Electric Skyline, in collaboration with Galway City Council and energy technology partner Arbarr, is proud to announce the official launch of Ireland’s first solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging hub at the Westside Community Centre in Galway. This ground-breaking project represents a major step forward for sustainable transport infrastructure in Ireland and is already attracting attention from commercial and public sectors nationwide.
Officially opened today by Minister of State Seán Canney the Westside EV Charging Hub combines solar generation, smart battery storage, and advanced load management to deliver a flexible, cost-effective EV charging solution without the need for a major grid upgrade.
“This hub is a shining example of how innovation and collaboration can drive climate action at a local level,” said Minister Canney. “Thanks to ZEVI’s support, we’re seeing what is possible when we invest in smarter, greener infrastructure. This is a proud moment not just for Galway, but for communities across the country who will benefit from this model in the future.”
What sets the Westside hub apart is its energy independence and adaptability. Instead of relying on an expensive upgrade to the local electricity supply, Electric Skyline and Arbarr engineered a novel system that works with the existing 40kVA grid connection. A 150kW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) powers the chargers, with energy sourced during the day from 90 rooftop solar panels and during the night from cheaper off-peak electricity.
Brendan Reilly, Director at Electric Skyline, explained the significance: “We are thrilled to bring this first-of-its-kind solution to Galway. The charging hub is efficient, reliable, and fully future-proofed. It proves that a sustainable EV charging model is not just possible – it’s practical.”
The system intelligently balances energy loads in real-time, ensuring the building’s daily operations continue uninterrupted while simultaneously powering the EV chargers. The smart control system prevents overloads and maximises renewable usage, with the added benefit of exporting surplus solar energy back to the grid, creating an additional revenue stream.
Speaking at the event, James McCorley from Arbarr noted, “Battery storage itself isn’t new – but using it this way, as the primary source for a solar-powered EV hub, is a first in Ireland. It’s smart energy management in action. We’re proud to have been part of this pioneering solution that can be replicated in commercial and public sites across the country.”
This model offers an exciting alternative for settings where traditional EV charger installations are limited by grid constraints or cost barriers. Whether in retail parks, business campuses, or community centres, the Westside approach offers a scalable blueprint for cleaner transport powered by smart, local energy systems.
Electric Skyline led the full delivery of the project, managing all aspects from solar panel installation and system integration to on-site safety and final commissioning. The chargers were supplied by ePower, and the Transport Department in Galway City Council provided critical support and collaboration throughout.
“This project is the result of great teamwork,” added Reilly. “From the local authority and technology partners to the community itself – everyone played a role in making this happen. And while this is the first, it will not be the last. There’s already strong interest from industries and local councils across Ireland who want to follow this model. It’s encouraging to see that appetite for practical, scalable climate solutions.”
The project was made possible through funding from ZEVI – Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland – a government initiative under the Department of Transport tasked with accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles across the country. ZEVI’s support played a pivotal role in enabling this cutting-edge development, helping to unlock a solution that is not only sustainable and cost-effective but also replicable across Ireland.
The launch of the Westside EV Charging Hub comes at a crucial time in Ireland’s transition to cleaner transport and decentralised energy. As demand for EVs grows, so too does the need for infrastructure that can adapt to the country’s evolving energy landscape. With its integrated approach and solar-first mindset, this Galway installation offers a bold vision for what the future of public EV charging can look like – clean, resilient, and community-led.
