All the latest solar related news in Ireland and around the world
September 29, 2026
L-R Stephen Gallagher – MD SSE Airtricity, Barry Gavin – Activ8, Ciaran Marron – CEO, Activ8
The solar energy solutions provider aims to strengthen its board with Gavin’s senior sustainable finance and clean energy infrastructure expertise
Activ8 Solar Energies, Ireland’s leading solar provider, has appointed Barry Gavin as an Independent Non-Executive Director and Chairperson of the company’s board.
Barry brings over 25 years’ experience in sustainable finance and clean energy infrastructure, spanning C-suite executive, Chair and non-executive board roles with organisations including Gaelectric, CODEMA, An Post and FuturEnergy Ireland. He has extensive experience in corporate governance, strategy and investment, alongside sector expertise spanning the primary emitting sectors: power, heating/cooling, and transport, with experience across residential, commercial and industrial markets. This gives him a broad, cross-sectoral perspective on the challenges and opportunities associated with the energy transition. Barry is also an Adjunct Lecturer at UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, where he lectures in Sustainable Finance and Renewable Energy Finance.
He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, holds an MBA from Dublin City University, has been approved by the Central Bank of Ireland to hold Pre-Approval Controlled Function (PCF) roles as an Independent Non-Executive Director, and is a member of the Institute of Directors.
Ciaran Marron, CEO and Founder of Activ8 Solar Energies, said: “Barry’s experience across sustainable finance and clean energy infrastructure is a significant addition to our board. He is a real authority in our sector, with a rare combination of executive and non-executive experience and a deep understanding of governance in regulated environments – all of which will support us well as we continue to grow.”
Commenting on his appointment, Barry Gavin said: “This is an exciting time to join Activ8. Over two decades, the team has built a strong position in the Irish solar market, providing a solid platform for the next phase of growth. I’m looking forward to working with Ciaran, the Board and the wider team as the business develops. The energy transition has been a significant part of my executive, board and academic work, and I’m pleased to bring that experience and perspective to Activ8.”
This appointment comes at an exciting time for Activ8, as the company celebrates 20 years in business, having recently launched its all-island funded solar initiative – worth up to €200 million – helping Irish businesses install on-site solar systems without upfront costs through long-term Power Purchase Agreements.
All the latest solar related news in Ireland and around the world
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, the Society of St. Vincent De Paul and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), this project focused on keeping homes warm through the winter of 2019 and beyond with the completion of this energy project in Limerick city.
In Garryowen, the residents of St Patricks Court will see energy consumption being reduced by almost 50% as part of this retrofit project.
There were 13 properties making up the project, all of which were built over 50 years ago and therefore had poor BER ratings, with solid concrete walls and single glazing windows. The majority of the tenants have come from the nearby SVP emergency homeless hostel accommodation and the properties had no energy upgrades since they were constructed. Following the final installation of the solar PV panels, the homes BER uplift came from a G right up to A3, savings thousands of euro in annual energy costs and making the homes much healthier and cosier to live in.
The project was co-founded by SEAI and SVP and delivered by SSE Airtricity Energy Services and Activ8 Solar Energies with upgrades on home heating, solar PV installation and external insulation. Part of the funding came through the SEAI and their Community Scheme with support from the government, which aims to improve energy efficiency in Irish communities.
Reflecting on 2019, this scheme has allowed us, alongside our partner, SSE Airtricity, to team up with local authorities, approved housing bodies and community groups to deliver energy improvements to domestic and fuel poor homes around Ireland.
Stuart Hobbs, Head of SSE Airtricity Energy Services, said, “We’re proud to partner with St. Vincent de Paul and the SEAI, and to help some of Limerick’s most vulnerable residents feel warmer and safer in their homes this winter. This project will reduce the resident’s energy costs while also helping cut carbon emissions from their homes.
At SSE Airtricity we know the value of helping Irish homes and businesses go green and how that can have a positive impact on Ireland’s 2030 climate goals,” Hobbs added.
John Randles, Head of Delivery in SEAI said, “This year, SEAI is supporting 57 projects under our communities’ scheme with over €25 million in government funding. We are delighted to see projects like the collaboration between SSE Airtricity, St. Vincent de Paul and St Patricks Court Limerick at completion.”
APRIL 15 2020
April 15, 2020
We are absolutely delighted to announce that we have received this award on behalf of all our hard working staff
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 and while this award is directly attributable to our current staff, their efforts have been built upon the foundations of many previous staff members and I want to take this opportunity to thank all of our staff, both current and past.
However, with the recent spread of COVID-19, these are uncertain times for businesses, but also for our families. We should all continue to follow expert advice from the HSE and informed government sources, as we are doing here in Activ8 Solar Energies.
It is with this recent challenge and also this particular award, that we all look back on the growth of Activ8 Solar Energies over a fantastic 14 years and realise that as Irelands largest solar installer and with the backing of our partners SSE Airtricity that we are in a position to continue to help our customers as much as we possibly can and that we will continue to drive forward the renewable energy efforts in this wonderful country of ours.
With that said, I want to thank all of our wonderful staff and wish health upon their families in the near future and the hope that our normal routines will seem to resume just as quickly as they have left us.
Kind regards,
Ciaran Marron
CEO
Activ8 Solar Energies
March 20, 2020
8th July 2019: Glanbia Ireland has today announced that they are delighted to bring FarmGen, a farm generated renewable energy initiative, to the farming community.
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.
This technology will help farmers grow their business sustainably into the future, while improving energy efficiency on farm and reducing bills.
Following rooftop installation, FarmGen’s 6Kw Solar PV system will help power energy intensive processes on farm, reducing the costs of milk cooling, vacuum pumps and water heating. Combined these three processes account for around 80% of total milk parlour energy consumption.
Activ8 Solar Energies will supply and install state-of-the-art Solar PV panels along with a smart monitoring system on each farm. The system will monitor energy generation and consumption in real-time; helping farmers understand where and when energy is consumed, and therefore assisting them to adapt behaviours that will reduce energy costs and improve sustainability.
As part of the solar offering, farms will also have export meters installed that enable them to potentially profit from future incentives to return electricity on to the grid. In advance of this measure, SSE Airtricity will provide an annual export rebate to FarmGen customers, as well as preferential energy rates on their 100% green energy.*
Farmers can receive 100% financing for the FarmGen initiative through the existing Glanbia Ireland FundEquip scheme and can also leverage all available grant aids, such as TAMS II (Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Schemes) or SEAI. Activ8 Solar Energies will support all grant funding applications for customers.
This solar power solution is open to all farming sectors and sizes, with customised commercial packages available and importantly there are also options available for those who wish to install Solar PV in their homes to harness the power of green energy. Farmers who wish to register their interest for this product can phone 1890 929 828 or visit www.farmgen.ie
Michael Creed, Minister of Agriculture, Food & the Marine said: “This is a perfect fit with the Government’s own climate plan and ambition. It builds on the Department of Agriculture’s own TAMS grant, which is encouraging farmers to invest in renewable energies, particularly solar panels, on their farm. It’s great to see Glanbia Ireland take that scheme and work with it to enable the industry to collaborate for the benefit of Irish farmers.”
