Activ8 Energies and SSE Airtricity launch €200m funded solar initiative. All-island programme will allow companies install on-site solar with no upfront cost, offering long-term price stability through power purchase agreements.
Activ8 Solar Energies has partnered with SSE Airtricity to launch a new all-island funded solar initiative for Irish businesses, with total investment expected to reach up to €200 million.
The programme is designed to help companies install on-site solar PV systems without any upfront capital expenditure. Instead, Activ8 and SSE Airtricity will fund, install and maintain the systems, while participating businesses will buy the electricity generated on site through long-term Power Purchase Agreements at an agreed and competitive rate.
“Energy price instability has become a real issue for Irish businesses, and many are looking for ways to take control of a cost that can fluctuate dramatically from month to month”
The initiative comes at a time when many businesses are grappling with volatile energy prices driven by international supply pressures and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.
By locking in a portion of their electricity costs for periods ranging from 15 to 25 years, companies can improve cost predictability, strengthen competitiveness and support the long-term resilience of their operations.
Funded solar offering
The funded solar offering is available nationwide and across the island of Ireland. It is expected to be particularly attractive to sectors with high and consistent energy demand, including manufacturing, logistics and large-scale commercial operations.
Depending on project eligibility, installations may also qualify for support under the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland’s commercial solar grant scheme.
Ciaran Marron, chief executive of Activ8 Energies, said the initiative responds directly to growing concern among business leaders about energy price uncertainty.
“Energy price instability has become a real issue for Irish businesses, and many are looking for ways to take control of a cost that can fluctuate dramatically from month to month,” he said.
“This funded initiative gives companies a clear path to predictable energy pricing without upfront investment. It is a sustainable solution for businesses of all sizes, allowing them to plan ahead with greater confidence, invest in growth and remain competitive even as energy markets remain uncertain.”
The sun always shines on PV
The launch was attended by the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien, who highlighted the role of large-scale private investment in supporting national energy and climate objectives.
“Key priorities for me in government are renewable energy expansion, energy affordability and security, and climate targets alignment,” he said. “Alongside this, private investment at this scale helps give companies practical options to reduce exposure to market volatility and plan with greater confidence, while also ensuring we are taking steps towards our 2030 climate targets.”
Also present was the Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Niamh Smyth, who praised the initiative and its regional roots.
“Ciaran and the team at Activ8 Energies, together with SSE Airtricity, have created something that will make a genuine difference to Irish businesses,” she said. “The funded solar initiative offers a practical and accessible route to energy security while helping us reach our national climate targets. It is a real source of pride that such a significant initiative is being launched by a Monaghan company. It is proof that innovation happens right across Ireland and that doing right by the environment and doing right by Irish business can go hand in hand.”
Stephen Gallagher, managing director of SSE Airtricity, said removing upfront costs was central to accelerating decarbonisation across the business sector.
“This funded solar PV initiative provides price certainty for businesses while also removing the upfront cost barrier to decarbonising operations,” he said. “Eligible organisations will avail of the solar PV system with no upfront cost. Through the PPA, they will buy the electricity generated on site at an agreed and attractive rate. I would really encourage businesses to avail of this opportunity. We are providing a practical way to bring more certainty, resilience and stability to Irish businesses.”
The announcement coincides with a milestone year for Monaghan-based Activ8 Energies, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026. The company has built a strong position in large-scale renewable energy solutions for Irish enterprises and public sector clients.
Top image: Niamh Smyth, Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment; Ciaran Marron, Chief Executive Officer, Activ8 Energies; Darragh O’Brien, Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment; and Stephen Gallagher, Managing Director, SSE Airtricity
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