Activ8 Solar Energies Blog

All the latest solar related news in Ireland and around the world

March 8, 2024

International Women's Day 2024

International Women's Day is a global day celebrated annually on March 8 as a focal point in the women's rights movement. IWD gives focus to issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women. IWD has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere.
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February 9, 2024

EU Solar Power Surges to Record 56GW in 2023

Mícheál Bannigan
In 2023, solar power in the European Union skyrocketed to unprecedented heights, reaching a remarkable capacity of 56GW, according to a new report from Solar Power Europe. This marks the third year of annual growth rates of at least 40%. This surge represents a significant increase from the previous year, showcasing the continued growth of solar energy.
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January 19, 2024

Powering the Future: Activ8 Solar Energies Crowned All-Star Solar Energy Company of the Year

Activ8 Solar Energies, a pioneering force in the solar industry, has been honoured as Business All-Star Solar Energy Company of the Year 2024, an accolade bestowed by the esteemed All-Ireland Business Foundation.
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January 15, 2024

Charles Fritts and the First Solar Panel

In the ever-evolving landscape of renewable energy, the story of Charles Fritts stands as a pivotal chapter. Often hailed as the father of solar power, Fritts made history in 1883 by creating the world's first solar panel. This ground-breaking invention laid the foundation for the solar technology that powers our world today.
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January 12, 2024

Connection Day January 2024

Mícheál Bannigan
What a day we had our Connection offsite day at Castleknock Hotel for the entire Activ8 team on Friday 5th January. This was a historic day for us. It was the first day we as a company had all of our employees in the one room. Our employees travelled from our offices and bases all across the country to connect.
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November 22, 2023

Portugal Shines as a Renewable Energy Leader

Mícheál Bannigan
Portugal achieved a ground-breaking milestone by powering the entire country with renewable energy for a full weekend, showcasing its commitment to sustainability. Solar power, generating 6.6 GWh, played a key role in this success. Portugal aims to generate 80% of its electricity from renewables by 2026 and be entirely renewable-powered by 2040.
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October 25, 2023

Solar Power For Beginners Guide

Mícheál Bannigan
Solar power has gained significant popularity in recent years, and for a good reason. It's an abundant, clean, and sustainable source of energy that can significantly reduce your carbon footprint while saving you money on energy bills. If you're new to solar power, this guide is here to help you understand the basics and get started on your journey to harnessing the power of the sun. Welcome to Activ8 Energies' Solar Power For Beginners Guide!
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September 29, 2023

Activ8 Exceeds Energy Expectations: A Green Milestone

Mícheál Bannigan
At Activ8 Solar Energies, we've always had a vision for a cleaner, greener future. It's not just about providing sustainable energy solutions for our clients but also about practicing what we preach. That's why we're thrilled to announce a major milestone: we've produced more electricity than we consumed at our headquarters in NEXUS N2 Business Park, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan, for four consecutive months - April, May, June, and July 2023. This achievement marks a significant step towards our commitment to sustainability.
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September 8, 2023

Activ8 Solar Energies announces sponsorship of Monaghan GAA

Micheal Bannigan
Activ8 Solar Energies, Ireland's premier domestic and commercial solar company, today announced the agreement with Monaghan GAA County Board for the sponsorship of both Monaghan’s men’s football and hurling teams for the next three years. The sponsorship sets the stage for an exciting era of growth and development with the GAA in Monaghan.
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August 24, 2023

Activ8 Powers Forward: Ireland’s Leading Solar Panel Company acquires 50% of Allbrite

Micheal Bannigan
Activ8 Energies, a prominent solar panel company in Ireland, has announced its strategic acquisition of Allbrite, a leading heat pump company. This move strengthens Activ8's position in renewable energy solutions, combining solar and heat pump expertise. The merger supports Ireland's Climate Action Plan, targeting 600,000 heat pump installations by 2030. With Activ8's support, Allbrite aims to become the country's largest heat pump installer, expecting rapid growth and job creation. The partnership reflects shared values and a commitment to a sustainable future, offering comprehensive energy solutions for Ireland's communities.
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July 4, 2023

Government Approves Grants for Businesses Installing Solar PV Panels

Micheal Bannigan
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.
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June 26, 2023

