Activ8 Solar Energies Blog

Activ8 Energies, in partnership with SSE Airtricity, has delivered a 3MW solar farm at Liverpool John Lennon Airport, powering up to 25% of its electricity demand and supporting its net zero 2040 goals.

Heating oil prices in Ireland have surged in recent weeks. Could heat pumps offer a more stable alternative to oil heating for Irish homes?

Do solar panels increase property value in Ireland? We examine how solar panels influence BER ratings, buyer demand and resale value for Irish homes.

Energy price rises are back in the Irish news. With no new household supports announced, many homeowners are asking if solar panels can protect against rising electricity costs.

Why do electricity prices fluctuate in Ireland? Learn what energy price volatility means, what causes it, and what homeowners can do to manage rising energy costs.

Are solar panels worth it later in life? We answer the most common questions older Irish homeowners ask about solar panels, roof suitability, power cuts and long-term value.

Activ8 Solar Energies has announced the commissioning of a major rooftop solar installation at the Tayto Snacks production facility in Ashbourne, Co. Meath, representing an investment of over €1.17 million. The project marks Tayto’s largest renewables investment to date and a significant step towards onsite renewable energy generation.

We are proud to announce that Activ8 Solar Energies has been named the Energy & Utilities Winner at the Guaranteed Irish Business Awards 2026.‍ The award recognises businesses that demonstrate Positivity, Quality of Life, Enterprise, and Inclusivity. Activ8 Solar Energies was recognised for its measurable impact in accelerating solar adoption across Ireland, while creating jobs, investing locally, and supporting communities through education, sport, and climate action initiatives.

At Activ8 Energies, reducing carbon emissions through practical, scalable renewable energy solutions is central to our environmental strategy. By delivering renewable installations across both residential and commercial sectors, we support the transition to a lower‑carbon energy system while enabling customers to actively reduce their environmental footprint.

We are incredibly proud to announce that Activ8 Solar Energies has been awarded the Green Energy Provider Award 2026 at the prestigious Green Business & Sustainability Awards, marking our second consecutive year receiving this national recognition.‍Winning this award once was an honour. Winning it two years in a row is a powerful affirmation of our unwavering commitment to building a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future for Ireland.

How do solar panels generate electricity in Ireland? Learn how solar power works in Irish homes, what happens on cloudy days and how Activ8 designs systems that deliver real results.

Thinking about heating upgrades in Ireland? Discover SEAI grants, heat pump supports and upgrade options for 2026 with Activ8’s One Stop Shop approach.

Learn how the SBCI Home Energy Upgrade Loan works alongside heat pump grants of up to €12,500. Activ8 Energies explains how Irish homeowners can upgrade with confidence.

What affects heat pump costs in Ireland? Learn what influences installation, grants of up to €12,500, and how Activ8 Energies plans systems properly.

We’re excited to announce that new customers who have their solar PV system installed with Activ8 and sign up with SSE Airtricity will benefit from Ireland’s best export rate of 32c per kWh for excess solar energy exported back to the grid. ‍This update builds on the continued partnership between Activ8 and SSE Airtricity, ensuring households across Ireland have access to some the best renewable energy incentives available.

Heat pumps are everywhere right now - but so are the myths. We break down the most common heat pump misconceptions Irish homeowners hear and what really matters.

Thinking about a heat pump? Discover the most common heat pump mistakes Irish homeowners make — and how Activ8’s One Stop Shop helps you avoid them.

Are heat pumps suitable for Irish homes? Activ8 Energies explains what really matters, One Stop Shop upgrades, and heat pump grants now worth up to €12,500.

Ireland’s new windows and doors grant improves comfort and efficiency — but is it enough on its own? Learn how Activ8’s One Stop Shop delivers better results. The Irish Government’s push to improve home energy efficiency continues in 2026, with the introduction of a new SEAI grant for upgrading windows and doors. This is a welcome step, particularly for those living in older or draughty homes where heat loss is an everyday frustration.

