Taoiseach in Carrickmacross to open new Avtiv8 Solar Energies headquarters

200 jobs on way over next two years

A new state-of-the-art headquarters of Activ8 Solar Energies, the largest supplier of solar PV units in Ireland, was opened today by Taoiseach Micheál Martin in Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan.

Activ8 Solar Energies and SSE Airtricity are also announcing the creation of up to 200 highly skilled green jobs over the next two years, that will enable and support a just transition towards a carbon-neutral economy. The roles will include administrative and back-office positions, along with jobs in the areas of design, technical, engineering, plumbing and roofing.

In keeping with Activ8 and SSE’s net-zero values, the new 20,000 square foot facility in Carrickmacross is the most energy-efficient commercial premises in Monaghan and the first NZEB standard (Nearly Zero Energy Building) to obtain planning permission in the county.

So far in 2022, the partnership between Activ8 and SSE Airtricity has delivered over 3,000 domestic solar installations and has ambitions to deliver up to 50,000 installations over the next 10 years. Over 100,000 solar panels have been installed by Activ8 across Ireland, generating 36.5 million kWh of green energy. This is the equivalent carbon offset of 11.5 million litres of diesel, the energy needed to charge more than 3 billion smartphones for a year, or the equivalent carbon sequestered by 30,500 acres of forest in one year.

A typical 10 panel Activ8 solar pv system will generate approximately 3,500 kWhrs of solar energy every year. For the average home, this would allow customers to save up to 50 per cent on energy bills whilst offsetting over a tonne of carbon each year – equivalent to a return flight form Dublin to Cyprus. Through the government’s micro-generation scheme, properties can export surplus energy back to the grid and be paid for the energy generated on their rooftop.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: "This facility will have a positive impact on the North-East region moving towards a carbon-neutral economy and will result in a significant increase in the provision of solar products and services for homes and businesses across Ireland. This will ensure more sustainable options being offered to businesses and customers across the country and ultimately support the delivery of Ireland’s climate targets.

“I would like to wish every success to Activ8 Solar Energies and its employees here at this new facility.”

Ciaran Marron, CEO, Activ8 Solar Energies said: “Since our establishment in 2007, we have been helping Irish homeowners and businesses reduce their carbon footprint and save on their energy bills with solar panels. We are delighted to have taken the next step in our journey by moving into our new state-of-the-art headquarters. We want to continue delivering the high-quality service we are proud of. To achieve this, we are excited to announce the creation of 200 jobs over the next two years. This will increase our capacity across several departments including engineers, electricians, plumbers and roofers, along with several office and management roles to be filled.

“Our new headquarters reflect our commitment to sustainability and we’re excited that our efforts in this regard have been recognised with the recent announcement that we have been shortlisted as a finalist in the 2022 SEAI Energy Awards.

“Today’s official opening of our new headquarters is a key milestone for the company, and it would not have been possible if not for the dedication and hard work from the fantastic staff we have in Activ8 and I can’t thank them enough. We are very excited for the future of Activ8 Solar Energies and we look forward to growing further through our successful partnership with SSE Airtricity.”

Nikki Flanders, Managing Director, SSE Energy Customer Solutions, said: “SSE Airtricity began working with Activ8 Solar Energies in 2018 and the partnership has grown from strength-to-strength ever since, as both organisations are committed to being pioneers in green energy. The drive for innovation and commitment to sustainability demonstrated through Activ8’s new headquarters is aligned to the sustainable values that continue to drive SSE Airtricity’s business and increasingly, our customers, too.

“As Ireland’s largest provider of 100 per cent green energy, and the first accredited one-stop-shop under the Government’s National Retrofit Programme through our Generation Green Home Upgrade, SSE Airtricity has been at the forefront of working with businesses and individuals taking strides towards achieving net zero emissions.

“To deliver on our climate targets, drive down energy bills, and ensure Ireland’s energy independence we need continued investment at scale in renewables; we need to ramp up delivery of home energy efficiency, whilst continuing to innovate and deliver the technologies of the future.”

Meanwhile, last week SSE Airtricity has announced that it is to increase prices for its customers from 1st October, with electricity bills to rise by over 35 per cent, and gas bills to increase by 39 per cent.

It is among the largest price hikes seen in the energy sector in the country.

In a statement on Friday, the company said the war in Ukraine and "heightened geopolitical tensions" have resulted in what it described as "sustained and unprecedented increases in wholesale energy costs".

The energy supplier is increasing the unit price of its electricity by 45.2 per cent and the unit price of its gas by 46.3 per cent from 1 October.

Under the changes, a typical customer's gas bill will rise by as much as €1.40 per day, with electricity up around €1.62 per day.

Dual fuel household bills will increase by 37 per cent on average, which is equivalent to around €3.02 per day.

The move will impact around 250,000 electricity customers and 85,000 gas customers.