Jim Bergin, CEO, Glanbia Ireland commented: “In Glanbia Ireland our philosophy is that ‘Goodness Grows Here’ and we are delighted to join with SSE Airtricity and Activ8 Solar Energies to launch our FarmGen programme. Through this economically attractive renewable energy solution, we are empowering our farmers to grow their enterprise and to do this in harmony with the environment, for future generations.”
Klair Neenan, Managing Director, SSE Airtricity added: “At SSE Airtricity, we believe this is generation green, and we’re delighted to be supporting this initiative to deliver renewable energy solutions to Glanbia Ireland’s network of farmers. We’ll be offering FarmGen customers an exclusive export rebate, as well as preferential rates for our 100% green energy. It’s great to be working with a forward-thinking organisation like Glanbia Ireland, bringing together our expertise to reduce energy costs and improve sustainability at the same time.”
Ciaran Marron, CEO, Activ8 Solar Energies said: “As solar experts, Activ8 Solar Energies aims to take the burden away from the farmer, and offer a full turn-key solution from initial interest and grant application, right through to installation and commission of a farmer’s solar system.”
Key highlights of the Glanbia Ireland FarmGen initiative include:
*100% green energy based on Fuel Mix Disclosure and CO2 Emissions for 2017, published by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), September 2018. For more information visit sseairtricity.com/greenenergy
For more information on FarmGen, please view a video here.
Glanbia Ireland is an ambitious, integrated agri-food and nutrition business, with a diverse portfolio of quality ingredients, leading consumer and agri brands. Glanbia Ireland owns leading consumer and agri brands such as Avonmore, Kilmeaden Cheese, Millac, Premier Milk, Wexford, mymilkman.ie, Glanbiaconnect.com, countrylife.ie and GAIN Animal Nutrition. It processes a 2.7 billion litre milk pool from 21 counties and exports high quality dairy and agri ingredients as well as branded products to over 70 countries. Glanbia Ireland is a joint venture 60% owned by Glanbia Co-op and 40% owned by Glanbia plc. With annual revenue of €1.8 billion, Glanbia Ireland has 11 processing plants, 53 agri branches and over 2,000 employees.
SSE Airtricity is the second largest energy supplier on the island of Ireland, proudly providing 100% green electricity, natural gas and energy-related services to around 750,000 home and business customers. SSE Airtricity is certified by Business in the Community Ireland to the Business Working Responsibly Mark, the ‘gold standard’ for Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability in Ireland. The company has around 1,000 employees on the island of Ireland and is proud to be a Living Wage employer. In 2018, SSE Airtricity acquired 40 per cent of Activ8 Solar Energies, one of Ireland’s leading suppliers of solar PV systems.
July 8, 2019
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.
We went after the ISO 9001:2015 accreditation by going further with our ISO 9001 implementation measures.
ISO 9001 is awarded to companies for exceptional Quality Management Systems, allowing us to further strengthen our reputation within the Irish solar industry for our dedication to quality of service. This is backed up by our stringent process management that guarantees our consistent quality of service with each and every customer, install and project that we undertake.
Acquiring this more up-to-date accreditation was extremely important for us as a company, making sure that we stayed as the only dedicated solar installers in Ireland to receive the ISO mark of quality. After a lengthy process in conjunction with the National Standards Authority of Ireland 3 years ago, an important process for everyone here, it was important for us to strengthen that reputation going forward.
It gives our current customers further peace of mind as to the pedigree of their install, the stability of our guarantees and the standards to which our customer service will deliver if they ever need us. It should also go a long way towards helping any prospective customers make up their mind as to with whom they wish to deal with. We hope this helps establish Activ8 Solar Energies as the industry leader in quality. Quality of survey, design, fit, install and overall service.
With many companies trying to enter the industry on the back of last years SEAI solar PV grant, we hope that people acknowledge the importance of quality and the strict adherence to quality across the many processes here in Activ8 Solar Energies.
For our CEO Ciaran Marron, it echoes the slogan of the company;
“We do not follow standards, we set them!”
January 10, 2019
What a difference a year makes. In solar anyway.
After one of our best summers here in Ireland, you would be forgiven for thinking I may be referring to the change in weather. But no, it wasn’t changes in the sky, it was changes on the ground. 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. Not only to us, but to research, to science, to economists and more. It makes sense.
We have blogs, discussions, and interviews to show our past desires in this area. But maybe the most important reference we can show you is a presentation I gave at the ISEA conference in 2017. It was aptly titled: “The Challenges of Domestic Solar PV Without an Incentive” – if I was to present this now, it would be titled “The Success of Domestic Solar PV With an Incentive”.
Alas, here we are in November 2018 after our MD Ciaran Marron has presented upon the processes and procedures surrounding the grants and installation of these grant-aided solar PV systems. As one the leading solar installers in Ireland for well over a decade, Ciaran had the chance to pass on his knowledge around the processes surrounding solar PV and grant-aided work. Almost 10 years on from helping a customer complete his first SEAI grant application, Ciaran was happy to get this opportunity whilst also worrying about where the 10 years had gone…
Either way now seems an appropriate time to look at the key points detailed in that exact presentation from 12 months ago and compare where we are as a nation and an industry right now.
Early on, we compared the grant-aided structures around solar thermal technology, within which we were the leading installer going off the last recorded SEAI statistics.
It’s great now to be able to change much of the solar PV side with the introduction of the solar PV grant by SEAI, growing widespread uptake and slowly but surely, the visual growth of Irish rooftops showing solar PV and with the grant from the SEAI also comes quality control with meticulous work inspections bringing peace of mind to Irish homeowners.
One of our other main points revolved around the idea that a gentle push is all the homeowner and the industry needed.
Well… We got it.
A gentle push has been provided, not only for the tried and test Solar PV but for the battery storage technology. As a company, we’ve found this has really taken off. As of November, around 25% of all installs now include battery storage added on with the customer benefitting from the additional €1,000 grant.
A year ago, I argued that mass education on system attributes and capabilities can only come from experience within society.
As a company, we have found in late 2018 that customers are far more familiar with what solar PV can do and its benefits to us here in Ireland.
This has come from the proof being in the pudding. Customer recommendations being one. When you pair this with the publicity that initially came alongside the grant alongside continuous publicity from SEAI and news outlets. Public knowledge grows. With knowledge comes acceptance.
Finally, as explained in our presentation last year, with incentives comes inspections and quality checks from governing bodies.
We here at Activ8 widely approve more stringent checks on Solar PV works. This helps create standards that must be upheld by quality installers. Ensuring, that which is installed is installed for the long term. That it is safe and does what it says on the tin.
It would be rude to take all the credit for our foresight on the above topics and presentation. A former colleague of mine (Maurice Murphy) wrote a dissertation on this exact topic in 2014, and lays out some wonderful points many of which are borrowed in my presentation. If this topic is of interest to you, I would suggest you read this dissertation in full in the link below. Covering topics from solar economics, the social, environmental and ethical drivers, right down to a funding piece which shows a cost neutral way for the economy to stimulate the growth in this sector.
RENERWABLE ENERGY IN IRELAND – HAS THE GOVERNMENT MISSED A TRICK? – The Solar Photovoltaic Market in the Republic of Ireland: A Case Study
November 30, 2018
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.