Solar Energy Solutions for Businesses: 5 Ways Solar Panels Can Benefit Your Company

Micheal Bannigan
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.
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May 2, 2023

SSE Airtricity launches new ‘first and best in market’ solar installation offering — Exclusive To Activ8 Installations

Jim Mc Eneaney
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.
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May 1, 2023

May 1st 2023: 0% VAT on Solar Panel Installations

Micheal Bannigan
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.
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April 4, 2023

Activ8 Statement — Government Announce Forthcoming 0% VAT on Solar Panel Installations

Jim Mc Eneaney
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.
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March 30, 2023

European Solar Market Growing in 2023

Micheal Bannigan
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.
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January 5, 2023

Solar Power In The EU Soars By Almost 50% in 2022

Jim Mc Eneaney
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.
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November 11, 2022

Planning permission exemptions for solar panels on homes and other buildings rooftops

Jim Mc Eneaney
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.
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August 31, 2022

We Welcome Taoiseach Micheál Martin To Open New Activ8 Solar Energies Headquarters

Jim Mc Eneaney
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.
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August 15, 2022

Are Solar Panels Worth It In Ireland? Activ8 Solar Energies

Jim Mc Eneaney
Are solar panels worth it in Ireland? We want to help you understand why solar panels are worth the investment here in Ireland and explain the long-term benefits and savings of a solar panel installation this year.
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April 25, 2022

Invest In Our Planet — Earth Day 2022 Gives Us A Chance To Reflect On Our Climate Targets

Jim Mc Eneaney
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.
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January 18, 2022

What is Microgeneration — Solar PV in Ireland

Jim Mc Eneaney
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.
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November 15, 2021

Commercial Solar PV — 5 Things To Look Out For

Jim Mc Eneaney
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.
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January 27, 2021

Solar Panel Feed-In-Tariff 2021 - Solar Panel Microgeneration

Jim Mc Eneaney
‍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.
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December 21, 2020

Shop Local Carrickmacross | Our Social Club Christmas Draw 2020

Jim Mc Eneaney
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.
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December 18, 2020

NSAI Awards — ISO 14001 (Environmental) and ISO 45001 (Occupational Safety)

Jim Mc Eneaney
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November 6, 2020

SEAI Energy Awards 2020 | Partners Success With Activ8 Solar Panels

Jim Mc Eneaney
With the announcements came cause for celebration for us here in Activ8 Solar Energies as we were involved with four finalists, three of them ultimately winning. We are delighted that Activ8 customers have experienced success at the SEAI Energy Awards show as a result of Activ8 solar panels installed on their premises.
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October 9, 2020

Activ8 Presenting on FarmGen - ISEA 2020

Jim Mc Eneaney
The ISEA Conference 2020 took place on Tuesday 6th and Wednesday 7th of this week. The event of course had to be held virtually but with great event management in place, it was a resounding success. With that said, we were delighted to presenting at the event for a fourth year running.
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April 15, 2020

Activ8 play installation role in SVP Energy Upgrade at St Patricks Court Limerick

Jim Mc Eneaney
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...
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March 20, 2020

Activ8 Solar Energies awarded ‘Best Solar Energy Solutions Provider' in the 3rd annual Irish Enterprise Awards

Ciaran Marron
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...
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July 8, 2019

Activ8 Announce FarmGen in partnership with SSE Airtricity and Glanbia

Jim Mc Eneaney
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.
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January 10, 2019

Now ISO 9001:2015 Accredited

Jim Mc Eneaney
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.
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November 30, 2018

ISEA Presentation 2017 - Seeing Into The Future

Jim Mc Eneaney
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.
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September 8, 2018

UN Panel on Climate Change Releases Scary Report & We Need To Do More

Jim Mc Eneaney
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.
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August 1, 2018

Speaking About Solar PV at ISEA Conference 2018

Jim Mc Eneaney
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.
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July 31, 2018

Solar PV Grant For Irish Homes Welcomed

Jim Mc Eneaney
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.
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July 19, 2018

Stumbling Towards Solar PV Incentives In Ireland

Ciaran Marron
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.
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April 5, 2018

