From heritage to renewable: Dromoland Castle installs high-efficiency solar system using LONGi back contact modules

Dromoland Castle, located in County Clare in the west of Ireland, has taken a practical step toward sustainability by installing a modern solar energy system. Known for its rich history and elegant architecture, the 16th-century estate has been operating as a luxury hotel for over 60 years. Now, it is showing that heritage and renewable energy can go hand in hand. The project combines environmental goals with operational benefits, offering a long-term solution that fits within the castle’s historic setting.

A modern solar installation on a historic estate

The new solar installation, accomplished by our partner MarVal Power, consists of a 34 kilowatt-peak (kWp) system made up of 608 panels from LONGi’s Hi-MO X10 series. Despite Ireland’s often overcast and rainy climate, the system is expected to generate approximately 42,000 kilowatt-hours of clean electricity each year. This amount of energy will meet a significant portion of the estate’s electricity demand, helping to reduce its reliance on grid power and contribute to more stable energy costs over time.

Reducing carbon emissions and running costs

By generating its own renewable energy, Dromoland Castle is expected to cut its carbon dioxide emissions by around 25 tons annually. This supports Ireland’s broader efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to cleaner sources of energy. In addition to the environmental benefits, the system provides direct financial advantages by lowering electricity bills, which is particularly relevant for energy-intensive businesses such as hotels. Over the long term, the combination of energy savings and minimal degradation of the system makes the investment economically sound.

LONGi’s Hi-MO X10 ensures efficient performance in a demanding climate

LONGi’s back high-efficiency back contact modules were chosen for their high efficiency and durability, which make them suitable even in regions with moderate solar conditions. Each panel delivers high power output with a module efficiency of up to 24.8 percent and cell efficiency reaching 26.6 percent. The panels also have a low temperature coefficient of -0.26 percent per degree Celsius, which means they perform well even when temperatures rise. Designed with back contact technology and no front-side busbars, the panels minimize shading losses and blend visually with the roof structure.  

Preserving heritage while embracing renewable energy

A key challenge in projects like this is ensuring that the new technology does not interfere with the historical character of the building. At Dromoland Castle, the solar system was installed with care to preserve the visual integrity of the estate. The placement of the panels ensures they are discreet and do not detract from the experience of guests or the appearance of the property. This approach demonstrates how even protected or historic buildings can incorporate renewable technologies without compromising their heritage value.

“Heritage buildings play an important role in the energy transition, and it’s encouraging to see that sustainability and preservation can go hand in hand. The project at Dromoland Castle demonstrates how modern solar technology, when carefully selected and installed, can support climate goals without compromising architectural or historical integrity. We’re proud that our Hi-MO X10 back contact modules could contribute to such a thoughtful and forward-looking initiative,” said Will Han, General Manager Northern Europe at LONGi for Distributed Generation.

Setting an example for sustainable heritage sites

Dromoland Castle’s solar installation offers a clear example of how older properties can adopt modern energy solutions in a responsible and effective way. With thoughtful design and the right technology, sustainability measures can be implemented in even the most traditional environments. This project reflects a broader shift across the hospitality industry, where energy efficiency and climate responsibility are becoming essential parts of long-term planning.