What’s behind Ireland’s solar momentum?

The idea of solar power in Ireland always raises some questions.

Ireland is one of the least sunny countries in the world. Yet it has been experiencing quite a solar boom. Solar capacity is growing faster than ever, investments are piling, and solar is becoming a key player in the country’s energy plans.

What makes solar in Ireland more than just a trend?

Five factors powering Ireland’s solar surge:

1. Daylight over sunshine

Solar panels generate electricity from light, not heat. Even on a cloudy day, sunlight reaches the earth as diffuse light. And modern solar panels are designed to capture that efficiently.

Ireland isn’t exactly hot, but it gets long daylight hours, especially in spring and summer. This allows solar panels to keep producing power even on overcast. Output is usually lower than on a clear summer day, but it remains optimal. And importantly, heat plays no role here.

2. Cooler temperatures improve panel performance

All solar panels drop in voltage as they get hot. As panels heat up, their electrical efficiency falls, reducing overall output.

This is why panels lose efficiency in extremely hot climates. Meanwhile we see solar panels thriving even in the remote research stations of Antarctica. And it gets pretty cold there.

Ireland’s mild climate works in solar’s favor. Panels run close to their optimal temperature range for most of the year, keeping performance stable. While Ireland may not be bright all the time, it’s rarely too hot. And that makes a difference.

3. Using the long daylight hours

As previously mentioned, Ireland gets about 18 hours of daylight in the summer. The sun is not as glaring as in southern Europe but the longer window significantly boosts seasonal output.

This is particularly helpful for:

Agricultural operations
Commercial and industrial rooftops
Utility-scale solar parks

For these groups, solar goes strong exactly when electricity demand rises. Compared to many countries, Ireland uses far more electricity during the day than at night.

And solar sits just right with that pattern.

4. Complementing the wind

Ireland is proud of its wind energy leadership (rightfully so). But wind alone does not carry their system.

Wind generation is variable. It’s generally strongest at night or during winter storms. Solar fills the critical gap here. While wind energy dominates at night and in winter, solar peaks during the day and in summer. That’s an ideal renewable energy mix.

5. An economically viable choice

For businesses in particular, solar is largely becoming a financial decision. Returns are predictable and payback periods, shorter.

It’s no accident that solar costs have fallen dramatically. Panels are now manufactured through highly efficient processes that lower costs per unit. Installation has also become faster and more standardised. And rising electricity prices only make the case stronger.

And Ireland’s solar industry is already creating jobs! A recent KPMG report estimates well over 5,000 jobs across the country, including both direct and indirect roles. With many of these positions located outside Dublin, solar growth is opening avenues all across Ireland.

Moving with solar

Ireland has some big plans for solar. Under the Climate Action Plan, the country has set a national target of 8 GW of solar capacity by 2030. This will be a substantial increase, considering the market stood around 1.2 GW just a few years ago. This is ultimately part of Ireland’s wider push to decarbonize electricity and meet renewable energy goals.

Solar capacity is indeed picking up pace, with installations doubling over the past few years. The technology is ready. And the message for Ireland is clear: Ensure the wider system is able to deliver it fully to businesses and households alike. Success will likely depend on grid access, storage policies, and investment clarities.

But Ireland’s solar momentum is real. Solar has moved well beyond the margins and is now a key part of the country’s energy mix.