Ireland’s solar power generation reached a record share of the country’s electricity mix in July, helped by the month’s unusually warm and sunny weather, according to provisional figures from grid operator EirGrid.
Grid-scale solar farms supplied 9.4% of Ireland’s electricity last month, up from 8.2% in June and 5.7% in July 2025. The figures cover electricity produced by commercial solar facilities and do not include power generated by household solar panels and exported to the national grid.
Despite the sharp increase in solar generation, renewable sources as a whole accounted for only a slightly larger share of Ireland’s electricity supply than a year earlier. Renewables represented 32.3% of the electricity mix in July, compared with 32% during the same month last year.
The modest overall increase reflected a decline in wind generation, which remains one of Ireland’s most important renewable sources. Wind accounted for 22.4% of electricity supply last month, down from 24.1% in July 2025.
Electricity generated from other renewable sources also fell considerably, dropping to 0.5% from 2.3% a year earlier.
Gas remained the largest source of electricity for the country, although its contribution declined significantly compared with last year. Gas accounted for more than 43% of Ireland’s electricity supply in July, compared with about 51% during the same month in 2025.
Imports played a larger role in meeting demand. Almost 24% of Ireland’s electricity requirements were supplied through imports last month, compared with just over 15% in July 2025.
The figures come as Ireland continues to expand its renewable electricity capacity while seeking to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. Solar power has become an increasingly important part of the electricity system, particularly during periods of strong sunlight when generation from large solar farms can rise quickly.
EirGrid data showed total electricity demand stood at 2,744 gigawatt-hours in July. That was broadly similar to the 2,734 GWh recorded during July 2025.
The figures highlight the changing balance within Ireland’s electricity system. Solar generation has expanded rapidly, but the latest data also show that increases in one renewable source do not necessarily translate into a major rise in the overall renewable share when wind output or other renewable generation declines.
With electricity demand remaining relatively stable, the composition of Ireland’s power supply continues to depend on weather conditions, renewable generation, domestic production and electricity imports.