See solar panel installations by county in Ireland for 2025, with Dublin, Cork and Galway leading the way as home solar adoption continues to grow. Solar panel installations across Ireland surged again in 2025, with thousands of homeowners choosing to generate their own electricity at home. While solar adoption is rising nationwide, the latest figures reveal clear differences between counties — showing where the real momentum is happening. Using the most recent available data from SEAI, this article breaks down solar panel installations by county in Ireland for 2025, and highlights the wider trends shaping home solar adoption.

Do solar panels need maintenance in Ireland? Learn about cleaning, servicing, monitoring, common issues and how to keep your system performing year-round.

Do you need planning permission for solar panels in Ireland? Learn the key rules, exemptions, limits and what homeowners should check before installing.

Learn how solar panels work in Ireland’s cloudy climate. See how PV systems generate from daylight, what affects output, and how to maximise savings.

Learn what a solar PV inverter does and why Activ8 uses the Solis S6-GR1P (2.5–6kW). 97.7% efficiency, 2 MPPT, AFCI and IP66.

Discover how solar panels and battery storage cut bills and boost energy independence in Ireland. 20 years, 25,000+ installs. Ask about 32c export.

Learn how making money from solar panels works in Ireland: bill savings, export payments, SEAI grants, 0% VAT and Activ8 referral rewards.

Most solar panel installs take just 1 day. Activ8 arrives at 8am, finishes by afternoon and leaves your home spotless. 20 years, 25,000+ installs.

Researching solar panels? Discover what solar photovoltaic (PV) means and how PV systems work in Irish conditions with Activ8 Energies.

Learn the exact dimensions of solar panels for Irish homes, how many you need, and how to calculate your roof space with our handy guide.

Learn how solar panel installation works in Ireland. Discover the step-by-step process, typical costs, available grants, and what to expect on installation day.

Discover how long solar panels last in Ireland. Learn about 25-30 year lifespans, degradation rates, warranties, and maximising your solar investment.

Learn about average household electricity usage in Ireland, what a kWh means, and practical ways to reduce consumption and costs.

At Activ8 Solar Energies, we’re always keeping an eye on the numbers that matter most for Irish homeowners and businesses thinking about solar. And when it comes to sunshine, 2025 has been a genuinely remarkable year for Dublin Airport – and for solar generation potential across the region.

Ireland has officially reached 1 gigawatt (GW) of rooftop solar, a landmark moment in our clean-energy journey – and one that belongs to communities right across the country.

Activ8 Solar Energies is proud to announce that we have been awarded Solar Rooftop Project of the Year for our landmark installation at Glenpatrick Spring. The award was presented at the inaugural Irish Renewable Energy Awards, held at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre, an event jointly delivered by Wind Energy Ireland and Solar Ireland to celebrate the innovators transforming Ireland’s energy future.

Discover how Activ8, in partnership with SSE Airtricity and Gyproc Ireland (Saint-Gobain), transformed an unused site in Kingscourt, Co. Cavan into a 2.5MW solar farm now generating 15% of the site’s electricity — a milestone for industrial sustainability and innovative land reuse.

Activ8 Energies, Ireland’s largest solar panel installer, has been confirmed as the sponsor of TG4’s new property series, Buildings Beo. The sponsorship was secured in partnership with Buymedia, Ireland’s leading ad-tech platform for media planning, buying and measurement.

Solar PV and batteries are incredible technologies — they make your home more efficient, resilient, and sustainable. But when it comes to back-up power, the key is to stay realistic and practical. At Activ8, we’ll always give you the honest picture — so you can make smart energy decisions that work for your home, your budget, and the Irish weather.

We are absolutely delighted to announce that Activ8 Energies has once again been awarded Green Energy Supplier of the Year 2025 at Ireland’s Climate Change Leadership Awards! Winning this prestigious title for the second consecutive year is a powerful testament to our unwavering commitment to Ireland’s renewable energy future and our mission to create a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable world.

Activ8 Solar Energies has been officially recognised for its outstanding contribution to renewable energy, winning the Best Energy Achievement in Utilities at the 2025 Best Energy Achievement Awards. This accolade reflects the company’s unwavering commitment to sustainability, innovation, and operational excellence in Ireland’s green energy sector.