The goal of limiting global warming to 2 degrees Celsius was almost immediately shot down by experts as too much and that target itself was completely inadequate.
Now, it’s 2018 and in those two short years, optimism was dropped. The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released an alarming new report, alluding to how a 1.5° C raise as opposed to 2° C would make a massive difference. A difference that would affect the lives of millions of people. Continuing on our current path, the 1.5° C rise will happen by 2040! It will manifest itself in extreme weather events as well as other drastic changes. All coral reefs would die out, wildfires and heatwaves would sweep the planet and the fluctuations between drought and flooding would severely impact our ability to produce food.
Even here in Ireland, we are seeing these changes happen and the damage they cause. Take our storms over the last 18 months, they are packing more of a punch and happening more often.
Avoiding all of this can’t happen slowly. 2040 is a lot closer than we think! 22 years from now. Remember Riverdance in 1994, that was 24 years ago… You hear people say “where does the time go?” – well, it just passes. With time passing, things tend to passively happen. We cannot passively let our economies continue in the manner that they do. The solar PV grant was announced this year and the household micro-generation it supports is a small measure that can help Ireland towards neutralising and eliminating our carbon footprint, but so much more has to be done.
We need to embrace change. We need to embrace technology. We need to embrace these challenges all over Ireland, together. It is one of the only truly global issues that no one country can eliminate for themselves and not for others. Countries can solve housing issues, poverty, food shortages, wars and more despite the fact that the same issues can exist right across their nearest border. Climate change, global temperatures, extreme weather events will all happen unless we all work towards a cleaner future. It’s unfortunate that other issues can bring the world closer together but our climate challenges cannot. I suppose everyone has to start somewhere, be it renewable energy, cutting down on waste by recycling, burning fewer fossil fuels, using less. That is what we should aim for in Ireland for now. The Irish government has started with renewable energy grants such as this year’s Solar PV and pre-existing supports through the SEAI but this progress should only be backed up with more progression and give citizens the tools and resources to tackle climate change the length and breadth of Ireland, from Mizen Head to Malin Head, Dublin Port to Westport.
September 8, 2018
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 gave me great pleasure in sharing our installation knowledge with the next generation of solar installers.
It doesn’t feel like 10 years since I helped our first customer claim an SEAI solar grant. Where does the time go?
Ciaran.
August 1, 2018
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. Upon Minister Naughten’s announcement earlier this year, the hope was this would not be a false dawn, and as we worked as advisors to the SEAI on the format of the grant, it’s great to see the hard work pay off today.
Without Battery (Max €1,400)
€700 per kWp up to and capped at 2kWp
With Battery (Max €3,800)
€700 per kWp up to and capped at 4kWp Solar
+
€1000 for battery once sized greater than 2kWhrs
– Buildings built and occupied before 2011
– Post-works BER required
– PV works must be installed after July 31st 2018
– Systems must be grid tied
– Grant is a one-off payment
– 2-year pilot scheme reviewed every 6 months
This theme is all about self-consumption and practicality. Regarding self-consumption, we have found that 2kWp systems can achieve approximately 80% usage of all energy generated, brought close to 100% with battery storage or hot water diverts. By encouraging self-consumption, it means the best value is being obtained by the customer. Regarding practicality, there are schemes around the world still being administered and staffed long after the scheme has closed, hence we welcome the upfront one-off grant payment. This allows for the quick implementation of the scheme and eliminates the grandfather costs when the pilot ends.
We would like to commend the SEAI on their speedy response to Minister Naughten’s call to action. These schemes take a lot of planning and forethought, and the expedited manner in which the members of the SEAI brought this pilot about is a credit to them as an organisation.
Finally, we would like to give credit to our partners at SSE Airtricity for their foresight in all things renewable. SSE Airtricity’s investment in Activ8 further reaffirms their position as the leading supplier of renewable energy to Irish households.
Through our partnership, we are rolling out the following offer to customers –
All current, and new, SSE Airtricity customers who purchase a system from Activ8 will receive €250 cashback from Activ8 on point of install.
Looking at today’s announcement, our CEO Ciaran Marron concluded with:
“Having spent the last 12 years in the solar industry, it is not lost on me that we are exactly 12 years away from 2030, a monumental year in our climate change efforts. The announcement today shows our commitment as a country towards our goals in this regard”.
For more information on Solar PV and how to avail of the current SEAI solar grant and offers, click here.
We have also answered the question: are solar panels are worth the investment in Ireland
July 31, 2018
As a key stakeholder in the Irish Solar Industry, this week is a very interesting one indeed.
Today I travel to a number of meetings with many like-minded people within my industry, to see if we can form a strong, stable and exciting incentive to help us move past the label of Europe’s solar laggards.
Tomorrow I travel to Munich, to Intersolar 2018, where I can discuss with our peers in Europe, suppliers and engineers alike on the deemed successes of solar throughout the continent in the past and the products and strategies of the future.
To see where our industry sits at this moment in time we should see the successes achieved both by us and by our nearest neighbours – Northern Ireland. SEAI have done a great job spreading the word of sustainability throughout Ireland, with grants for almost every useful upgrading measure available. To this end, energy conservation and renewable production has almost become glamorous! You need look no further than Diarmuid Gavin on a Sunday afternoon on RTE to realise that triple glazing, insulation and heatpumps are the fashionable things to go for. When it comes to Solar Thermal, SEAI have truly done their part also. We have upgraded thousands of homes through the grant scheme, and thousands of others simply through the knock on effect of testimonials, advocating the effectiveness of established solar homes. Great products, services and savings are infectious, but sometimes need a push to get over the hump of inertia. In this context, Northern Ireland have taken an approach to incentivise Solar PV. From simply driving the road from Dundalk to Castleblayney, you can see the effects from one incentivised region to another.
For those not familiar with the N53, it turns into the A37 (NI) for 5.4 kilometres. As you drive this small stretch of road, you can see what a difference the PV incentive has made. You will see both social and private housing with systems installed, as well as numerous businesses from petrol stations to bars and shops. All reducing the electricity purchased from the grid, saving money and doing their bit for the environment. Then as you move further down the road onto the N53 again you can see domestic customers availing of solar thermal again in the Republic.
A small PV incentive, similar to that which homeowners can obtain for solar thermal in Ireland would put us in a position to catch up with our European counterparts in the renewable stakes. We already have the governing body in place, along with mechanisms to roll this out extremely efficiently. We have checks in place for trade specific qualifications and insurances to ensure the customer is using a properly vetted company. We already have the vehicles in place to do quality insurance inspections to ensure only high quality installers remain on this grant list. We even have an efficient way of trading carbon credits which could also subsidise installation costs in place. Leaving us with 2 roadblocks;
Change is difficult. Enacting mass change is harder again. Indecision, plodding progress and fear of change is what has us as Europe’s laggards. On a technology that has proven itself throughout European countries for over a decade now. This stumbling progress to date, has left us second from bottom on a list produced by Europe’s largest NGO coalition Climate Action Network (CAN) on Monday just past (18th June 2018) of countries and their progress toward their 2020 goals. However, the aforementioned structures and processes that we already have in place, allows me to look at the current solar landscape and our ability to move forward with solar PV with positivity.
