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< Back Solar companies seek priority for permits and longer leases for operation ​ Caroline O'Doherty 27 Feb 2023 ​ Recent studies produced byAFRY and commissioned by the Irish Solar Energy Association show that solar offers an opportunity to decarbonise Ireland's electricity system quickly, if the barriers to solar deployment are lifted. Society benefits as solar predictably generates energy at peak day-time hours, displacing fossil fuel-based electricity generation, and leading to lower electricity prices and lower emissions, says ISEA CEO Conall Bolger in the Irish Independent. Read the reports here . Previous Next

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< Back Buzz in the solar farm sector as industry targets 25,000ac ​ Stephen Robb 26 Oct 2022 There's was a notable buzz at this year's Solar Ireland 22 conference, writes Stephen Robb Previous Next

Working Groups Routes to Market 2024 Agenda The Routes to Market WG is working to secure the commercial viability of Irish solar projects. RESS-4 design Industry good practice Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (CPPAs) Private wires (commercial) Contact Planning 2024 Agenda The Planning WG aims to optimise the planning system to ensure a smoother, faster delivery of utility-scale projects. Planning and Development Bill 2023 Promotion of Best Practice Planning Guidance Stakeholder engagem ent and planning education Contact Grid 2024 Agenda The Grid WG advocates for more efficient connection processes for utility-scale solar projects. Connection policy & grid access Delivery of grid connection works Constraint/curtailment & firm access policy Opportunities for connection cost reductions Hybrids Contact Solar Rooftop Standards 2024 Agenda The Solar Rooftop Standards WG is working to set standards for good customer care in domestic solar panel installation. Promotion of consumer-focused guidance on solar panel installation Refreshment of domestic solar PV installer Code of Practice Development of industry standard for domestic PV installation Contact

< Back ISEA welcomes Minister Eamon Ryan's accelerated solar targets Photo credit: Neoen Renewables Irish Solar Energy Association 27 Nov 2022 Minister committed to 5GW solar by 2025 The Irish Solar Energy Association (ISEA) has welcomed the ambitions for Ireland’s solar industry revealed by Minister Eamon Ryan yesterday evening as he addressed the Green Party Conference in Athlone. Minister Ryan said that by the end of the government’s term in office “Ireland will have installed 5,000MW of capacity”, which is five years earlier than previous 2030 target. Welcoming the Minister’s comments Conall Bolger, CEO of ISEA said “Solar energy can play a major part of Ireland’s clean energy future. The Minister has presented a challenge, one which the industry is ready to accept. “Solar potential is evident across numerous vectors. We estimate that 640MW of utility scale solar is currently under construction or energising, 1,534MW is contracted to deliver by 2025, while a further 5,000MW worth of projects hold planning permission. There are record levels of individuals and organisations seeking to participate in the solar revolution; ESB Networks report they are processing 300 applications per week for microgeneration. “In the industrial and corporate space, there are very promising developments. Last week saw Microsoft announce that it was contracting with 900MW of renewable projects for their electricity output, much of it solar. Subject to the removal of regulatory barriers, we hope to see the emergence of promising business models like: large energy users directly linking their operations to a solar farm (“direct lines”); and solar farms co-located with storage like batteries or wind on one site (“hybrids”). “It is a stretch target, but it can be done if stakeholders accept that business as usual will not suffice. The solar revolution referenced by the Minister is happening, the question for Ireland is how quickly we can mobilise our delivery capacity, and how big a part we want to play in that revolution. “2022 has seen many positive developments for Ireland’s solar industry from the first solar farms connecting to the national grid to the introduction of the microgeneration support scheme and the removal of planning barriers for rooftop solar. “Given the wider context of runaway climate change, and our level of energy insecurity, it is extremely encouraging that Minister Ryan and his government colleagues recognise solar’s potential, want to realise it sooner and are promising to establish the policy framework that will the country achieve this milestone.” Concluding Bolger said that one of solar greatest assets is the speed at which it can be delivered. “Solar can go from a concept to a constructed clean electricity source within a matter of months. In order to meet these new targets on time and exceed them in the years ahead we need a policy, regulatory and planning framework that is optimised for the rapid deployment of solar. Achieving this will allow Ireland to ensure we maximise our solar potential and reap the decarbonised benefits.” For Further Information: Brian Harrison, MKC Communications Ph: 087 9211841 E: brian@mkc.ie Photo credit: Neoen Renewables Previous Next