Activ8 isn’t just celebrating; it’s reaffirming its position as a benchmark for excellence and change. The company is proud to announce its recognition as a Requalifier Winner at the 2025 Deloitte Ireland’s Best Managed Companies Awards, a testament to its sustained growth, relentless innovation, and a company culture that continues to inspire progress.

Through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), companies can have a solar PV system installed, operated and maintained on their premises without any upfront investment. Instead, the business commits to buying the electricity generated at a fixed, competitive rate over the term of the agreement. It’s a simple structure that gives instant access to renewable energy, shields against unpredictable energy markets, and supports the transition to net zero.‍

You may well think that ‘Ireland’ and ‘solar power’ don’t fit as naturally together as you’d like them to, given frequent inconsistency in our weather patterns and the difficulty in guaranteeing prolonged periods of sunshine, even in the summer months. According to Met Éireann, Ireland’s annual sunshine totals for 2024 ranged from 1,163 hours to 1,377 hours, while the highest number of daily sunshine hours clocked in at 15.9 hours. For context, a ‘dull day’ is classified as a day with less than 0.5 hours of sunshine. 

Whether you’ve landed your dream home or are setting about transforming a fixer-upper, the benefits of home improvement extend well beyond a fresh coat of paint. More and more people in Ireland are taking steps to make their home more energy-efficient. Naturally, at Activ8 Energies, we’re big believers in the benefits of solar panels and the power they provide, so we make it our mission to help on this journey. With that in mind, let’s look at the specific home improvement grants available.

With solar power, that can be a little tricky, especially in a situation like we mentioned earlier where a country like Ireland cannot guarantee blazing sunshine around the clock. As noted, the panels generate direct current electricity, which is then converted to alternating current (AC) via an inverter. This electricity is then used to power whatever household items and appliances require it. Excess electricity produced by solar panels can be stored in a battery or a separate storage solution. 

Activ8 Energies, Ireland’s leading solar panel provider, has acquired UK-based Low Carbon Energy in a strategic move to expand its footprint across the UK renewables sector. The acquisition aims to double Activ8’s solar capacity, positioning it as the UK’s top commercial and industrial solar installer. Low Carbon Energy, known for its work with major brands like BMW, Boeing, and the NHS, will continue operating under its current name, led by Managing Director Benedict Ennis. This partnership follows Activ8’s recent £3 million solar farm project at Liverpool’s John Lennon Airport and aligns with the UK’s growing demand for sustainable energy solutions.

Activ8 Solar Energies, Ireland’s leading solar provider, in partnership with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and Liffey Meats, announces the official energisation of the Liffey Meats Solar Farm, Ireland’s largest behind-the-meter co-located renewable energy installation. This landmark €3 million project combines a 4.5MW solar farm with an existing 3MW wind turbine at Liffey Meats’ facility in Ballyjamesduff, Co. Cavan, marking a major milestone for renewable energy integration within Ireland’s agri-food sector.

Activ8 Solar Energies has been recognised with the Excellence in Recruitment & Retention award at the Workplace Excellence Awards, a celebration of businesses committed to creating exceptional workplaces.

Every time you refer someone who sits an appointment with our team, you’ll receive €25. If that appointment converts to a sale, you’ll receive an additional €225, bringing your total reward to a generous €250 per referral.

We were proud to once again partner with Inver College, Carrickmacross for the Activ8 Energies Solar Rising Star Awards 2025, supporting and celebrating students preparing for college.

A Lighthearted Checklist for a Brighter FutureThinking about going solar? If you’ve been tossing the idea around, this quick and fun checklist will help you decide if the sun is finally calling your name. Check off the ones that apply—if you get all 5, it might be time to make the switch!

We are incredibly proud to announce that Activ8 Energies has been awarded two major honours at this year’s Health & Safety Excellence Awards 2025: Health & Safety Excellence Award – Utilities & Services, Health & Safety Excellence Awards – Grand Prix Winner.