July 19, 2018
The last few days have been very active on the commercial front for myself and my family with the announcement that SSE Airtricity has invested in a 40% stake of Activ8 Solar Energies. As a result, I didn’t quite have the chance to sit down and actually take in the momentous occasion. However, the calls and messages I have received from friends and family far and wide have been truly heartwarming.
I firstly want to take this opportunity to acknowledge that a lot of the people doing so have played important roles in helping Activ8 become what it is today. Those closest to me are acutely aware of the journey endured in getting to this point, but sometimes overlook the importance of their contribution through what they’ve said and what they’ve done in helping make Activ8 the company it is today.
With that, Orla and I want to personally thank all of our family and friends from the bottom of our hearts for everything. Equally, I want to thank our current staff for continuing to do their best to help Activ8 grow on a daily and monthly basis in what is a very exciting 2018. I also want to thank all of those who checked in and out of Activ8 HQ in the past, for however long, for their hard work and buying into the Activ8 vision over the years.
I am very excited for what 2018 holds for Activ8 Solar Energies and with the support of SSE Airtricity, the sky sun is the limit.
April 5, 2018
SSE Airtricity has agreed a deal to buy 40% of the Irish-based supplier of rooftop solar systems, Activ8 Solar Energies.
The existing Activ8 management team will remain in place, and SSE will have an option to acquire an additional 10% shareholding in Activ8 after two years.
The Co Monaghan-based Activ8, which will continue to trade under the same brand, employs around 40 people and supplies rooftop solar systems to home and business customers.
The acquisition, which is subject to approval by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, is expected to complete in the coming months.
Activ8 has been in business for more than ten years and has supplied and installed over 7,000 solar energy systems so far across the island of Ireland.
In 2016 Activ8 Solar Energies was selected by SSE Airtricity Energy Services as a preferred partner in the delivery of SEAI-supported domestic and community-based retrofit schemes.
Commenting on the deal, SSE Airtricity Director of Business Energy Stephen Gallagher said: “Activ8 has a very strong team which is the driving force behind the company’s success.
“Now, subject to approval by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Activ8 and SSE Airtricity are poised to bring our combined strengths and unique offerings to a much-wider domestic and commercial customer base, including SSE Airtricity’s 750,000 energy supply customers across the island.”
Activ8 Chief Executive Ciaran Marron said the “major investment by SSE Airtricity into our business represents an exciting step-forward for the growth of our business and service offering”.
April 3, 2018
Under the terms of the agreement SSE Airtricity will have an option to acquire an additional 10 per cent shareholding in Activ8 Solar Energies after two years. The existing Activ8 management team will lead this business, which will continue to trade as Activ8 Solar Energies. Here at Activ8 Solar Energies, nothing will change in the running of the company on a day-to-day business, except with the aim of growing the business and creating even more local employment.
The acquisition is subject to approval by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, and SSE Airtricity and Activ8 Solar Energies expectto complete the process in the coming months.
In 2016 Activ8 Solar Energies was selected by SSE Airtricity Energy Services as a preferred partner in the delivery of SEAI-supported domestic and community-based retrofit schemes. Commercially, Activ8 partnered with SSE Airtricity in 2017 to install a 1,400-panel rooftop array covering more than 2,300m2 and generating 420 kilowatt peak (kWp) of solar energy at The SSE Arena, Belfast.
1,448 solar PV Suntech panels on the SSE Arena in Belfast
Stephen Gallagher, SSE Airtricity’s Director of Business Energy, said:
“We’re delighted to announce this acquisition by SSE Airtricity of 40 per cent of Activ8 Solar Energies which marks yet another significant step forward in the development of our growing commercial and domestic energy services offering. Activ8 is one of the leading Rooftop Solar companies in Ireland, and since 2016 our two companies have worked in partnership to deliver large-scale deep retrofit projects, whether under the Better Energy Communities programme or with innovative energy-generating installations such as our roof-mounted solar PV array at The SSE Arena, Belfast.
“Activ8 has a very strong team which is the driving force behind the company’s success. Now, subject to approval by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Activ8 and SSE Airtricity are poised to bring our combined strengths and unique offerings to a much-wider domestic and commercial customer base, including SSE Airtricity’s 750,000 energy supply customers across the island.”
Ciaran Marron, Chief Executive of Activ8 Solar Energies, said:
“The acquisition being announced today further cements Activ8’s position as one of the leading providers of Rooftop Solar solutions in Ireland. Since 2007, we have successfully grown our electrical contracting business to become one of Ireland’s top installers of solar energy systems. We are proud of our exceptional knowledge and experience in the rooftop solar industry, and particularly of the contribution that our dedicated and highly-skilled workforce of 40 employees have made towards our growth to-date.
“This major investment by SSE Airtricity into our business represents an exciting step-forward for the growth of our business and service offering at Activ8, and we look forward to working together with SSE Airtricity as we develop new customer offerings to meet our shared growth ambitions for this rapidly-developing technology sector.”
April 3, 2018
I don’t know if you’re the same as some of us here in Activ8 Solar Energies, but we’ve found the Winter Olympics as some great late night TV viewing. All though we sometimes complain about the weather here in Ireland, it’s never quite cold enough to allow us to become Winter Olympics ready. Nonetheless, we watch in awe and the speed and fearlessness that some of the events showcase. We also find ourselves following some of the subplots surrounding the games, renewable energy within the setup being one, but also how climate change is affecting not only this Winter Olympics but also future iterations of the games.
Irish jet-setters generally hit the slopes of Europe for their snow expeditions, rather than the slopes of South Korea. Greenhouse gases emitted since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution has so far warmed the world by roughly 1ºC, on average. But the effect has been greater in the ever popular Alps, which has warmed by about 2ºC. Here you will find the Marmolada glacier and with the intensity of these effects mostly in the summer months, the Marmolada glacier is melting and at an alarming rate. Forget the summer for a second, the effects of global warming has also started to have profound effects on winter months and the winter-sports industry as a result.
Daniel Scott of the University of Waterloo, Robert Steiger of the University of Innsbruck, and others, have looked at this future warming in the context of the cities chosen to host the Winter Olympics, from Chamonix in 1924 to Pyeongchang in South Korea currently hosting the event and Beijing in 2022. Even if emissions are cut to meet the target of the Paris climate agreement of 2015, only 13 of the 21 host cities look certain to be cold enough to host snow-sports at all in the 2050s.
The biggest argument against such figures can be the one-off storms, large snowfalls. This is part of the climate change argument also with more extreme weather events happening from time to time as delegates at the World Economic Forum in Davos this year found out with a large snowfall. But the long-term trends are sobering.
In 2007 the OECD, a rich-world think-tank, sounded the alarm. It projected that, of 666 Alpine ski resorts, roughly 40% would no longer get enough snow to operate a 100-day season (a rule of thumb for making money) if the region warmed by another 2°C. Roughly 70% might go if it warmed by 4°C. The German Alps were especially vulnerable. In North America, projections suggest that resorts close to the western seaboard, especially in California, face a ruinous loss of skiing days. Skiing in Australia looks all but doomed.
