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.

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.