Ireland, prepare to be blown away by Activ8 Solar Energies' latest innovation—the ATLAS Duo N-Type solar PV panel, designed to laugh in the face of stormy weather and love the rain as much as we Irish do.

We are beyond thrilled to announce that Activ8 Solar Energies has been awarded the Green Energy Provider Award 2025 at the prestigious Green Business & Sustainability Awards. This incredible recognition reaffirms our commitment to a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future for Ireland.

Solar energy is an exciting and sustainable solution for powering your home or business. With the rising cost of energy and increasing awareness of the environmental impact of traditional power sources, solar power has become a popular option for many. However, choosing the right solar installer and system can feel overwhelming. This guide will help you understand the key factors to consider when selecting your solar partner and photovoltaic (PV) system to ensure you make a confident and informed decision.

Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LJLA) has agreed a partnership with solar panel experts Activ8 Energies in partnership with SSE Airtricity to design and install a new £3m solar farm at the airport capable of generating up to 3 MW (megawatts) of electricity. Preparatory work on the 22 acre solar farm located within the airport perimeter fence on land to the east of the runway, will start soon with the solar panels due to be installed and starting to generate electricity in late Spring 2025.

Are you ready to harness the power of solar energy and lower your electricity bills? With the SEAI Solar PV Grant, homeowners can get financial support to install a solar photovoltaic (PV) system. However, there’s an important update: the maximum grant amount will drop from €2,100 to €1,800 on January 1, 2025.

We are beyond thrilled to announce that Activ8 Energies has been awarded Green Energy Supplier of the Year 2024 at the prestigious Ireland's Climate Change Leadership Awards! This incredible recognition reaffirms our commitment to building a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future for Ireland. The Green Energy Supplier of the Year award highlights not only what we’ve accomplished but also the core values that drive us.

As we celebrate World Quality Week 2024, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on the power of quality management in navigating complexity and driving outstanding performance in today’s dynamic business world. At Activ8 Energies, quality has always been more than a compliance exercise, it's the cornerstone of our mission to deliver excellence in every project, product, and service.

We are thrilled to announce that Activ8 Solar Energies has officially been awarded the prestigious Guaranteed Irish symbol, a testament to our unwavering commitment to sustainability, local community support, and Irish provenance.

2023 was a landmark year for renewable energy, with record-breaking achievements in green electricity generation. Wind and solar farms across Ireland produced more clean power than ever before. But despite this progress, there’s a growing concern that the impact of these advancements is being diluted.

Activ8 isn't just celebrating; it's setting the benchmark and calling for change. The company is proud to announce its triumph at the 2024 Deloitte Ireland’s Best Managed Companies Awards, proving that sustainability and success go hand-in-hand. This prestigious win spotlights Activ8’s exceptional growth, relentless innovation, and a company culture that sparks progress, solidifying its position as a trailblazer in the renewable energy arena.

Choose your solar installer carefully. Experiences like Richard’s are increasingly common with over 450 solar installers now registered in Ireland.

Activ8 Energies, a trailblazer in Ireland's solar energy sector today announces a strategic partnership with Duracell Energy, leaders in smart storage solutions. The partnership unites two industry leaders with a shared commitment to a greener future.

Activ8 Gender Pay Gap Report 2024

International Women's Day is a global day celebrated annually on March 8 as a focal point in the women's rights movement. IWD gives focus to issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women. IWD has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere.

In 2023, solar power in the European Union skyrocketed to unprecedented heights, reaching a remarkable capacity of 56GW, according to a new report from Solar Power Europe. This marks the third year of annual growth rates of at least 40%. This surge represents a significant increase from the previous year, showcasing the continued growth of solar energy.

Activ8 Solar Energies, a pioneering force in the solar industry, has been honoured as Business All-Star Solar Energy Company of the Year 2024, an accolade bestowed by the esteemed All-Ireland Business Foundation.

