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Electricity & gas · Ireland
Checked 2026-09-30

🏘️ Can I share solar power with neighbours or join an energy community in Ireland?

The short answer

Energy sharing lets households use power produced by a shared installation, a neighbour or a community project. Whether and how it works depends on the national rules.

📜 The rules in Ireland

Energy sharing and communities

Households take part in community energy through SEAI. Over 1,000 Sustainable Energy Communities work on a Learn–Plan–Do approach, with 100% SEAI funding for an energy master plan. SEAI's Community Enabling Framework helps groups develop grid-scale renewable projects.

  • The Community Enabling Framework is Ireland's response to the EU requirement to support renewable energy communities (Directive (EU) 2018/2001). An SEAI trusted advisor carries out feasibility studies for community projects. (seai.ie)
SEAI Sustainable Energy Communities networkJoin or start a local energy community and apply for energy master plan funding.🔗 seai.ie
SEAI Community Enabling FrameworkAdvice and feasibility support for community-owned renewable electricity projects (CommunityRESS@seai.ie).🔗 seai.ie
Official source: seai.ie · Checked 2026-09-30

🪜 Step by step

  1. See what the rules allowThe options in Ireland are listed below: sharing in one building, within a local area, or through an energy community.
  2. Find a project or partnersAsk your municipality, housing association or building owners whether a project exists or is planned.
  3. Check the meter and the contractSharing usually needs a smart meter and registration with the grid operator. Your normal supply contract continues for the rest of your use.
  4. Read the terms before you joinCheck the cost, how shared power is divided, and how you can leave.

📇 Who to contact

SEAI Sustainable Energy Communities networkJoin or start a local energy community and apply for energy master plan funding.🔗 www.seai.ie/plan-your-energy-journey/for-your-community/sustainable-energy-communities
SEAI Community Enabling FrameworkAdvice and feasibility support for community-owned renewable electricity projects (CommunityRESS@seai.ie).🔗 www.seai.ie/plan-your-energy-journey/for-your-community/enabling-framework
Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU)Supervises energy companies and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a company that breaks the rules📞 1800 404 404🔗 www.cru.ie
ESB Networks — Republic of Ireland (electricity)Runs the local grid, meters and connectionsPower cut, meter problem, new connection📞 1800 372 999🔗 www.esbnetworks.ie
Gas Networks Ireland — Republic of Ireland (gas)Runs the local grid, meters and connectionsPower cut, meter problem, new connection📞 1800 20 50 50🔗 www.gasnetworks.ie

❓ Questions

Do I have to own solar panels?

No. In many schemes you can take part as a member or user without owning an installation.

Does my supplier stay the same?

Usually yes. The shared power is counted first and your supplier provides the rest.

Who registers the sharing?

Normally the grid operator or the body named on this page. Ask them before you start.

📎 Sources

Checked: 2026-09-30

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Also useful

☀️Solar panels→🔗New or bigger connection→🔄Switching supplier→📈Price increase→🧾Wrong or high bill→

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