strategies to address them.

1. Unpredictable Weather: 

Ireland's variable weather conditions, including prolonged overcast, can negatively impact solar energy

production.

Mitigation strategies include investing in high-efficiency solar panels that can capture even the sunlight scattered by clouds, implementing advanced weather forecasting tools, regular maintenance of solar panels, optimal panel placement, and hybrid systems (combining solar panels with wind power) to access a more stable energy supply.

2. Planning and Permitting: 

The National Planning Authority often struggles to resolve solar planning appeals within the required 18 weeks. In many cases, decisions take longer. These delays in planning and permitting can slow down the project pace and create uncertainty. 

Simplifying these processes and ensuring quicker decisions can help address this issue. It will keep solar projects on track.

3. Policy Inconsistencies:

The gradual reduction in grant support for rooftop solar PV systems under the Micro-Generation Support Scheme (MSS) has become a significant obstacle.

Farmers also get confused about environmental taxes, with the conditions attached to Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT), Agricultural Relief, and Capital Gains Tax (CGT) Retirement Relief.

These tax issues discourage farmers from offering land for solar projects. Policy discrepancies, especially taxes, make deploying solar energy effectively harder.

The key solution to overcome these challenges is to advocate for clear and supportive policies.



Future Projections of the Solar Energy Sector in Ireland

The solar sector in Ireland is rapidly growing, bringing with it a mix of opportunities, achievements, and challenges. Let’s take a look at what the future holds for solar energy in Ireland.

1. Growth Targets:

Ireland has ambitious goals to reach 8 GW of solar capacity by 2030. This target is sparking major investments and growth in the solar sector.

The Climate Action Plan 2024 (CAP24) envisions Ireland as a climate-resilient, biodiversity-rich, and environmentally sustainable nation. The plan aims to achieve a climate-neutral economy by 2050.

2. Economic Impact:

The solar industry is expected to grow significantly, which will create more jobs. Employment in the sector is projected to increase accordingly.

3. Technological Advancements:

Continued innovation in solar technology and energy storage solutions will enhance efficiency and address weather-related challenges, making solar energy more reliable and cost-effective.

4. Environmental Gains:

Solar energy will reduce Ireland's carbon footprint and help the country meet its climate goals. One goal is to generate 80% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

Learn More: Emerging Trends in Solar Energy: A Global Perspective

In a Nutshell

Ireland's ambitious sustainable goals position the solar industry for significant growth. It offers both exciting opportunities and challenges.

The Irish Government's inclination towards enhancing solar capacity, supportive schemes, and technological advancements are key factors driving the nation’s green future.

While unpredictable weather and policy inconsistencies seem to be major obstacles to significant renewable electricity generation, innovative solutions, and strategic efforts can overcome these challenges.

Hence, with the right vision and correct actions, 2025 could be a game-changing year for solar energy in Ireland, driving growth, job creation, and environmental benefits.

Know More About Sunbase

Sunbase is ready to help Ireland achieve its renewable energy goals. Discover how Sunbase Solar Software can drive the transition to cleaner and greener energy. Contact us today to learn more!

FAQs

Q1. What is the future of solar power in Ireland?

According to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) report, in May 2024, solar power contributed 10% of Ireland's electricity on a single day, a significant increase from 0% the previous year. Moreover, solar energy is emerging as a promising resource as Ireland aims to generate 80% of its electricity from renewable sources.

Q2. How can micro-generation solar PV systems contribute to Ireland's energy transition?

By installing micro-generation solar panels, households, and small businesses can generate their own electricity. It reduces the burden on centralized power plants.

Q3. How can Ireland protect its solar power from unstable weather?

Ireland can ensure steady solar power generation despite unpredictable weather by adopting hybrid systems, using advanced weather forecasting tools, investing in high-quality solar panels, and properly maintaining them.