< Back Elimination of VAT on domestic solar installations from 1 May welcomed ​ Irish Solar Energy Association 5 Apr 2023 ​ The Irish Solar Energy Association (ISEA) has welcomed confirmation that a 0% VAT rate will apply to the installation of domestic solar panels from 1 May. ISEA say that the rapid implementation of this policy will benefit consumers and the industry. Commenting following the decision, Conall Bolger, CEO of ISEA said “The welcome announcement of a 0% vat rate for solar will make it a bit easier for householders to participate in the solar revolution. The fact that we now know this is to be introduced without delay, on 1 May, provides welcome clarity. Households can proceed with orders for solar installations with the knowledge that lower costs should apply from next month. Previous Next

< Back State neglecting ‘private wires’ to ease energy demand from data centres, solar body claims ​ Adrian Weckler 19 Jan 2023 Data centres could be empowered to source their energy demands more easily, says Irish Solar Energy Association Private wires could be a great asset in reducing demand for electricity in Ireland. Easing legislative restrictions on private wires would allow large demand users to connect directly to their own renewable energy sources, says ISEA CEO Conall Bolger. Previous Next

< Back Solar power planning guidelines aim to speed up Irish renewables Photo credit: Statkraft Ireland Irish Solar Energy Association ​ ​ New planning guidelines for the delivery of solar farms in Ireland have been published today by the Irish Solar Energy Association (ISEA). The best practice guidance, which has been drafted following extensive consultation with industry and planning officials, aims to bring greater clarity and certainty to planning around this form of essential energy infrastructure. Ireland has ambitious targets to reach 8GW of solar power by the end of the decade. Despite the first Irish solar farms only connecting to the national grid in May 2022 there is now a total of 17 connected today, highlighting the need to deliver a significant increase in the coming years. ISEA state that ensuring an efficient planning process will be essential to delivering upon this target. Published by ISEA Best Practice Guidance Report for Large Scale Solar Energy Development was researched by environmental consultants Fehily Timoney and Company (FT) and supported by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The Guidelines encompass a range of areas such as community engagement, archaeological assessments and glint and glare. It is designed to guide both applicants and planners with a unified approach. Speaking on the publication of the guidance ISEA CEO Conall Bolger said “Solar farms typically have a have a high approval rate in the planning process. However, a lack of resources among local authorities and inconsistencies between planning bodies can lead to delays in processing applications." "In producing these guidelines, we aim to address the challenges that both applicants and planners face to deliver higher quality applications that can processed in a more efficient manner in future.” SEAI CEO William Walsh said “Solar energy will play a major part in Ireland reaching its decarbonisation targets. Stakeholders have a responsibility to ensure that there are clear approaches in place around planning and consenting for renewable energy projects. These guidelines are an example of where industry and the state can work together to identify possible barriers and create solutions to accelerate the development and deployment of solar energy." Jim Hughes, from the report author’s Fehily Timoney and Company said “These guidelines have been underpinned by extensive consultation across the industry. The Guidelines intend to provide a better understanding of large scale Solar PV and address perceived planning issues. These guidelines provide a framework for future planning applications helping to achieve continuity in application documents and decisions. The guidance document was published at the Solar Ireland 2023 conference in Cork this morning attended by over 450 industry figures. Read the report here . Previous Next

Our Team At ISEA, we know that renewable energy will be a key part of combatting the climate crisis, which is why we're set on solar. Chief Executive Officer Conall Bolger Conall has been the CEO of ISEA since 2021. He has significant markets, commercial, and policy experience, having worked across the energy value chain. Communications Manager Priscila Mc Geehan Priscila is a skilled marketing and communications professional with 20 years’ experience in strategic communications, public relations, and digital marketing. Head of Policy Dr. Eva Barrett Eva is the Head of Policy at ISEA. Eva has over 14 years’ experience working as a commercial lawyer and lecturer on energy, environment, and planning matters at national and international levels. Membership Officer Marta Ferreira dos Santos Marta is working on growing ISEA for the good of its members and the environment. She handles ISEA's membership development. Our Board of Directors Declan Cullinane Chair of the Board BayWa r.e. Gavin Blake Company Secretary Addleshaw Goddard Tara Reale Company Treasurer Goodbody Daniel Barnes SSE Richard Green Energia Group Eoin Naughton ESB Solar Ronan Murphy Amarenco Peter Russell Huawei Ireland Ronan Power Pinergy SolarElectric Seán Manley Altnua (Alternus Energy)

