Activ8: Driving Innovation and Sustainability in Ireland’s Renewable Sector

October 23, 2025
Activ8: Driving Innovation and Sustainability in Ireland’s Renewable Sector
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Activ8 Solar Energies is a leader in Ireland’s clean energy revolution, with over 20,000 solar installations and nearly 20 years of experience helping Irish homes and businesses achieve energy independence. Our mission is to accelerate Ireland’s transition to net zero through innovation, scale, and customer-focused renewable solutions.  

 

We deliver solutions designed specifically for the Irish market, including the ATLAS DUO N-Type solar panel, engineered in Ireland, and our partnership with SSE Airtricity, which offers customers Ireland’s highest microgeneration export rate at 32c/kWh. Recognised with multiple sustainability and safety awards, Activ8 sets the benchmark for renewable leadership in Ireland. 

As a Guaranteed Irish member, we are proud to support local jobs, communities, and the Irish economy while setting new benchmarks for renewable leadership. 

 

Recent landmark projects include Ireland’s largest solar–wind behind the meter co-location project at Liffey Meats in Co. Cavan, a €3 million initiative combining a 4.5MW solar farm with a 3MW wind turbine and a solar farm for Gyproc Ireland in Kingscourt. Our Carrickmacross headquarters, featuring a 121kWp rooftop solar system, showcases our commitment to sustainable operations. 

 

Through innovation, local collaboration, and measurable impact, Activ8 Solar Energies continues to power Ireland’s journey to a cleaner, more sustainable future. 

 


Supply Chain

Activ8 Energies faces a number of operational and infrastructure challenges as we continue to scale our renewable energy solutions across Ireland. 

One of the main challenges is component lead time volatility. Global supply chain conditions continue to affect the availability of solar panels, inverters, and other critical components. To manage this, we have adopted a multi-supplier sourcing approach, engage in forward purchasing for key projects, and maintain critical stock levels to ensure consistent delivery and minimise project delays. 

 

Another significant challenge is skilled labour and installation capacity. The rapid growth of the solar industry in Ireland has led to a highly competitive environment for qualified installers. We’re addressing this through in-house training and accreditation programmes, apprenticeships, and retention initiatives that help us develop and sustain a strong, skilled workforce. 

We also face ongoing demands around after-sales service and warranty management, particularly as our customer base continues to expand. Managing warranty claims and technical queries can be resource intensive, so we are investing in the growth of our in-house technical support and customer service teams, with a focus on delivering efficient phone and online support solutions to improve response times and customer satisfaction.

 

Our partnership with SSE Airtricity is a key enabler in addressing these challenges and expanding our renewable energy offering. In practice, this partnership combines Activ8 Energies’ solar expertise with SSE Airtricity’s strong brand, infrastructure, and customer reach. Together, we deliver integrated renewable energy solutions that help Irish homes and businesses generate, store, and manage clean energy more effectively—supporting Ireland’s wider transition to a sustainable, low-carbon energy future. 

 

Policy & Infrastructure 

One of the most impactful changes that could accelerate renewable energy development in Ireland, both domestic and commercial would be streamlining grid connection processes. Currently, the speed at which networks progress with connection agreements, testing, and commissioning significantly delays the energisation of renewable projects. Reducing these bottlenecks through clearer timelines, improved coordination, and increased resourcing within the network operators would unlock faster deployment of solar and other renewables, directly supporting Ireland’s 2030 and 2050 climate targets. 

Another critical development would be the introduction of legislation to allow for Private Wires, enabling companies to use adjacent land not under their ownership to build solar farms that power their operations directly. This regulatory update would remove a major barrier for businesses looking to decarbonise efficiently and would stimulate investment in medium-scale, behind-the-meter renewable generation. 

 

On the residential side, a key enabler would be financial support for homeowners to upgrade their mains tails. Many homes require these electrical upgrades to accommodate solar PV, heat pumps, and EV chargers. The current cost represents a significant hurdle for households that want to contribute to the national electrification and renewable energy goals. Providing targeted aid would help accelerate adoption at scale, especially in existing housing stock. 