So while we sit and watch and wonder at the spectacle of it all, we can all make a difference. We might not be able to land the quadruple cork 1980 trick or whatever the man on the TV called it, but we can do our bit for the Winter Olympics starting in our own home by making it more environmentally friendly.
February 20, 2018
New data unveiled this week show that extreme weather events have become more frequent over the past 36 years, with a significant uptick in floods and other hydrological events compared even with five years ago, according to a new publication, “Extreme weather events in Europe: Preparing for climate change adaptation: an update on EASAC’s 2013 study” by the European Academies’ Science Advisory Council (EASAC), a body made up of 27 national science academies in the European Union, Norway, and Switzerland. Given the increase in the frequency of extreme weather events, the EASAC calls for stronger attention to climate change adaptation across the European Union.
Brexit may be taking up a lot of Irish – European discussions, but we must not only raise the issue at that level, we must act on it intrinsically and support renewable energy sources and climate change efforts here in Ireland itself before lecturing elsewhere. It is up to our leaders and policy-makers to improve the adaptability of our own infrastructure and social systems to a changing climate. I think the appetite in Ireland for this is growing given the recent effects of both Storm Ophelia and the “Beast From The East”.
Around the world, according to the new data released, the number of floods and other hydrological events have quadrupled since 1980 and have doubled since 2004, highlighting the urgency of adaptation to climate change as the frequency worsens! Climatological events, such as extreme temperatures, droughts, and forest fires, have more than doubled since 1980. Meteorological events, such as storms, have doubled since 1980, you can see this in the photo above. These extreme weather events carry substantial economic costs. In the updated data, thunderstorm losses in North America have doubled – from under US$10 billion in 1980 to almost $20 billion in 2015 and yet the USA and the Trump administration, which we criticised in the past here at Activ8, continue to cut funding for the EPA and climate change initiatives as well pulled out of the Paris COP 21 agreement. On a more positive note, river flood losses in Europe show a near-static trend (despite their increased frequency), indicating that protection measures that have been implemented may have stemmed flood losses. Once again, it may be up to Europe to lead the way.
Professor Michael Norton, EASAC’s Environment Programme Director states, “Our 2013 Extreme Weather Events report – which was based on the findings of the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters and the Norwegian Meteorological Institute – has been updated and the latest data supports our original conclusions: there has been and continues to be a significant increase in the frequency of extreme weather events, making climate proofing all the more urgent. Adaptation and mitigation must remain the cornerstones of tackling climate change. This update is most timely since the European Commission is due to release its evaluation of its climate strategy this year.”
Is a contemporary shutdown of the Gulf Stream (AMOC) possible?
The update also reviews evidence on key drivers of extreme events. A major point of debate remains whether the Gulf Stream, or Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), will just decline or could ‘switch off’ entirely with substantial implications for Northwest Europe’s climate. Recent monitoring does suggest a significant weakening but debate continues over whether the gulf stream may “switch off” as a result of the increased flows of fresh water from northern latitude rainfall and melting of the Greenland icecap. EASAC notes the importance of continuing to use emerging oceanographic monitoring data to provide a more reliable forecast of impacts of global warming on the AMOC. The update also notes the recent evidence which suggests an association between the rapid rate of Arctic warming and extreme cold events further south (including in Europe and the Eastern USA) due to a weakened and meandering jet stream.
For us here in Ireland, the devastation that these recent weather events have caused show go a long way to showing us that everyone is being and will continue to be effected by global warming and climate change as a result. If everyone can recognise as much, maybe it’s time we all collectively demanded better climate change action from those in power and make the decision to help improve things on a smaller scale. We can’t pawn this problem off to future generations, we need to tackle it as quickly as possible. If not today, or tomorrow, maybe The Day After Tomorrow (Pun intended).
February 15, 2018
Further growing the trend of energy research in Ireland and Europe as a whole, Micheál Scanlon of UL has received a European Research Council Starting Grant of €1.5 million to further his research into clean energy, specifically pushing the science involved in solar photovoltaic.
The electrochemist is to deepen his research into imitating photosynthesis in the leaves of plants to generate clean electricity. In doing so, he is the only recipient in Ireland in the area of physical sciences. With energy consumption expected to double globally over the next 30 years, it is deemed vital that technologies such as solar PV and the growing research in this area are supported to help Ireland, Europe and the wider world to achieve sustainability.
Within the next 15 years, the solar PV market in Europe alone is projected to be worth €10bn per annum.
The new approach from the UL researcher aims to achieve solar energy conversion using a liquid-to-liquid interface rather than the solid materials used in today’s solar PV panels, such as the Suntech panels we use here at Activ8 Solar Energies, which are Bloomberg Tier 1 panels.
“Liquid-liquid interfaces are found everywhere in nature, including in the membranes of cells in plant leaves, which are photosynthetic. There are light-harvesting molecules called chlorophyll in these membranes.
“The liquid-liquid interfaces I use have the fantastic ability to trap and bring molecules together, especially molecules that are similar to chlorophyll. By coating these interfaces in all sorts of light-harvesting molecules, I can create an artificial photosynthetic membrane capable of producing energy.”
The funding grant will go to assisting Dr. Scanlon’s goal to study the interaction of light with the artificial photosynthetic membranes he is creating.
It is important that we continually push the boundaries of research in the area of clean energy here in Ireland. In the meantime, it’s just as important that we use the technologies available to us now to help protect the environment. What’s more, the ability to save money on your electricity bills puts Irish homeowners in the unique position of being able to save money in the long-term while also helping protect the environment!
June 17, 2017
Donald Trump is making a mockery of our planet, its future and also the underlying theme of “Make America Great Again”. By pulling America out of the Paris Agreement, he is making America’s outlook on science, technology and green energy “draconian”. The word he used to describe the measures within the agreement itself. After America making exceptional progress in clean energy through solar, wind, tidal and many others, Donald Trump is hell bent on turning back the clock in America. But in doing so, he is completely contradicting what made America a great nation in the past.
He refers to making America great “again”, but the reasons for which America was once considered a great nation, is because they invested and championed scientific and technological innovation. There are many examples of this, but one in particular brings us a timeline of how American investment in these areas has brought us to this point in time. Some of America’s most successful and brightest minds, who now publicly lead the calls for investment in clean energy were created through similar scientific and technological investment more than 50 years ago.
I recently read a book called Creativity Inc. In it, author and co-founder of Pixar, Ed Catmull talks about how decades ago in the face of global unrest, tensions with Russia and other global issues that troubled America and allies, the American government decided that it would become great through science, engineering and technology. Ed Catmull himself ended up going back to grad school at Utah and participated in ARPA, the Advanced Research Projects Agency.
“The creation of the Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) was authorized by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1958 for the purpose of forming and executing research and development projects to expand the frontiers of technology and science” – Dwight D. Eisenhower and Science & Technology, (2008).
They poured millions of dollars into ARPA and similar initiatives that sponsored post-graduate collegiate programmes such as the one Ed Catmull found himself in. The definition above outlines their focused ambition on science and technology. They also did this, without giving specific direction. Instead, they trusted the budding young minds and leadership skills of scientists and entrepreneurs across America. These were the people tasked with moving America forward. Making it great even.