A Personal Thank You — CEO Ciaran Marron

Jim Mc Eneaney
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.
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April 3, 2018

SSE Airtricity has entered into an agreement to acquire 40 per cent of Activ8 Solar Energies

Jim Mc Eneaney
SSE Airtricity has entered into an agreement to acquire 40 percent of Activ8 Solar Energies. Under the terms of the agreement SSE Airtricity will have an option to acquire an additional 10 percent shareholding in Activ8 Solar Energies after two years.
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February 20, 2018

Climate Change & The Winter Olympics: How You Can Help From Your Home

Jim Mc Eneaney
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.
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February 15, 2018

Post Ophelia & Beast From The East: New Data Confirms Increased Frequency of Extreme Weather Events

Jim Mc Eneaney
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)
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June 17, 2017

European Research Council Grant €1.5m to UL Researcher For Solar PV Technology Work

Jim Mc Eneaney
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.
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June 2, 2017

While Donald Messes It Up Again, Let’s Make The Planet Great Again

Jim Mc Eneaney
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”.
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February 23, 2017

Solar Thermal In Spring

Jim Mc Eneaney
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February 10, 2017

Activ8 Supplier, Wuxi Suntech, Awarded "Top Brand PV" by EuPD Research In Germany

Jim Mc Eneaney
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.
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January 13, 2017

Activ8 Solar Energies Exclusive Distribution Agreement with ESDEC BV

Jim Mc Eneaney
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.
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December 16, 2016

Activ8 Solar Energies Secures 100% Customer Satisfaction Rating From IWA

Jim Mc Eneaney
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November 30, 2016

Increase In Energy Use In 2015 But Increase In Renewable Energy Too

Jim Mc Eneaney
The official body for sustainable and renewable energy here in Ireland, the SEAI, released their 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%.
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November 9, 2016

What Donald Trump Win Means for Climate Change in Ireland

Jim Mc Eneaney
With our friends across the Atlantic Ocean flocking to the polls and electing Donald Trump, the planet and the environmental issues that face us both in the present and the future were not important enough for consideration when Americans were deciding which candidate they voted for. Not only is the election of Donald Trump a disaster for environmentally conscious people in America, it is a disaster for climate change globally.
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November 3, 2016

Activ8 Working With The Worlds Largest Solar Thermal Manufacturer

Jim Mc Eneaney
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.
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October 28, 2016

Solar PV 56 kWp System Installed in Courtown Co. Wexford

Jim Mc Eneaney
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
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September 27, 2016

Solar Case Study: An 'Eco Pub' Uses Activ8 Solar Energies

Jim Mc Eneaney
Andy’s Bar & Restaurant in Monaghan Town featured in the Irish Independent as one of Ireland’s first ‘eco pubs’. It was great to see the family owned establishment getting national media attention given their environmental efforts in the running of their business.
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August 17, 2016

Using Recent UK Renewable Developments as an Irish Solar Case Study

Jim Mc Eneaney
Although we may not agree with everything that is done across the Irish Sea, we have to admire the UK’s commitment to renewable energy production. Through our sister company, Solar NI, we have been able to play a small part in the recently released figures that showed renewable energy accounting for more energy production than coal, for the first time in history.
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August 11, 2016

Activ8 Suppliers Recognised in EuPD Research as Top Solar Brands

Jim Mc Eneaney
There is a reason we work with specific partners and suppliers in the solar industry. We value quality, efficiency and performance above all else. That is also the reason why we chased ISO 9001 accreditation in 2015 with such purpose.
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June 3, 2016

New Name For Department Sees Climate Change Importance Grow in Government

Jim Mc Eneaney
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Denis Naughten said the department would be known as the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment when the transfer of functions from the previous Department of Environment, Community and Local Government was completed.
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May 20, 2016

Activ8 Solar Energies Feature at Reception of NSAI ISO9001 Certification Event

Jim Mc Eneaney
Our General Manager Aidan Marron, along with our Installation Manager Stephen Duffy, attended the recent NSAI event where a number of companies were awarded their NSAI certificates. We were there to collect our ISO 9001 Accreditation for our Quality Management Systems.
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May 13, 2016

