Solar Ireland, the country’s representative body for the solar industry, has welcomed the Government’s proposed Private Wires framework. However, it has also advised caution.
March 12, 2026
Speaking to the Oireachtas Committee on Climate, Environment and Energy, Solar Ireland warned that the private wires definition in the proposal could accidentally slow Ireland’s rooftop solar rollout for households.
Solar deployment has rapidly expanded in Ireland under current grid and safety standards; it now significantly contributes to the country’s renewable energy mix. Rooftop solar makes up 50% of Ireland’s deployed solar technology, alongside utility-scale projects.
Should the proposal go through, Solar Ireland is concerned that the definition of private wires may bring rooftop installations within a full licensing requirement – slowing down Ireland’s renewable energy deployment progress.  
“Rooftop solar now represents a central component of Ireland’s delivery toward its 2030 renewable electricity targets,” Solar Ireland CEO Ronan Power said to the joint committee.
“Under the definition of private wires as currently drafted, rooftop projects could require a full licence. Given the scale of deployment, that would place significant additional demand on the regulator and risks delaying thousands of households seeking to install solar each year.”
Related:Bimble Solar, TCL sign module distribution deal for the UK
Power stressed to the joint committee that private wires should be viewed as complementary to the electricity system, instead of a replacement for the national grid:
“The national grid will remain the backbone of Ireland’s electricity system… however, private wires can enable renewable generators to directly supply energy users and allow projects to proceed where grid connection timelines or costs would otherwise delay delivery.”
Power explained that the new regulatory framework should enhance and build upon the solar sector’s existing technical and safety standards where appropriate.
Considering that the industry has been “designing and operating grid-connected infrastructure under ESB Networks technical standards for many years”, Power told the joint committee that “New regulations should build on those standards where appropriate, avoiding duplication while maintaining strong safety oversight.”
If implemented correctly, in a way that Power noted should be “balanced and technically grounded”, the framework could be a marked success.
Speaking to the joint committee, he concluded that the reform had the potential to support industrial decarbonisation while also relieving pressure on the national grid.
Solar Ireland represents Ireland’s solar industry across its supply chain, working with the Government, regulators, and system operators to support responsible energy growth.
Related:Record year for home solar PV systems in Ireland in 2025 with over 34,000 grants awarded
Mar 24, 2026 TO Mar 25, 2026
Dallas, TX
The US solar industry is evolving fast. Developers, investors, and utilities are navigating hybrid assets, multi-state pipelines, storage co-location, and complex grid challenges. SolarPLUS USA brings together the people, insights, and connections you need to scale reliable, clean power across the US.
Read more about:
Catie Owen
Contributing writer
Since 2019, Catie has been writing news, interviews, client content and editing magazines. In recent years, her interest in sustainability has led her to pursue renewable energy as her primary beat. Having written primarily about solar energy and storage, Catie also enjoys covering the positive human impact of renewable technology.
Featured Event
The US solar industry is evolving fast. Developers, investors, and utilities are navigating hybrid assets, multi-state pipelines, storage co-location, and complex grid challenges. SolarPLUS USA brings together the people, insights, and connections you need to scale reliable, clean power across the US.
Copyright © 2026 All rights reserved. Informa Markets, a trading division of Informa PLC.

source