Ireland’s solar energy boom is gaining momentum, with counties like Mayo, Offaly, Kerry, and Kilkenny leading the charge in embracing renewable power. As households across the country seek ways to cut energy costs and reduce their carbon footprint, solar installations have surged—even in the face of reduced grant support. New data from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) shows that 2024 was a record-breaking year for solar adoption, marking a major step towards a greener and more energy-independent Ireland.
Mayo: A Solar Hotspot in the West
Mayo has emerged as one of the top counties for solar growth, ranking second in the country for the percentage increase in new installations. SEAI figures reveal that 835 homes in Mayo installed solar panels in 2024, contributing to a remarkable 42.5% increase in solar installations—the second highest percentage growth nationwide.
This surge comes despite a €300 reduction in the maximum SEAI solar grant in January 2024, bringing it down to €2,100. Even with the grant dropping again in January 2025 to €1,800, the demand for solar panels remains strong.
Kerry and Kilkenny: Embracing the Solar Shift
Alongside Mayo, Kerry and Kilkenny have also seen a significant rise in solar installations. While Offaly led the country with a 46% increase, Mayo, Meath, and Kerry followed closely behind, showing that the shift to solar is particularly strong in rural and coastal areas.
Nationally, 29,151 households installed solar panels with grant support in 2024—a 24% increase on 2023 figures. The highest number of installations were recorded in:
Dublin (6,391 homes)
Cork (3,269 homes)
Galway (1,929 homes)
But while the cities continue to lead in total numbers, rural counties like Mayo and Kerry are seeing the fastest growth in solar adoption.
Why Are So Many Homes Going Solar?
Several factors are driving this surge in solar power:
- Soaring Energy Costs – Ireland continues to have some of the highest electricity prices in Europe, prompting homeowners to look for long-term savings.
- Better Awareness – More people are realising that solar panels work even on cloudy days, making them a reliable energy source year-round.
- Improved Return on Investment – Even with grant reductions, the cost savings from solar panels make them a smart financial choice.
- Sustainability Goals – Many homeowners are choosing solar not just for savings, but also to reduce their carbon footprint and support Ireland’s transition to renewable energy.
Busting the Myth: Do Solar Panels Work in Irish Weather?
A common concern among Irish homeowners is whether solar panels are effective in Ireland’s often cloudy climate.
Absolutely.
This is because solar panels generate electricity from daylight, not just direct sunlight. Even in overcast conditions, panels can still produce significant amounts of power. See our blog on it here to get further insight.
Solar Overtakes Coal in Europe for the First Time
The shift to solar is not just happening in Ireland—it’s a Europe-wide trend. In 2024, solar power overtook coal for the first time in European history, generating 11% of the EU’s electricity compared to coal’s 10%.
The EU produced 304 TWh of electricity from solar in 2024, a 22% increase from the previous year. Meanwhile, coal’s contribution fell to 269 TWh, highlighting the rapid transition towards renewables.
Where Does Ireland Stand?
Ireland has been slower than much of Europe to adopt solar power, but 2024 marked a turning point. The SEAI’s Energy in Ireland 2024 revealed that:
- Solar power accounted for 1.9% of Ireland’s electricity generation in 2023, compared to 3.5% from coal.
- Ireland generated 0.65 TWh of solar electricity in 2023—a 335% increase on 2022.
- Large-scale solar farms contributed two-thirds of all solar electricity in Ireland last year.
Although full-year data for 2024 is not yet available, early figures suggest Ireland may have surpassed 1 TWh of solar electricity generation, with roughly three-quarters coming from utility-scale solar farms. If this trend continues, 2024 could be the year Ireland generates more electricity from solar than coal for the first time.
The Road to 2030: Ireland’s Solar Future
Ireland has set an ambitious target under the Climate Action Plan to install 8GW of solar capacity by 2030, with the goal of having 80% of all electricity generated from renewables by the end of the decade.
With solar installations growing rapidly in Mayo, and beyond, it’s clear that Ireland is well on its way to a brighter, cleaner future. As more homeowners make the switch to solar, the country is taking an important step towards energy independence, lower electricity bills, and a greener environment for future generations.
Interested in making the change? Contact us for a free consultation today.
