Dutch plans to change solar export payments have raised concerns for homeowners, but Ireland’s solar system is different. Here’s what Irish homeowners need to know. Recent headlines have raised concerns that the financial return homeowners receive for exporting surplus solar electricity to the grid could come under pressure. In Ireland, this discussion comes as the number of homes generating their own electricity continues to grow, while export payments remain significantly lower than the price homeowners pay to buy electricity from the grid. Energy experts have warned that, as more solar comes onto the system, the value of surplus electricity could reduce over time. This has led to comparisons with the Netherlands, where a major change to the way homeowners are compensated for solar exports is taking place. So, what is actually changing in the Netherlands, and what, if anything, could it mean for homeowners in Ireland?

Low Carbon Energy has today become Activ8 Energies, marking the next stage in the evolution of the business and establishing a single brand across its operations in the UK and Ireland. The rebrand follows Activ8 Energies’ acquisition of the business in 2025 and brings the UK operation under the Activ8 Energies identity, creating a clearer proposition for customers and reflecting the scale, expertise and capability of the wider organisation. Activ8 Energies is an SSE company, operating under the SSE Energy Solutions brand. The move builds on that established UK track record, bringing it together with Activ8 Energies’ wider operations across Ireland, the UK and Europe. It combines the experience and relationships of the existing UK team with Activ8 Energies’ growing technical capability, resources and experience delivering renewable energy projects at scale.