With Ed Catmull, he ended up making advancements in computer graphics and soon after, we ended up with Pixar. I presume the American government didn’t have computer graphics on the top of their list of priorities, but it became a global leader in a new market. Within this context, but covered in another fantastic book (Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell), the advancements made in computer science through this investment led to an opportunity for 3 men born within 6 months of each other in 1954 and 1955 – Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and Bill Joy. The opportunities they had in their late teens was to continue the revolution for America in these areas. The great technology feats of these men have directly led to a lot of technologies we use on a daily basis. You’re reading this on a device using technologies they’ve built or helped shape and more than likely through the internet, a technology that Bill Joy shaped with his UNIX servers.
It’s a long-winded explanation, but of the men I’ve just named above, two are alive and both of them are thought leaders and real champions of clean energy, with Bill Gates strongly advocating solar energy. And that brings us to right now. Donal Trump wants to make “America Great Again” and Emmanuel Macron has hit back with the notion that we need to come together to “Make Our Planet Great Again”.
But outside of this political jousting, we need to listen to our brightest minds, the people at the forefront of present science that are desperately trying to forge a future for the science and technologies that truly will make our planet great.
So while Donald misses the point of what made America a great nation in decades past, we need to look to those who were involved in the advancements of yesteryears breakthrough technologies. Because right now, the technologies we need are in clean energy, sustainable energy systems and beyond.
We will do this with or without the United States of America, but the underlying context of division and “sovereignty” Donald Trump is leading is disappointing and unsettling.
In the face of global climate change fears, just like many other global issues we face today; unity is what we really need.
June 2, 2017
We’re nearing the end of February. The fact that almost 2 months have passed in 2017 is newsworthy enough, it’s mad to think that time has gone so fast. With the time of year in mind and spring in full swing, our customers will start to see the production of their solar panels really pick up with the hours of daylight increasing day by day. General temperatures are starting to pick up and although the peak summer months can deliver daily hot water, it is these transitional periods during spring and autumn when the Atlas solar thermal panels really show their efficiency.
These transitional periods bring more hours of daylight, stronger solar radiation and overall better conditions for solar. Our Atlas solar panels, developed in Austria with the Irish climate in mind, are built to maximise their efficiency during these times. Couple this with the extremely well-insulated piping and the optimised Joule cylinders that we install with each installation and you can be confident that each piece of equipment used is part of a system aimed at squeezing every last bit of heat from the solar radiation available.
Recent news articles have shown the dramatic drop in wholesale electricity prices over the last number of years, leading to questions as to why these prices haven’t been reflected in the prices available to customers. It is important to note, that the price of solar energy as it is produced can’t go up or down on a daily, monthly or yearly basis. Why? Because it’s free!
Once the system is installed, the production of hot water over the lifetime of that system is absolutely zero. Zilch. We understand that the initial outlay is of course substantial, but most investments in your home are. The advantages to taking advantage of such an investment include the available grants, the tax-free nature of the savings you make and the reality that inflation can’t effect something that you get for free no matter what happens to consumer prices. We have no mystic macs here at Activ8, but we bet that generally speaking, just like has happened in the last 15-20 years, prices and the cost of heating your water will rise over time.
Our Grants page outlines the process through which you can check if your home is eligible for a grant and what you need to do in order to attain the grant. You’ll soon realise that we help with every step of the process and go as far as processing the grant post-installation but giving you the grant amount off the price of the system, up-front.
Solar thermal experiments and “technology” advances have come a long way. How long? 250 years.
In 1767, Horace de Saussure, a noted Swiss naturalist, observed, “It is a known fact, and a fact that has probably been known for a long time, that a room, a carriage, or any other place is hotter when the rays of the sun pass through glass. To determine the effectiveness of trapping heat with glass covers, de Saussure built a rectangular box out of half-inch pine, insulated the inside, and had the top covered with glass, and had two smaller boxes placed inside. When exposed to the sun, the bottom box heated to 228 degrees F (109 degrees C) or 16 degrees F (9 degrees C) above the boiling point of water. de Saussure was unsure of how the sun heated the glass boxes. Today we can better explain what happened. Sunshine penetrated the glass covers. The black inner lining absorbed the sunlight and converted it into heat. Though clear glass allows the rays of the sun to easily enter through it, it prevents heat from doing the same. As the glass trapped the solar heat in the box, it heated up. Its inventor realised that someday the hot box might have important practical applications, as “it is quite small, inexpensive and easy to make.” Indeed, the hot box has become the prototype for the solar collectors that have provided sun-heated water to millions since 1892.
Tried and tested to say the least! Why not get in contact with us and see if you’re grant eligible and how solar can help you at home and help you save money too.
February 23, 2017
Wuxi Suntech, Activ8 Solar Energies primary solar PV panel supplier has recently received high recognition for the quality of the product they provide. The quality of their components is precisely why we use their solar photovoltaic panels. It’s also important to note that we have been using them more and more lately, as the Irish solar PV market continues to grow. The Irish solar thermal market continues to be much stronger on the domestic side of things, but commercially, businesses all over Ireland are beginning to invest heavily in solar PV.
According to the recommendation of PV installers and intermediaries in Germany and Holland, Suntech has become the first Chinese PV enterprise to win this honour. China is a key driver of solar photovoltaic technology and a powerhouse in the manufacturing of such. With the standards differing so much, it is important to note that Suntech’s panels are Bloomberg Tier 1 standard, the highest possible standard and the only standard that we’ll ever use here at Activ8.
EuPD Research Institute’s latest “Top Brand PV” Award reflects only the highest quality of products within the global PV industry and it further strengthens our trust in and relationship with Wuxi Suntech, one of the largest clean energy companies in the world.
The independent TOP BRAND PV industry seal is based on an annual multi-level analysis of qualified statements in regards to brand perception, brand management and market penetration from installers and intermediaries based in Germany, the UK, Italy and the Netherlands. With this in mind, it is with great pleasure that as one of the largest solar companies in Ireland, we use Suntech products within our growing solar PV department.
EuPD Research is a neutral research institution which has won great reputation among European PV industry, so this reward represents a significant achievement for the Chinese brand in Europe.
February 10, 2017
Esdec, a leader in innovative rooftop mounting systems for photovoltaic installations, entered into an exclusive distributor agreement with Activ8 Energies, based upon our solar experience here in Ireland and Northern Ireland over the last 13+ years. With this agreement, Esdec will further extend the availability of its patented ClickFit and FlatFix Fusion systems for rooftop PV installations into the Irish and Northern Irish market.
Here at Activ8 Solar Energies, this is an exciting development, given the strong growth of the Irish solar PV market in line with commercial interest in the renewable technology alongside the installation of solar PV panels on new housing developments across Ireland. With our industry leading reputation, this is a great partnership for both ourselves and ESDEC.
The technology that ESDEC can bring to the Irish market, through Activ8 Solar Energies, includes both their ClickFit and FlatFix Fusion systems for rooftop PV installations. With this, the innovative patented designs, which are MCS approved, bring advantages such as:
Upon the completion of the distributor agreement, both companies looked forward to 2017 with excitement.