Solar PV In Focus - Recent Installation Points The Way Forward

Jim Mc Eneaney
We recently featured in a piece covering the installation of an Activ8 Solar PV System on the roof of St. Clare’s Abbey Primary & Nursery School in Co. Down, one of our latest Solar PV installations. Gary Connolly, from our PV department discussed the challenges that presented themselves during the initial construction of this project.
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March 10, 2016

The Future of Green Energy in The Emerald Isle

Jim Mc Eneaney
With emissions attributed to the transport and agriculture sectors set to increase over the coming years, our ability as a nation to meet the specified EU greenhouse gas targets for 2020 has been brought into question once again by the Environmental Protection Agency.
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February 14, 2016

Activ8 Solar Energies Sign €2.5 Million Deal with Joule

Jim Mc Eneaney
On the back of recent news concerning our ISO 9001 Accreditation, it is with great delight that we can announce a recent deal we signed with Joule, an Irish company delivering excellence in the manufacturing and production of cylinders. Incorporating Joule cylinders as part of the Activ8 Solar package allows us as an Irish company to partner up with another Irish company to deliver a high quality product as part of a high quality service.
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January 29, 2016

What ISO 9001 Actually Means for Customers

Jim Mc Eneaney
‍We spoke recently at our delight in attaining ISO 9001 accreditation, something that most people recognise. When people see the ISO stamp, they know they are dealing with a well-oiled organisation rather than a one-man band. The ISO 9001 is an accolade that directly reflects our commitment to our “Quality Management Systems”.
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January 22, 2016

2015: The Warmest Year on Record - How Solar Can Help

Jim Mc Eneaney
It has emerged, in line with the yearly trends, that 2015 was the hottest year that the planet Earth as a whole has experienced since the creation of reliable records in 1880. As a company positioned in the renewable energy business, this brings up a number of questions, issues and general discussion points about how statistics like this effect what we at Activ8 Solar Energies do as a company.
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January 15, 2016

Activ8 Solar Energies ISO 9001 Accreditation

Jim Mc Eneaney
We are delighted to announce that we have officially secured ISO 9001 accreditation through the National Standards Authority of Ireland. This accreditation, ISO 9001 is awarded to companies for exceptional Quality Management Systems, strengthening our reputation within the Irish solar industry for our dedication to quality of service.
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January 8, 2016

Activ8 Solar Energies Feature in Irish Examiner

Jim Mc Eneaney
We were recently featured in the Irish Examiner with the newspaper highlighting poor representation at the COP 21 in Paris, but more importantly, showcasing Irish consumers willingness to go green.
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December 4, 2015

Ireland's Commitment to Change at COP21 Summit Challenged

Jim Mc Eneaney
Ireland is in a strong position currently thanks to our growing economy. Evidence of this was seen in the generous nature of the most recent budget. It would have been possible for the government to increase incentives and really push an agenda of change in relation to climate change and our 2020 targets, with a view to reaching our 2030 targets also.
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November 20, 2015

HRI Scheme - Everything you need to know | Activ8 Solar Energies

Jim Mc Eneaney
In 2013, the Irish Government launched the Home Renovation Incentive (HRI) scheme which gives a Tax Credit of 13.5% off the price of home improvement works carried out on your home. And with Activ8 Solar Energies as a Qualifying Contractor, solar panel installations meet the home improvement criteria perfectly, making now the right time to take advantage of the scheme and save some money.
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November 15, 2015

Solar Energy Generation & Job Creation

Jim Mc Eneaney
Through Activ8 Solar Energies we have created a sustainable business model in the solar thermal industry, with thousands of installs and continued business growth throughout the downturn. We have seen other companies come and go in the tough economical climate of the recession.
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November 13, 2015

Ireland's Renewables Cut Carbon Emissions to record low in 2014

Jim Mc Eneaney
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) recently released new data revealing the extent to which the production of renewable energy in Ireland has helped cut the carbon content of electricity production. The exact figure revealed amounts to a total of 2.6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions were avoided in 2014 as a direct result of the embracing of renewable and sustainable electricity.
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November 10, 2015

Solar PV - Have The Irish Government Missed The Point?

Jim Mc Eneaney
A small grant similar to that of solar thermal could see a considerable growth of the Solar PV industry.
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