In the ever-evolving landscape of renewable energy, the story of Charles Fritts stands as a pivotal chapter. Often hailed as the father of solar power, Fritts made history in 1883 by creating the world's first solar panel. This ground-breaking invention laid the foundation for the solar technology that powers our world today.

What a day we had our Connection offsite day at Castleknock Hotel for the entire Activ8 team on Friday 5th January. This was a historic day for us. It was the first day we as a company had all of our employees in the one room. Our employees travelled from our offices and bases all across the country to connect.

Portugal achieved a ground-breaking milestone by powering the entire country with renewable energy for a full weekend, showcasing its commitment to sustainability. Solar power, generating 6.6 GWh, played a key role in this success. Portugal aims to generate 80% of its electricity from renewables by 2026 and be entirely renewable-powered by 2040.

At Activ8 Solar Energies, we've always had a vision for a cleaner, greener future. It's not just about providing sustainable energy solutions for our clients but also about practicing what we preach. That's why we're thrilled to announce a major milestone: we've produced more electricity than we consumed at our headquarters in NEXUS N2 Business Park, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan, for four consecutive months - April, May, June, and July 2023. This achievement marks a significant step towards our commitment to sustainability.

Activ8 Solar Energies, Ireland's premier domestic and commercial solar company, today announced the agreement with Monaghan GAA County Board for the sponsorship of both Monaghan’s men’s football and hurling teams for the next three years. The sponsorship sets the stage for an exciting era of growth and development with the GAA in Monaghan.

Activ8 Energies, a prominent solar panel company in Ireland, has announced its strategic acquisition of Allbrite, a leading heat pump company. This move strengthens Activ8's position in renewable energy solutions, combining solar and heat pump expertise. The merger supports Ireland's Climate Action Plan, targeting 600,000 heat pump installations by 2030. With Activ8's support, Allbrite aims to become the country's largest heat pump installer, expecting rapid growth and job creation. The partnership reflects shared values and a commitment to a sustainable future, offering comprehensive energy solutions for Ireland's communities.

In recent news, it has been reported that the government is in the process of announcing a new grant scheme to support businesses in installing solar PV panels. The scheme, proposed by Minister Eamon Ryan and Minister Simon Coveney, will offer tiered grants ranging from €2,700 to €162,500 for the installation of panels and associated infrastructure on non-residential commercial and public sector buildings.

Solar panels offer businesses cost savings, ROI, tax incentives, environmental impact, and energy independence. By generating electricity from the sun, businesses reduce costs and dependence on the grid, showcasing sustainability commitment, attracting eco-conscious customers, and ensuring uninterrupted power supply during outages.

SSE Airtricity, along with our team here at Activ8, have launched a new solar product that will ensure customers are paid a market leading 34c per kWh for excess solar energy produced and exported back to the grid. New and existing SSE Airtricity customers who have had their solar panels installed with Activ8 from April 13, 2023, will be eligible to be paid a premium of 10 cent per kWh exported on top of the current 24 cent export rate, for two years.

With a zero rate of VAT now available to consumers, it is sought to reduce the average cost of the supply and installation of solar panels for customers by €1,000 and would thus help support households reducing their electricity bills, according to the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications. The Department of Finance has estimated that the measure will cost €19 million annually.

We want to take this opportunity to reflect on the forthcoming introduction of a 0% VAT rate on solar and what that means for customers, installers and all of those interested in solar panel installations in 2023. Read our statement in full.

Europe has achieved a significant milestone in renewable energy as solar and wind power now account for more than 40% of the region's electricity generation capacity, surpassing gas power for the first time, according to Forbes.This shift towards renewable energy sources is largely driven by government policies supporting clean energy and growing awareness of the environmental impact of fossil fuels.

According to a new report, solar power within the European Union saw a significant increase of almost 50% in 2022. This impressive growth is a testament to the increasing adoption of renewable energy sources and the commitment of EU member states to reduce their carbon emissions by implementing government incentives and initiatives to help support solar energy growth.

We are absolutely delighted to welcome the news that all domestic solar and certain non-domestic solar is now planning exempt. This is great news for homeowners and businesses that want to contribute to Ireland’s climate change efforts by adding solar panels to their rooftops allowing them to produce clean, green electricity to power their homes and businesses.

