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Facts about solar power

Solar Power

Solar energy is one of the fastest-growing renewable energy technologies in the world. To achieve a secure renewable energy system, solar, wind and storage must all be in place to ensure energy is available at all times. In simple terms, on a day with less wind, solar provides the power needed.

Ørsted develops, constructs, and operates solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, and globally we currently have 1,918 MW of solar PV systems under
construction. Across Ireland and the UK, we have 81 MW under construction and a 2+ GW pipeline.

Here in Ireland, the government has set out a solar PV target of 8GW by 2030, which reflects the growing importance of solar energy globally. At Ørsted we are fully committed to playing our part in this endeavour.

In 2024, we began construction on our first solar farm in Ireland – Garreenleen, in Co. Carlow and this 81MW first phase will pave the way for future investments to help Ireland hit carbon targets and become more energy secure and independent.

Our sustainable approach to project development balances complex technical insights with community input to develop solar projects that deliver for Ireland.

Facts about solar power

Solar panels need daylight – not just direct sunlight
The first practical silicon solar cell was demonstrated by Bell Labs in 1954
Most solar panels contain silicon.
Solar energy is on track to make up more than half of global electricity generation by the middle of this century.
Global solar panel production has skyrocketed.
The Irish Government’s solar PV target by 2030 is 8GW.
Well under 1% of Irelands agricultural land is required to hit our 2030 solar energy targets

Frequently Asked Questions

Why solar power?

Solar is one of the fastest-growing renewable energy technologies in the world. Solar energy is cost-competitive, it generates power when needed and has increasingly predictable output due to improved solar forecasting. In order for Ireland to continue to make strides in hitting our renewable energy targets and continue to move away from fossil fuels, it is essential that we have a diverse renewable portfolio to include onshore and offshore wind, solar power and battery storage working in harmony. Having locally produced energy in Ireland is essential to ensure security of energy supply and solar will play a major role in that. We also believe that utility-scale solar and battery storage will deliver electricity with increased value to the grid.
How much agricultural land is needed for solar energy?

In Ireland, 64% of the total area of Ireland is agricultural land. According to Teagasc, there is about 4.9mn hectares or 12.1 million acres of utilised farming land in Ireland. While solar electricity is a relatively new entrant to the market, the rule of thumb for solar farm development is 3.75 to 5 acres per MW; in reality, it can be closer to 3MW/acre. That means less than 1% of the agricultural land in Ireland is needed to get to 8GW of utility scale solar power in Ireland, and even at that farming practices can still take place on these lands.

So, the land can still be used for agriculture?
Yes. The land beneath the solar arrays will remain available for use for livestock which can pass under the panels. The land can also still be farmed for other uses, such as crops and beekeeping. If not used for these purposes, it is still possible to use the grass for silage production and the lands will be managed to return to regular agricultural practices if and when the solar farm is decommissioned.
Where will the electricity be used?

The electricity generated from the solar farm developments will be fed into the national grid via the onsite substation and grid connection route. This will help to reduce the country’s carbon footprint, by providing more clean energy for the grid.
Will there be lighting on site?

Low level lighting is proposed as part of the substation compound, which is required by ESB Networks/EirGrid. This will only illuminate selected areas of the substation compound and be directed downward. In general, no lighting is required within the site beyond the substation compound. CCTV cameras proposed throughout the site operate using passive infra-red. These cameras will be directed internally within the site and will not monitor lands outside of the boundary.
Are solar farms noisy?

During the operation of the solar farm, the only potential noise sources anticipated on site are from inverter/transformer stations and the substation compound. These elements of the project will be set back adequately from nearby houses. The noise emissions from these sources will be analysed by an expert noise emission specialist to ensure that they are below regulatory limits. As a result of this assessment, we generally expect to reduce noise emissions at local receptors below these regulatory levels.
Can Solar Farms affect human health?

No. The solar panels used on solar farms are the same, or similar to, those placed on the roofs of houses. Solar panels are primarily constructed from silicon, and the electronic components are fully encased.

When the time to decommission arrives, Ørsted will ensure used solar panels, and all other electrical components will be recycled where possible, with a decommissioning plan agreed with the planning authority at that time. It is considered that with properly managed facilities there is no risk to health and safety from the materials to be used on the proposed solar farm.
Do Solar Farms devalue property?

No. Research funded by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) looked at studies of property prices in several countries including the United States and the United Kingdom which have significantly higher levels of ground mounted solar PV than we currently have in Ireland. There was no evidence that a property’s proximity to ground-mounted solar electricity farms has a negative impact on property prices.
Will there be a visual impact?

As part of the planning process, a landscape and visual consultant will be appointed to conduct a landscape and visual impact assessment (LVIA) of the solar farm. As part of this the consultants will develop photomontages that will show viewpoints of the site both before and after the construction of the proposed development and will include the screening and planting proposed. This will ensure that sufficient screening is developed to protect visual amenity in the area and will allow the public to get an idea of what the project will look like within the locality.
What will the site boundary be and how will it be maintained?

Orsted Ireland’s standard design includes a new fence, hedge, and the planting of native species along the boundary of the solar farm. The fence is typically located three metres inside the new hedge line. These hedges are typically between three to six meters in height and the fence is two metres in height.

Hedges will be maintained similarly to how a road or other boundary would be maintained, through targeted trimming at suitable times of the year. All cutting is completed in line with best practice and will maintain adequate screening throughout the lifetime of the project.
Will there be a lot of traffic?

No. The main effects from traffic are associated with the construction of the solar farm. A comprehensive traffic management plan will be put in place during the construction phase which will define details such as routes and delivery times for heavy goods vehicles and routes to be used by construction workers. The purpose of the traffic management plan is to maintain safety on local roads and avoid negative effects on local traffic and residences. The construction phase of solar farms is not intensive and is spread over the site through different phases. The construction of a solar farm typically takes 12 months.

The operation of the solar farm will be monitored remotely with regular maintenance required at the site which will be completed by light goods vehicles (LGVs).