Meadhill Solar Farm Powers Up Under New Support Scheme
Ireland’s first solar project under the Small-Scale Renewable Electricity Support Scheme has officially energised in Cork. The initiative enables farmers to diversify income while contributing significantly to the nation’s expanding clean energy portfolio.
Source:
Gov.ie / MerrionStreet
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⏱️ 2 min read
Ireland’s renewable energy sector has reached a significant milestone with the energisation of Meadhill Solar Farm in Cork, marking the first project to come online under the Small-Scale Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (SRESS). This development underscores the rapid acceleration of solar capacity across the country, which recently surpassed 3 GW of installed power. The 650 kW facility, developed by local farmer Sean Keating, uniquely integrates agricultural use by allowing sheep to graze beneath the panels, demonstrating a practical synergy between farming and green energy generation.
Minister for Climate, Energy, and the Environment Darragh O'Brien highlighted the project's role in diversifying the national energy mix, noting that over 1 GW of solar capacity was added in the current year alone. He emphasised that small-scale developments are crucial for reducing reliance on fossil fuels and enabling community groups, businesses, and farmers to actively participate in the transition. The SRESS complements larger utility-scale initiatives and microgeneration grants, providing a structured route to market for smaller producers.
Support for this dual-use approach was echoed by Minister of State Niall Collins, who pointed to additional agricultural supports such as the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS) for rooftop solar on farm buildings. With nearly 3.2 GW of total solar capacity now installed and over 200,000 homes equipped with panels, the sector is growing alongside the dominant onshore wind industry. The Meadhill project generates enough clean electricity to power 150 households annually, offering farmers a stable, long-term revenue stream alongside traditional operations.
Minister for Climate, Energy, and the Environment Darragh O'Brien highlighted the project's role in diversifying the national energy mix, noting that over 1 GW of solar capacity was added in the current year alone. He emphasised that small-scale developments are crucial for reducing reliance on fossil fuels and enabling community groups, businesses, and farmers to actively participate in the transition. The SRESS complements larger utility-scale initiatives and microgeneration grants, providing a structured route to market for smaller producers.
Support for this dual-use approach was echoed by Minister of State Niall Collins, who pointed to additional agricultural supports such as the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS) for rooftop solar on farm buildings. With nearly 3.2 GW of total solar capacity now installed and over 200,000 homes equipped with panels, the sector is growing alongside the dominant onshore wind industry. The Meadhill project generates enough clean electricity to power 150 households annually, offering farmers a stable, long-term revenue stream alongside traditional operations.
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