Building stability and circularity into Ireland’s solar future

Ireland’s energy system is changing faster than at any point in its history. In just two years, installed solar capacity has surged by 160 per cent, powering more than 140,000 homes and cutting almost 400,000 tonnes of CO2 annually, writes Ronan Power, CEO of Solar Ireland.

With rapid growth comes new responsibilities, both for the grid which must integrate record levels of non-synchronous generation, and for the industry that must ensure solar assets are part of a true circular economy.

A world leader in managing non-synchronous penetration

The Irish grid has long been a ‘stability island’ – weakly interconnected and highly renewable. Our transmission system operator has pioneered policies and technologies to allow world-leading levels of non-synchronous penetration, proving that solar and wind can be integrated at scale without compromising reliability. From synchronous compensators at Moneypoint to fast-acting storage and DS3 system services, Ireland has built a blueprint that Europe now looks to as it phases out fossil fuels.

As solar grows from 1.7GW today to 8GW by 2030, this expertise will be vital. Solar Ireland continues to work with members, regulators and policymakers to ensure the system can accommodate higher daytime peaks, enable hybrids, and avoid curtailment. Stability is not an obstacle; it is an opportunity to lead.

Towards a circular solar economy

Just as important as generation is what happens at the end of a panel’s life. Globally, millions of tonnes of PV modules are expected to reach end-of-life over the next two decades. If recycled systematically, they could supply over 20 per cent of the industry’s future demand for glass, aluminium, copper and silicon, and nearly 70 per cent for silver.

Ireland has an opportunity to embed circularity from the outset, developing recycling pathways, supporting innovation in material recovery, and ensuring panels are designed for second life. Solar Ireland is committed to working with government, academia and industry partners to establish the frameworks that will make solar not just clean, but truly sustainable.

Solar Ireland’s mission

Our vision is clear: to support a decarbonised, equitable and sustainable energy future. That means driving policy for grid stability, ensuring cost-effective deployment, and embedding circularity so that solar continues to deliver environmental, social and economic benefits for generations.

As Ireland’s solar industry body, we are proud to lead these conversations – from non-synchronous penetration to panel recycling – and to represent the expertise of our members as we build generation for generations.

Learn more

W: www.solarireland.ie