Finally, the renewable energy sector would benefit from the enforcement of robust, standardised quality and safety regulations. While guidance currently exists, stronger monitoring and adherence would ensure consistency, protect consumers, and uphold confidence in Ireland’s growing solar industry. 

In summary, faster grid connections, enabling Private Wires, homeowner upgrade support, and stronger industry standards would collectively create the conditions for a faster, safer, and more inclusive renewable energy transition across Ireland. 

 

 

Innovation & Supply Chain 

One of the most exciting opportunities for innovation across the Irish renewable energy supply chain lies in local manufacturing and supply chain localisation. Even partial localisation of component production such as mounting systems, electrical components, or battery enclosures can significantly shorten lead times, reduce dependence on global markets, and create valuable local employment opportunities. This approach would strengthen Ireland’s renewable infrastructure and make the industry more resilient to international supply chain disruptions. 

 

Another key area is the development of skills and training networks. Establishing and expanding apprenticeship programmes in roofing, electrical installation, and battery commissioning will be vital to scaling the renewable workforce sustainably. By investing in structured training pathways and accreditation standards, Ireland can ensure that growth in the solar and energy storage sectors is supported by a highly skilled, locally based workforce, maintaining quality and safety standards as the industry expands. 

 

Ireland’s Energy Transition 

Activ8 Solar Energies is proud to play a central role in advancing Ireland’s Climate Action Plan and the nation’s transition to a low-carbon future. With over 100MW of solar installations now in operation, offsetting more than 20,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually, we are driving measurable progress toward Ireland’s targets of 80% renewable electricity by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050. 

In 2024, Activ8 achieved record growth, expanding our commercial and industrial solar PV capacity to 18.7MW, a threefold increase on 2023. We continue to deliver large-scale, high-impact renewable solutions that enable Irish industries to reduce emissions and energy costs. A major national milestone was the Liffey Meats solar-wind behind the meter co-location project, Ireland’s largest of its kind, integrating a 4.5MW solar farm with an existing 3MW wind turbine to demonstrate the potential of hybrid renewable systems. Similarly, our Gyproc Ireland solar farm will enhance sustainability within Irish manufacturing. 

 

Activ8-Energies-HQ

 

At our NZEB-certified headquarters, powered by a 121kWp solar PV system, we offset 39 tonnes of CO₂ annually while exporting excess power to the grid. Beyond installations, Activ8 actively supports community climate action through educational programs, sustainability fairs, and partnerships with local authorities. 

 

At Activ8, sustainability is not just a goal, it’s our foundation. By combining innovation, operational excellence, and community engagement, we are helping to build a cleaner, more resilient Ireland for generations to come. 

 

Message to Other Guaranteed Irish Members 

At Activ8 Solar Energies, we believe collaboration is the cornerstone of Ireland’s sustainable future. As a proud Guaranteed Irish member, we recognise the power of working together to strengthen local enterprise, accelerate the clean energy transition, and build a greener, more resilient economy. 

 

Our message to fellow members is simple, the path to sustainability is one best travelled together. Whether you’re a small business looking to reduce energy costs or a large organisation aiming to achieve net-zero, Activ8 can support you with tailored solar PV solutions, expert consultation, and full project management from design through installation. By investing in renewable energy, Guaranteed Irish members not only lower operational costs and carbon footprints but also demonstrate real leadership in climate action and community responsibility. 

 

Partnership with Activ8 extends beyond installation. We collaborate closely with businesses, local authorities, and community groups to drive awareness and education around renewable energy adoption. From commercial solar projects and energy audits to joint sustainability initiatives and employee engagement programs, we’re committed to helping our partners take practical, impactful steps toward their environmental goals. 

 

We invite fellow members to engage, collaborate, and share in our mission to make renewable energy accessible, efficient, and empowering. Together, we can demonstrate the strength of Irish enterprise in driving positive environmental and economic change for generations to come. 

 

Discover more about our members in the energy and utilities sector in our directory.

 

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