“The addition of Activ8 Energies as one of the pioneers of the young and fast growing Irish PV market adds valuable experience and capabilities to our sales network for Irish installation companies, dealing with a strongly increasing demand of PV installations for homeowners, business enterprises and public entities,” said Christian Bongartz, Business Development Manager Europe at Esdec. “Working with an experienced and well-respected distributor like Activ8 Energies allows us to deliver our innovative mounting systems effectively into the Irish market, giving valuable support to architects and construction companies already during the design phase of their projects.”
“This development further cements our reputation for innovation within the Irish solar industry here at Activ8 Solar Energies” said Ciaran Marron, CEO Activ8 Solar Energies. “We’ve always believed that the best way to grow the Irish solar market here in Ireland was to offer our customers the very best products and services. With this partnership, we’ve further improved our Solar PV offering to developers, businesses and homeowners and once again, made the solar installation process more efficient”.
Esdec BV is a leading Dutch manufacturer of professional and innovative solar panel mounting systems called ClickFit and FlatFix. Both ClickFit and FlatFix are fast and easy to install, are durable and are sold with a unique 20 year warranty. Their products have been extensively tested by recognized testing institutes, such as DNW (wind tunnel), BRE, and are, amongst others, certified according to the Dutch Building Decree and the MCS012 by NQA. Since the establishment of Esdec BV in 2004, more than four million solar panels with a combined capacity of > 1GWp have been installed on ClickFit and FlatFix systems.
For more information, visit www.esdec.com
Visit our Solar PV section for more information, or depending on your needs, visit our new wholesale section either.
January 13, 2017
Activ8 Energies works with IWA for our Insurance Backed Guarantees. We received our 2016 customer satisfaction rating of 100% on our Quality Installation Survey. This rating comes from independent, third party customer satisfaction reviews over the course of the year and after 99% in 2015, 2014, 2013 and years previous to this. This customer satisfaction is great news for everyone in our business, because here at Activ8 Energies, we believe that every single employee is responsible for our customer service and reputation.
After attaining our ISO 9001 accreditation for Quality Management Systems at the beginning of 2016, this recent rating backs up our dedication to the quality of service we try to deliver on a daily basis.
The importance of IWA to our customers. The IWA third party warranty guarantees the investment of each of our customers if anything were to happen to Activ8 Solar Energies. As IWA state themselves:
“A company may cease trading due to insolvency, compulsory or voluntary liquidation, bankruptcy, death or retirement of all the principals. Whatever happens, an Insurance Backed Guarantee sets out to honour the terms of the guarantee, originally issued by the contractor.”
– IWA Website
As with all of our suppliers, our products, and our service, quality is the most important factor for us here at Activ8. That is why our panels are produced by the world leading producers. Why should our insurance backed guarantee be any different? That is why we are partnered with IWA. There are many providers offering Insurance Backed Guarantees but not all of them are specialists in the home improvement industry. A closer inspection of their small print may reveal hidden clauses or jargon that does not offer comprehensive protection.
IWA, on the other hand, has been in operation since 1985 and is the market leader in guarantee insurance and deposit protection. As a leader in helping the home improvement industry better its own standards, the company introduced the IWA Approved Trade Member Scheme.
Each trader applying is checked on their qualifications, expertise, financial security and track record for best service. The most important aspect for Activ8 Solar Energies, is that this is checked on a continuous basis through regular customer feedback to ensure that the high standards are maintained by each IWA approved company.
With these continuous checks comes the yearly satisfaction ratings from Activ8 customers. It is for this reason that we’re overwhelmed with our 100% customer satisfaction rating for 2016 through our Quality Installation Survey. In line with this award, as the pioneers of the one-day install, we show that even though we can get the job done quickly, we do it with exceptionally high standards of quality.
The IWA warranty brings a high level of security for home-owners making an investment in solar with Activ8 Solar Energies. When comparing us to other suppliers or smaller operators that may be able to offer the same service for less money, maybe consider their ability to offer third party insurance guarantees from the likes of IWA as well as the aforementioned ISO 9001 accreditation we received earlier this year.
For the better use of a cliché, you get what you pay for. When you’re receiving a 100% independent customer satisfaction rating for the work in the Irish solar industry, you must be doing something right.
“If any contractor/supplier employed by the customer for home improvement work ceases to trade, the insurance backed guarantee (IBG) certificate will protect their investment.”
– IWA Website
December 16, 2016
The official body for sustainable and renewable energy here in Ireland, the SEAI, released its official national energy statistics on November 23rd. The report shows that there had been significant growth in energy use across almost all sectors of the Irish economy in 2015. Energy in Ireland 1990-2015, illustrates the first significant growth in energy use since 2010 at almost 5%. In line with this figure, energy-related CO2 emissions increased by 6%. Both of these figures are understandably put in the context of strong economic growth in 2015 within the report.
When looking at greenhouse gas emissions, energy accounts for about 60% of the total. This puts a greater emphasis on the importance of developing low-carbon solutions in this industry for Ireland. Here at Activ8 Solar Energies, we’re obviously already providing this in terms of solar thermal and also solar PV, but we’ll continue to look at developing technologies and how we can help Irish homes make improvements in energy efficiency.
Over 9% of Ireland’s energy use came from renewable energy sources, which is great. But we’re still quite a bit off our 16% target which needs to be reached by 2020. Looking at the 9% figure, however, this has resulted in almost 4 million tonnes of CO2 being avoided as well a cut-down in over €400m of energy imports.
When it comes to electricity alone, over a quarter of our electricity needs were provided through renewable energy including wind, hydro, landfill gas, and bioenergy – with our solar electricity levels at a very low level in comparison to countries with similar climates and circumstances to us. There is optimism that this will grow significantly in the next couple of years. In addition, renewables contributed 5.7% to energy use in transport and 6.5% in the heating sector.
On the SEAI website, Jim Gannon, SEAI Chief Executive said:
“The publication of these energy figures is a timely and pertinent analysis of Ireland’s energy usage following the conclusion of COP22 in Marrakech last week and Ireland’s ratification of the Paris Agreement earlier in November. We are seeing good progress on renewable energy and energy efficiency, however, this needs to be further accelerated to keep pace with higher economic activity and demand for energy. The Government is already responding to this challenge with significantly increased funding committed to energy efficiency and renewable heat in Budget 2017. This allows us to build on the progress to date and continue to decarbonise our energy system which will reduce costs, improve energy security and reduce environmental impact.”
Jim Gannon continued: “In 2015 the average household emitted 5.5 tonnes of CO2of which 61% came from direct fuel use in the home and the remainder from electricity use. The transition to a sustainable, low-carbon energy system requires the participation of citizens and communities in both decision-making and action. It is vital that we have an informed debate about the choices for Ireland as we move to a low-carbon economy. SEAI is committed to the provision of timely, robust and transparent data to ensure that policy development, decision-making and our energy transition is based on high-quality data and evidence.”
November 30, 2016
With our friends across the Atlantic Ocean heading to the polls and electing Donald Trump, there were concerns about the environmental issues that face us both in the present and the future, which seemed to have taken a back seat in their decision-making process. The election of Donald Trump has raised concerns among environmentally conscious people in America and around the world, as it could have significant implications for climate change globally. Following the positive steps taken during the COP 21 event in Paris and subsequent agreements, the planet needed forward-thinking governments with like-minded leaders who prioritie environmentally friendly and sustainable approaches to governance. Unfortunately, this election result does not align with those aspirations, and it is particularly concerning for those in the solar industry and beyond.
