Ireland has energised the first solar project supported under the Small-Scale Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (SRESS), the programme designed to help farmers, community groups, businesses and other smaller-scale developers participate in renewable electricity generation.

The 650 kW Meadhill Solar project, located in Cork, was developed by local farmer Sean Keating and combines solar generation with sheep grazing around and beneath the panels.

According to the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, the project will generate enough renewable electricity to power approximately 150 local households annually.

The milestone comes just weeks after Ireland surpassed 3 GW of installed solar capacity, underlining the rapid expansion of the country’s solar sector.

Over 1 GW of solar added in 2026

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O'Brien said Ireland has added more than 1 GW of solar capacity so far in 2026, highlighting the pace of growth in the sector.

He said smaller-scale projects can complement larger renewable developments while allowing farmers, businesses and community groups to participate directly in the energy transition.

In the case of Meadhill Solar, the government also highlighted the potential for projects of this type to provide farmers with a stable, long-term source of income alongside traditional agricultural activity.

A route to market for smaller renewable projects

The SRESS complements other government support schemes for renewable electricity, including the utility-scale Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) and the Microgeneration Support Scheme for self-consumers.

The scheme is intended to provide a route to market for smaller renewable projects developed by farmers, communities, businesses and other participants.

With Meadhill Solar now energised, Ireland has brought the first SRESS-backed project into operation as the country continues to expand its solar generation capacity.