The renewable‑energy landscape in Ireland is facing a significant moment of change. On 30 November 2025, the Micro Renewable Energy Federation (MREF) accused the government of effectively sidelining the on‑farm solar support scheme under the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme 3 (TAMS 3).
Under the newly introduced ranking and selection criteria for TAMS tranche 9, only a fraction of the previously eligible applications for solar installations will now be approved. MREF warned that this will force “thousands of farm families” who planned to install rooftop or on‑farm solar PV to suspend or abandon those plans.
The implications extend beyond individual farms. Over 300 companies had registered with the Department of Agriculture to provide installation services under the scheme — many of these businesses may now struggle to stay afloat. According to MREF, hundreds of potential jobs are at risk, and the broader micro‑generation sector may lose much of its momentum.
Meanwhile, on the domestic (household) side, some support remains. The grant for rooftop solar under the domestic microgeneration scheme, managed by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), is continuing at €1,800 into 2026 — a move welcomed by parts of the renewable energy sector.
Nevertheless, the recent changes to TAMS highlight a growing uncertainty for farmers and small‑scale solar adopters. What was once perceived as a stable, supportive pathway for on‑farm solar now carries risk: investments made in good faith might not be approved, and the lack of clarity may deter future adopters.
As the sector adjusts to this new reality, many stakeholders argue that clarity, consistency and a stable support framework will be essential if Ireland is to meet its climate‑action goals and encourage widespread adoption of solar technology at farm, home and community levels.