During his campaign, Donald Trump made statements that were disheartening for those who care about the environment, such as calling global warming “a Chinese hoax” and expressing his desire to scrap major regulations put in place by the previous administration to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the USA. With a Republican-controlled Congress, he had the power to impede progress in this area. While this may seem far removed from Ireland, it is essential to remember that we all share the same planet, atmosphere, and melting ice caps. Developments in America can have far-reaching effects, setting an example for smaller Western nations like ours.
However, it is crucial not to lose hope. The past decade has seen significant progress in renewable energy technologies like solar power, wind power, and electric cars, with costs continually decreasing. These pillars of renewable energy have become very affordable in Ireland, and it is unlikely that changes at the federal level in America can reverse this trend quickly. Moreover, opposition to figures like Trump can energise the next generation of clean energy advocates, both in Ireland and abroad. People will continue to work towards Ireland’s obligations in terms of renewable energy, with an eye on the COP 21 agreement, rather than the actions of a specific US President.
While there is no denying that the leadership change in the US has altered the landscape, it is essential for Ireland to stay committed to its renewable energy efforts and collaborate with its own government to effect change locally. The support for solar and other clean energy technologies is growing, and as climate change becomes more popular and pressing, it will likely gain traction in Irish politics as well. The Irish solar market remains in a healthy state, while there are concerns about the current external optimism in America.
The reality is, solar power, wind power and electric cars have been getting cheaper and cheaper over the past decade and although that has slowed, these renewable energy pillars have become very affordable here in Ireland, so the American federal government won’t be able to change this anytime soon, bad news on that front would be slow. In which case, you would hope the proliferation of all these technologies would outpace such federal resistance in America.
It is also possible, just like past obstacles, that opposition to a figure such as Trump will help galvanise the next generation of clean energy advocates here in Ireland and abroad. Where there is a will, there is a way and people fighting for and towards Irelands obligations in 2020 and beyond will continue to do so with an eye on the COP 21 agreement, rather than the actions of the 45th US President.
It is undeniable that the landscape has changed with one single leadership change, but the reality is, we must continue our renewable energy efforts here in Ireland and keep working with our own government in order to effect change here in Ireland. The support for solar and other clean energy technologies is continuing to grow. With politics changing to a popularity contest, the more popular climate change becomes in Ireland, the more it will seep into Leinster House.
The Irish solar market is in a very healthy state, can we say the same about external optimism for America today?
No.
November 9, 2016
Activ8 Solar Energies has been working with GREENoneTEC for over 10 years, with Activ8 CEO Ciaran Marron establishing the relationship back in 2006. It proved be a very successful relationship for both parties. During the intervening time, GREENoneTEC has become the largest supplier flat plate solar panels in the world while Activ8 became the largest solar installer in Ireland also. With the world’s largest international study on the World Solar Thermal Industry recently releasing its results confirming that GREENoneTEC is still the market leader, our Austrian partner shows no signs of letting their position slip.
This success can be put down to numerous factors, but one thing that this relationship shares in its core, is quality. GREENoneTEC develop and deliver high quality products and when Activ8 visited Austria to meet and discuss the harsh Irish weather conditions, we were able to design and develop a panel for just those conditions. With this, the Atlas Solar Panel was born, our exclusive flat plate solar collector. GREENoneTEC production capacity is currently at 1.6 m² and that production comprises of more than 100 customer-defined collector variants and related mounting systems – one of which is the aforementioned Atlas Solar Panel designs, designed with the Irish weather in mind.
Over 7,000 solar panel installations later, it is one of the most used solar panels on Irish roofs. When you consider that many homeowners go for the cheaper option of evacuated tubes, it becomes one of the most popular solar options around the country. It is easy to see why many choose to pay more initially, for higher quality products. With longevity, something that the Atlas solar panel is known for, the initial extra cost in choosing a higher quality solution is wiped out with additional savings as well as the peace of mind that the products durability brings.
I don’t know if there is a better way to showcase the durability of the Atlas solar panel used by Activ8 Energies, than to put a rally car on top of the panel. Do not try this with tubes!
Looking ahead to 2017 and the growth of many forms of solar, including Solar PV, many would think that solar thermal is in danger of losing its top spot here in Ireland. This isn’t the case. Solar thermal is still the most cost effective form of solar here in Ireland. And with recent news that the HRI Scheme is being extended until the end of 2018, the solar thermal industry in Ireland is still growing. As for our partnership with GREENoneTEC, it’s just as strong.
November 3, 2016
One of our most recent installations, a 197 solar PV panel installation in Courtown, Co. Wexford is an indication of where the future of energy is heading here in Ireland. Solar panel installation continues to grow and the expected production of our system at Courtown Leisure Centre can act as a case in point of how commercially viable solar photovoltaic has become for Irish businesses looking to consolidate their future expenses when it comes to electricity and energy. You can watch the production of this system at the bottom of this post.
After a successful tender for the contract on the Courtown Leisure Centre, we worked through the half hourly readings and along with CKEA (Carlow Kilkenny Energy Agency) to optimise the size and set up of this heavy consumer of electricity.
The leisure centre themselves had already taken numerous progressive steps to reduce their consumption over the past year, shaving their peak consumption from an average of 93kVA right down to 71kVA. Not happy to sit on their laurels, they pushed on to apply for an SEAI grant for the installation of a solar electric system and with the help of CKEA they were successful in their bid.
With this 56kWp solar PV system, Courtown will reduce its energy consumption by over 40,000kWhr’s (units of electricity) on a yearly basis. Due to the utilisation of Enphase Micro Inverters on this job, this system is guaranteed to continue production of electricity for at least 20 years, which leaves the leisure centre with the peace of mind that they have locked in the cost of approx. 800,000kWhr’s. So no matter what price electricity goes to over the next 20 years, Courtown Leisure Centre have secured approximately 40,000units of electricity per year, for the next twenty years at approximately 5cents.
In the short 18 days of October, the system has generated as much to offset the planting of 38 trees. To put that into perspective on a yearly basis, the installation of this solar system is equal to planting over 800 trees per year, for the next 20 years. Truly cementing Courtown Leisure Centre as one of the greenest and environmentally conscious in Ireland and a solar PV champion.
The installation consisted of 197 solar panels (generating DC electricity), and 197 micro inverters (converting DC to AC electricity) all mounted on a standing seam mounting system. The installation took 4 days, with the majority of the heavy lifting completed in just 2 days. With Solar PV looking to become a larger part of the Irish lexicon over the next five years, it really is great to see SEAI supporting such a system and CKEA helping a forward-thinking business such as Courtown Leisure Centre become early adopters of what is sure to become the future of energy in Ireland.
When we had a look at the live monitoring of the system through Activ8 Energies and Enphase. For anyone not familiar with the equivalent units of electricity produced, look at the handy infographics provided. As an example, the 194kWh produced on Sunday, October 2nd is the equivalent of the power produced by 64,689 AA batteries.
October 28, 2016