Solar power generation in Ireland increased by 58% over the summer months, as the technology continued to expand its contribution to the country’s electricity system and reached new generation records.

According to provisional data from EirGrid, Ireland’s electricity grid operator and developer, solar generated 692 GWh between June and August 2026, up from 439 GWh during the same three-month period in 2025.

The increase was also reflected in solar’s monthly share of the electricity mix. Solar accounted for 8.2% in June, reached a record 9.4% in July and contributed 7.7% in August. By comparison, its share stood at 5.3%, 5.8% and 5%, respectively, during the same months of 2025.

Source: EirGrid

August brings two new solar records

The growth was not limited to overall generation. Ireland recorded two new peaks for electricity supplied by grid-scale solar power during August.

The first came on 11 August at 12:41 pm, when solar output reached 1.25 GW. Less than two weeks later, on 24 August at 11:43 am, the record was broken again as generation climbed to 1.3 GW.

The latest figure surpassed the previous record of 1.22 GW, set in May, and continued a series of milestones for Ireland’s solar sector. In April, the country exceeded 1 GW of electricity supplied by grid-scale solar for the first time.

“These milestones show how important solar power has become in Ireland as a source of renewable energy as well as the progress that we are making towards a more sustainable electricity grid,” said Diarmaid Gillespie, EirGrid’s Director of System Operations.

Renewables provide almost 29% of Ireland’s electricity

Overall, renewable sources supplied almost 29% of Ireland’s electricity in August. Wind remained the country’s largest source of renewable generation, accounting for 18% of the electricity mix, with total output reaching 498 GWh.

Solar contributed a further 7.7%, highlighting its growing role in the Irish power system following a summer marked by successive generation records.

Meanwhile, gas accounted for 42% of electricity used during the month, while 26% was imported through interconnectors.

Total electricity system demand reached 2,796 GWh in August, up slightly from 2,744 GWh in July.

Solar contribution expected to fall as autumn begins

EirGrid expects solar’s share of the electricity mix to decline as daylight hours shorten during autumn and winter. However, the grid operator said the technology will continue to support the electricity system during daylight hours.

“As we head into the autumn and the days get shorter, solar generation will contribute less to the fuel mix. However, it is still expected to provide support to the power system during daylight hours, even in the depths of winter,” Gillespie said.

The summer 2026 figures underline the rapid growth of solar in Ireland’s electricity system. Alongside the 58% year-on-year increase in generation between June and August, grid-scale solar has progressed from exceeding 1 GW for the first time in April to reaching a new peak of 1.3 GW just four months later.