According to a recent report from the association, Ireland has already deployed approximately 680 MW of solar power across 59,888 generators.
The majority of this capacity comes from seven large-scale plants surpassing 5 MW each, collectively contributing 349 MW. Additionally, microgeneration solar arrays, consisting of systems up to 12 kW, add 208 MW to the overall capacity. While Small-scale ground-mounted PV plants for self-consumption contribute 95 MW, mini-generation systems ranging from 12 kW to 50 kW make up an additional 5 MW.
Currently, Ireland operates utility-scale systems totaling 22 MW (ranging from 1 MW to 5 MW), systems ranging from 200 kW to 1 MW amount to 0.3 MW, and systems with a capacity between 50 kW and 200 kW account for 0.54 MW.
The Irish Solar Energy Association stated that by the end of 2023, ESB Networks predicts nearly 1 GW of solar power will be connected from domestic rooftop installations to utility-scale projects. And thus the solar industry is positioned as the fastest-growing renewable power source in Ireland.
Rooftop PV installations are supported in Ireland to be operated through its net metering scheme, including a rebate program. This initiative aims to facilitate the deployment of approximately 380 MW of solar capacity.
In addition, the country encourages large-scale solar projects through an auction mechanism. In the initial renewables auction, 796 MW of generating capacity is allocated by the Irish authorities, with an average weighted bid price of €0.07408 ($0.08)/kWh for the technology-neutral auction.
From PV Magazine