< Back Statement in response to land 'loss' claims ​ Irish Solar Energy Association 10 Mar 2023 ​ Leasing land for solar farms offers farmers an opportunity to diversify their revenue sources and earn a good income from hosting one of the solutions for the climate crisis on their land. That ownership of land is a key point; it is their land. In our society a person is free to make use of their land in a way that they deem fit. The planning process exists to determine whether a development is a suitable use for that land, offering citizens the opportunity to participate. That process has repeatedly determined that solar is an appropriate use of that land with a 93% success rate in planning. As per a recent article published in the Irish Farmers Journal, it is simply not accurate to claim that 3,000 acres in North County Dublin has been “lost” to solar farms. We estimate that the projects connected in 2022 would constitute an area under lease of approximately 920-1,000 acres. Panels do not cover the whole land holding, so in reality the area under panels is likely closer to 410-550 acres, one sixth of the figure quoted. The land between panels can be used for agriculturally relevant purposes such as grazing small animals or growing food. We think there is exciting potential in dual use of land for food and solar energy production, also known as agrivoltaics. It is national policy to combat climate change. The Government has set a target for 8GW of solar PV by 2030 which requires a concerted effort across industry, agriculture and society to deliver. We estimate that the ground mounted solar portion of that target would require 24,000-26,000 acres under lease, equivalent to 0.2% of total agricultural land or less than half the land currently used for golf courses. Solar will constitute a big part of the solution and require a relatively small portion of relevant land area. In that context, these concerns are not reflective of the real impact of utility scale solar. They also do not take account of the positive economic and environmental benefits accruing from solar. Previous Next

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< Back Ireland's Solar Revolution Photo credit: Neoen Renewables Irish Solar Energy Association 21 Jun 2023 Scaling new heights in clean energy and redefining our dependency on fossil fuels The Irish Solar Energy Association (ISEA) announces the launch of their ‘Scale of Solar’ report highlighting the remarkable growth of solar energy in Ireland and its significant impact on redefining our dependency on fossil fuels. This report sheds light on the country's burgeoning solar capacity and underscores the importance of embracing solar energy as a key driver of Ireland's sustainable future. As Ireland takes significant strides towards a greener future, the latest findings from the ISEA reveal a substantial expansion in solar power installations across the nation. This notable growth underscores Ireland's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, achieving climate targets, and fostering energy independence. The report goes on to show that in 2022 and 2023, projects resulting from the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS), which is a government initiative that provides support to renewable electricity projects in Ireland, began to energise and Ireland now has 371MW of utility-scale solar connected to the grid. There is now also 5MW of mini-generation projects connected to the grid, which are helping businesses, farms and other commercial operations become self-sufficient in terms of energy use. The report also highlights how almost 60,000 residential homes in Ireland now have solar panels on their rooftops, resulting in over 200MW being connected to the grid, with up to 500 inform and fit (NC6) applications processed every week. Thanks to the Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS), customers can now get paid for power they sell back to the grid and with the removal of the need for planning permission and introduction of the zero VAT rate on the supply and installation of residential solar panels, it’s never been a better time to invest in solar. Speaking about the findings in the report, ISEA CEO Conall Bolger said, "The increasing prominence of solar energy in Ireland marks a significant milestone in our journey toward a sustainable and carbon-neutral future. “With each passing day, we witness the profound impact that solar energy has on our society, economy, and environment. As we pass June 21st, the longest day of the year, we must capitalise on solar's true potential. “With almost 700MW connected to the national energy grid, we estimate that solar in Ireland can now generate around 600,000MWh of clean, renewable electricity per year. “We truly are at the beginning of a solar revolution. From a standing start, solar can scale quickly and we have seen it provide 10% of Ireland’s power already on a sunny day in May this year. As it grows, solar will continue to decarbonise parts of the grid that we couldn’t reach before. Homeowners providing over 200MW of capacity is a benefit that our system is already experiencing. It is incumbent on all stakeholders to work together to maximise the potential of solar in helping Ireland deliver a decarbonised electricity supply and to achieve the Government’s Climate Action Plan targets of 5GW of Solar PV Capacity by 2025 and 8GW by 2030.” A spokesperson from ESB Networks had this to say about the findings in the report: “As we reach mid summers day, almost 700MW of solar generation has connected to ESB Networks system to harness the renewable energy from the sun, this includes 371MWs of utility-scale solar. In context this is equivalent to removing the requirement to run two large gas power stations when it is sunny. The amount of solar connected includes almost 60,000 micro-generation customers who can now receive payments for any excess energy sold back to the grid.” “By the end of 2023, ESB Networks forecasts almost 1GW of solar will have connected from domestic rooftop to utility-scale solar projects. This makes the solar industry the fastest growing renewable power source in Ireland. ” The report, compiled using data sourced from ESB Networks, reveals Ireland's remarkable solar capacity growth, with solar installations multiplying at an unprecedented rate. This demonstrates the strong commitment of individuals, businesses, and the government in embracing renewable energy sources, ultimately leading to a more resilient and sustainable energy system for Ireland. The increasing deployment of solar energy not only reduces the nation's carbon footprint but also enhances energy security, job creation, and economic growth. Read the report. Previous Next