€19 Billion a Year: What Ireland’s Energy Transition Means for Solar

Ireland’s energy transition is more than a climate imperative—it’s a once-in-a-generation economic opportunity.

That’s the clear message from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland’s latest report, Ireland’s Sustainable Energy Supply Chain Opportunities, launched this week at the SEAI Energy Show.

The headline?

Ireland’s energy transition could be worth up to €19 billion in capital investment per year by 2030—with over 40% of that investment potentially staying in Ireland.

For solar, this is a pivotal moment.

Solar PV: A Rising Star in the Energy Economy

The report estimates the Irish utility-scale solar PV market will be worth €669 million annually by 2030. Of that, Irish firms are well placed to capture nearly €309 million. That includes critical phases such as:

• Planning and permitting

• Feasibility studies

• Installation and commissioning

• Operations and maintenance (O&M)

While Ireland doesn’t currently manufacture solar panels at scale, our local enterprises excel in project delivery and service provision.

“This report reinforces what we in ISEA have long advocated—that solar energy isn’t just good for the environment, it’s good for Irish enterprise,” says Conall Bolger, CEO of the Irish Solar Energy Association.

“Ireland is well placed to lead in planning, installation, and operations for solar PV, but that opportunity won’t realise itself. We need joined-up policy, strategic investment in skills, and a clear commitment to supporting Irish businesses at every level of the supply chain. The transition is underway—now it’s about making sure Ireland captures its fair share.”

From Domestic Resilience to Global Readiness

The SEAI report doesn’t shy away from the challenges. While Ireland is well positioned for domestic delivery, the report highlights limited capacity to compete in international markets—yet. Building domestic scale is the first step toward export-readiness, especially in high-value areas like smart grids, solar PV integration, and clean tech innovation.

The six recommendations in the report are practical and actionable. They include:

• Developing targeted training and certification frameworks

• Leveraging Ireland’s strong R&D base

• Promoting sustainable procurement and green business practices

• Prioritising high-value markets like solar PV, EV infrastructure, and energy-efficient construction

At ISEA, we welcome this clarity. The report aligns closely with our advocacy agenda—especially the call for capacity-building and long-term skills strategies to meet the solar sector’s accelerating demand.

Why This Matters Now

In just a few short years, solar PV has moved from the margins to the mainstream in Ireland. Deployment has surpassed expectations, driven by falling costs, supportive schemes like RESS and MSS, and increasing consumer and investor confidence.

But to deliver on Climate Action Plan targets—and unlock the full value of Ireland’s solar potential—we must scale faster, smarter, and more locally. This is our moment to build a solar industry that doesn’t just meet domestic needs, but powers long-term employment, exports, and innovation.

🔗 Read the full SEAI report