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From:Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment

Minister for Climate, Energy, and the Environment Darragh O'Brien has highlighted that this week saw the highest ever level of daily solar electricity generation on the national grid. On Tuesday (yesterday), EirGrid data shows that (grid-scale) solar generation topped 1,258 MW just before 1pm – the highest level witnessed thus far. To put that in context, solar energy accounted for approximately one third of all electricity used at that time across the country.

Commenting, Minister O'Brien said:

"This week has seen a major milestone – establishing a new daily record for grid-scale solar energy. It’s fitting that this happens in a week where we will witness a historic solar eclipse – one that I hope people up and down the country can enjoy safely, taking all precautions. This new daily peak comes on the back of EirGrid's most recent monthly report – showing that July was a record month for solar energy in Ireland.

"We currently have over 8 GW of renewable electricity generation capacity connected to the network. To put that into perspective, we have added approximately 5 GW of new renewable electricity generation capacity in just ten years. That includes a doubling of our wind energy capacity, along with establishing a strong solar energy supply. Just over 10 years ago there were 2 MW (megawatts) of solar in Ireland. Now there are over 2.6 GW (gigawatts). A rooftop revolution is underway, as households take up government grant supports to install rooftop solar.

"Solar energy is now firmly established as a key pillar of our electricity supply, from rooftop installations to utility-scale solar farms. Solar is now the third highest supplier of indigenously generated electricity to the electricity grid.

"By reducing demand on the grid during daylight hours, solar energy helps to alleviate demands from other energy sources at key times – this supports a more resilient energy system. Evidence shows that both rooftop and utility-scale solar generation are increasingly displacing gas generation during midday periods, particularly at this time of year when solar is at its strongest. This will ultimately help to lower electricity costs for households and businesses."

"The increasing affordability challenges – arising out of recent global events – underline the importance of continuing and accelerating the energy transition. Every megawatt of renewable electricity added to our system helps reduce our dependence on imported fossil fuels; this will stabilise prices in the long term and ensure a secure and affordable supply of indigenously produced electricity for Irish households and businesses.

"A diversified renewable electricity mix helps ensure a more stable and reliable electricity supply. Wind and solar complement each other by generating electricity at different times, under different weather conditions.

"The successful solar growth in Ireland has been underpinned by clear government policy and targeted support schemes and measures. Through initiatives such as the Solar PV Grant, and our various renewable electricity support schemes, solar deployment is supported at every scale. We are committed to funding the Solar PV Grant for the lifetime of this government, up until 2030."

To support solar deployment, the government has introduced a range of measures, including the Microgeneration Support Scheme (MSS), the Small-Scale Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (SRESS), and the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS). These schemes are helping households, businesses, farms, and communities to participate in Ireland’s renewable electricity transition.

Further information on the Domestic Solar PV Grant is available at the following link:Solar Electricity PV Grants | Home Energy Grants | SEAI.