We were absolutely delighted to welcome, An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin to officially open our new state-of-the-art headquarters in the NEXUS N2 Business Park in Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan. The home of Ireland's largest installer of solar panels, the new 20,000-square-foot facility is a leading commercial building in terms of energy efficiency and renewable energy production. The A1 energy-rated building is one of the first NZEB (Nearly Zero Energy Building) commercial buildings in the County of Monaghan.

Are solar panels worth it in Ireland? We want to help you understand why solar panels are worth the investment here in Ireland and explain the long-term benefits and savings of a solar panel installation this year.

Earth Day 2022 gives us a chance to reflect on the Climate Action Plan here in Ireland how important it is for us to tackle climate change before it is too late. At a national, local and personal level.

Microgeneration is set to take a step forward with the introduction of the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) for all solar PV users, meaning homeowners will get paid for the electricity they produce that they sell back to the grid.

With over 15 years of experience in the Irish solar industry, we understand it can be difficult to navigate the procurement process of the right solar panel installer. Here are a few pointers.

‍In a welcome development, the Irish government, through Minister Eamon Ryan (Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications) announced that the design and consultation process was beginning in order to formulate how the scheme will look and function. Submissions for this are being accepted until Thursday February 18th.

With the year that we’ve had and the inability for us to have our usual social club outings, we used our social club fund for a Christmas Draw bonanza. And more importantly, we wanted to support as many local businesses as possible. As the scramble comes for last-minute Christmas presents please try and support these local businesses if you can.

With the announcements came cause for celebration for us here in Activ8 Solar Energies as we were involved with four finalists, three of them ultimately winning. We are delighted that Activ8 customers have experienced success at the SEAI Energy Awards show as a result of Activ8 solar panels installed on their premises.

The ISEA Conference 2020 took place on Tuesday 6th and Wednesday 7th of this week. The event of course had to be held virtually but with great event management in place, it was a resounding success. With that said, we were delighted to presenting at the event for a fourth year running.

As the solar partner of SSE Airtricity, we were only delighted to be involved in such a wonderful scheme that will truly make a difference. As installers on the project alongside SSE Airtricity Energy Services...

It would be remiss of me to receive this award without a tone of caution in writing to our customers and followers as we celebrate this accolade. This award is down to the hard work and consistency of our staff over many, many years. This will be the 14th year of existence for what is Activ8 Solar Energies...

Working in partnership with SSE Airtricity and Activ8 Solar Energies, Glanbia Ireland are launching this renewable solar energy solution to market. FarmGen has combined the collective knowledge, experience and expertise of all parties to bring a turn-key solar powered energy solution to Glanbia Ireland farmers.

We were truly delighted to announce that we had officially secured ISO 9001:2008 accreditation through the National Standards Authority of Ireland back at the beginning of 2016. We showed through customer testimonials what this quality control meant for our customers. Well, we didn’t rest on our laurels.

The SEAI brought in the new solar PV grant for homeowners in July of this year and what a difference it has made. We had been lobbying for such measures over the past number of years and to be fair to the powers that be, they listened.

Just two years ago, amid celebrations and excessive PR, the Paris climate accords were signed and we discussed the topic on this very website at the time of the event itself— bringing optimism across the globe, as to the future of climate change and how we, as a planet, would tackle the challenge and make efforts to secure our future on earth.

It was great to be invited to speak at the Solar Ireland 2018 event this week by the Irish Solar Energy Association. Having worked alongside the ISEA over the past number of years and having spoke at the event last year as a company, it was great to be invited along this year to discuss the solar PV landscape in Ireland in 2018, amongst other things.

It’s with great pleasure that we welcome the solar panels grant announced today by the SEAI. As one of the leading advocates of solar PV in Ireland we have seen many false dawns in previous years. We have sat on many boards discussing the benefits and possible pitfalls of introducing an incentive, as well as speaking at solar events sharing our experience in other markets and countries.