Inspired by solar? Discover how community-led projects in Ireland, from GAA clubs to local cafes, are harnessing solar energy to cut costs and go green.
For years, solar energy has been a popular choice for Irish homeowners looking to reduce their electricity bills and carbon footprint. But a new wave is taking hold across the country, as community groups, sports clubs, and volunteer-led spaces are embracing solar to build a more sustainable and resilient future together.
At Munster Solar, we believe in the power of community. We’re proud to have assisted a diverse range of local groups in making the switch to solar. By leveraging support from SEAI grants and our expertise in system design and installation, these projects are not just saving money, they’re inspiring others to follow suit. Here are three of our most recent and inspiring community solar projects in Ireland.
Check out our latest solar projects to see how we’re making a difference with solar energy. We’ve worked on homes and businesses across Clare, Tipperary, Limerick, Waterford, and Wicklow. Our projects show our commitment to quality and sustainable energy solutions. Explore our work and see how we can help you go solar!
Knockshegowna GAA Club in Ballingarry, County Tipperary, is more than just a sports facility; it’s the heart of village life. They took a significant step towards sustainability with a 7kW solar PV installation, complete with a 5kW battery storage system. This setup helps the club drastically reduce electricity costs and lower its carbon footprint.
The 16-panel system is designed to power the club’s daily operations, but the real game-changer is the battery storage. Excess energy generated during the day can be stored and used later, especially at night, to light the club’s walking and running track. This year-round, solar-powered lighting makes the track safer and more accessible during the dark winter months, improving energy efficiency and supporting a healthier, more active community. This project was a perfect example of how the SEAI Community Grant can empower local groups to invest in a brighter, more sustainable future.
Rita’s Kitchen is a volunteer-led community café in Moneygall, County Offaly, that came to life during Covid as a vital gathering place. To ensure its long-term stability and cut down on rising energy costs, the café installed a 10.5kW solar PV system with support from the SEAI Non-Domestic Microgen Grant.
This solar upgrade now helps power the café using clean, renewable energy, providing long-term energy stability and allowing the team to reinvest their savings back into the community. The café is a place where locals, cyclists, and families connect. By embracing solar, the team behind Rita’s Kitchen is not only keeping the doors open with lower costs, they’re also demonstrating how even small, rural spaces can lead by example in embracing green energy. We are incredibly proud to have supported them in that mission.
Like many volunteer-run facilities, the Moneygall Community Gym was grappling with unpredictable electricity bills, making it difficult to budget and plan for the future. The solution came in the form of a 10.5kW solar PV system, also supported by the SEAI Non-Domestic Microgen Grant.
This solar installation has given the gym a newfound sense of energy independence. By generating clean power every day, they have significantly reduced their reliance on the grid and now have more stable, predictable costs. As one member put it, “Now that they’re installed, I’m making 25kW a day!” That kind of result means more savings can be put back into the gym, funding new equipment and improving services for the local people who use it every week. It’s a powerful testament to how renewable energy can empower rural communities and create a more resilient future.
These projects are just a few examples of how communities are taking control of their energy future. Whether you’re a sports club, a community centre, or a local business, solar power can provide significant savings and a reliable energy source for years to come. We specialise in solar PV systems for all non-domestic properties and handle the entire process from system design to grant application assistance.
Most community and non-profit organisations are eligible for the SEAI Community Grant and the SEAI Non-Domestic Microgen Grant. These schemes provide significant financial assistance to help with the installation of solar PV systems and other energy-saving upgrades. Our team at Munster Solar specialises in guiding community groups through the application process to secure the best funding for their projects.
Yes, it’s often possible. During our initial assessment, we conduct a full site survey to check the roof’s condition, structural integrity, and shading. If necessary, we can advise on any required repairs or upgrades. We work with our clients to ensure the installation is done safely and correctly, maximising the long-term benefits of the solar system.
The ideal system size depends on your building’s annual energy consumption, available roof space, and future energy goals. Our team performs a detailed energy audit and designs a system that is perfectly sized to meet your needs, ensuring you get the maximum savings and return on your investment.
Yes, you can. The Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) scheme allows eligible micro-generators, including community buildings and businesses, to get paid for any surplus electricity they export back to the national grid. This provides an additional revenue stream and ensures that no clean energy goes to waste.
While every project is unique, the process from initial consultation to final installation and grid connection can take several months. A significant portion of this time is dedicated to the grant application process, system design, and obtaining necessary permissions. Once all preparations are complete, the on-site installation itself is often finished within a matter of days. We manage the entire process to make it as seamless as possible for your community group.
