There has been a surge in new solar farm applications across the country in the first eight months of the year. Analysis by the Irish Farmers Journal shows that approximately 5,191ac of new solar farms were submitted for planning between January and early September, representing 29 projects.

The proposed solar farms vary considerably in size, ranging from small, ground-mounted arrays covering around 3ac, to large utility-scale projects approaching 600ac.

This analysis refers only to new applications received in 2025 and the figures include the area under panels, access tracks, buildings and any other structure associated with the development. The projects are at various stages of the planning process, including those granted or refused permission, under appeal or currently producing further information. Applications made in 2024, but decided in 2025 have been excluded, as are the projects which are still at the consultation stage.

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The majority of the projects are located in counties in Leinster. Wicklow has recorded the largest number of new applications so far this year, with four projects ranging in size from 39 to 444ac, one of which is linked to a data centre.

Cork has received three solar farm applications in 2025, ranging from nine to 442ac. Clare, Cavan, Kilkenny, Laois, Meath and Westmeath each have two projects planned. Carlow, Kerry, Limerick, Louth, Mayo, Roscommon, Tipperary and Wexford each have one.

Westmeath is the county with the largest total area of proposed new solar farms, at over 800ac. This is followed by Wicklow with just over 700ac, Kildare with just under 700ac, Tipperary at 550ac, and Kilkenny at 530ac. So far, of the new applications, four have been approved while five have been refused. The remainder are still under consideration in the planning system.

What is driving the boom?

The push for solar farms shows no signs of slowing down, as the fundamental drivers remain unchanged.

Ireland has ambitious solar targets, but beyond that, there is strong demand for lower-cost renewable electricity.

Large-scale, utility solar farms are designed to export power to the national grid and are supported under a government scheme. Alongside these projects, many companies are developing smaller-scale solar farms to supply their own premises.