It’s almost that time of year again.
For three days every September, a field in the Irish midlands effectively becomes one of the busiest places in the country.
The National Ploughing Championships 2026 take place in Screggan, Tullamore, Co. Offaly, from Tuesday 15th to Thursday 17th September, and Activ8 Solar Energies will be there.
Despite the name, anyone who has been to the Ploughing knows that tractors and muddy wellies are only part of the story.
The event has become an annual day out for families and visitors from towns, villages and rural communities across Ireland, with everything from food and entertainment to business, technology, lifestyle and home improvement represented across the site.
And if solar panels have been on your mind lately, we’d love you to drop in for a chat.
Thinking About Solar Panels for Your Home?
One of the advantages of an event like the Ploughing is that you can have a proper conversation.
You might have been considering solar panels for months but still have questions.
Is my roof suitable?
How many solar panels would I need?
Would solar be worthwhile for an older house?
Do I need a solar battery?
What grants can I get?
Would solar make sense if I’m planning to buy an electric car?
Or perhaps you’ve simply looked at your electricity bills lately and started wondering how much of that electricity you could generate yourself.
The Activ8 team will be at the National Ploughing Championships throughout the three days to talk through those questions and help homeowners understand what might work for their particular property.
There isn’t one solar system that’s right for every Irish home. Roof space and condition, orientation, shading, household electricity consumption and when that electricity is used can all influence the system that’s recommended.
If you live outside one of Ireland’s larger towns or cities, you can also read our guide “Solar Panels for Rural Homes in Ireland: Are They Worth It?”
Where Can You Find Activ8 at the National Ploughing Championships 2026?
You’ll find Activ8 Solar Energies at:
Stand 60/61 – DOME
Block 4, Row 31 – Stand 596
20 Years of Powering Irish Homes With Solar
This year’s Ploughing comes at a particularly appropriate time for Activ8.
We’re celebrating 20 years of powering Irish homes with solar, with more than 25,000 solar systems installed during that time.
And a lot has changed in Irish solar over those two decades.
Solar panels have gone from being a relatively unusual sight on Irish rooftops to an increasingly familiar feature on homes across the country.
For us, however, one thing hasn’t changed: a solar system should be designed around the home and the people living in it.
That’s why talking to homeowners about their actual electricity use, property and future plans remains such an important part of the process.
What Solar Grants Are Available in Ireland in 2026?
Grants are understandably one of the subjects we’re asked about most often.
In 2026, eligible homeowners can receive an SEAI Solar PV Grant of up to €1,800 towards installing solar panels.
If you’re unsure whether your home qualifies or how the grant process works, our team can talk you through it at the Ploughing.
What If I Live in an Older or Rural Home?
Don’t assume that an older house, bungalow or rural location automatically rules your home out for solar.
The important considerations include the available roof area, its condition and orientation, potential shading and how much electricity your household uses.
That’s particularly relevant at the Ploughing, where we’ll meet homeowners living in everything from older bungalows and detached rural houses to relatively new family homes.
Win Tickets to the All-Ireland Senior Championship Final
Of course, you don’t have to spend your entire day at the Ploughing talking about electricity bills and solar panels.
We’re also giving visitors the opportunity to win tickets to the All-Ireland Senior Championship Final of their choice – football or hurling.
The challenge?
Could your code crack the safe?
Visit the Activ8 stand during the National Ploughing Championships to find out.
Frequently Asked Questions About Activ8 at the National Ploughing Championships 2026
When are the National Ploughing Championships 2026?
The National Ploughing Championships take place from Tuesday 15th to Thursday 17th September 2026 in Screggan, Tullamore, Co. Offaly.
Where can I find Activ8 at the National Ploughing Championships?
Activ8 Solar Energies will be at Stand 60/61 – DOME, Block 4, Row 31 – Stand 596.
Can I talk to Activ8 about solar panels for my home at the Ploughing?
Yes. The Activ8 team will be available throughout the event to answer questions about solar panels, home suitability, grants and other aspects of installing solar PV.
How much is the Solar PV Grant in Ireland in 2026?
Eligible homeowners can currently receive an SEAI Solar PV Grant of up to €1,800 towards the cost of installing solar panels.
Come and Talk to Activ8 at Ploughing 2026
You don’t need to arrive knowing your kWp from your kilowatt-hour.
Bring your questions. Tell us a little about your home and electricity usage, and our team can explain the options that may be worth considering.
After 20 years and more than 25,000 solar installations, we’ve encountered plenty of different Irish homes along the way.
We’ll see you in Screggan.