Tayto Snacks invests €1.17m in major rooftop solar project as manufacturers turn to onsite generation.
Activ8 Solar Energies has completed work on a large rooftop solar array at Tayto Snacks’ production facility in Ashbourne, Co Meath, in what the company describes as its biggest renewable energy investment to date.
The €1.17 million project has now been fully commissioned, supplying about a tenth of the plant’s annual electricity needs.
The installation, comprising 1,734 panels, is expected to generate around 667 MWh of electricity each year. Tayto says the system will cut its annual carbon emissions by an estimated 146 tonnes of CO₂, providing a measure of insulation against rising power costs and grid constraints.
On-site generation
Ciaran Marron, chief executive of Activ8, said the investment showed how established Irish brands were beginning to shift the way they manage their energy use.
“This project demonstrates what is possible when iconic Irish brands take decisive action on sustainability,” he said. “On-site generation is increasingly becoming core infrastructure for manufacturers. We are proud to support Tayto Snacks in building long-term energy resilience while reducing carbon exposure.”
John O’Connor, managing director of Tayto Snacks, said the company viewed the project as a strategic step.
“This investment marks a major step forward in strengthening our energy resilience while reducing our carbon footprint,” he said. “Generating over 667 MWh of clean electricity onsite each year directly supports Ireland’s climate ambitions and reinforces our long-term commitment to sustainable manufacturing.”
The system uses Activ8’s ATLAS Duo N-Type bifacial panels, designed to maximise output in Irish weather conditions. Planning and development began in December 2024 with onsite works starting in March 2025.
Declan Meally, director of business at the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), said the project illustrated the momentum behind corporate renewable energy investment.
“This project showcases Irish businesses leading the way in renewable energy. Generating 10% of the site’s energy from rooftop solar here at Tayto Snacks is a significant achievement, and SEAI is proud to support it,” he said. “Activ8, working in partnership with SSE, has delivered a strong model that more businesses should follow.”
The initiative received support from the SEAI’s Non-Domestic Microgeneration Grant scheme, which aims to accelerate commercial adoption of onsite renewable generation.
-
Bank of Ireland is welcoming new customers every day – funding investments, working capital and expansions across multiple sectors. To learn more, click here
-
For support in challenging times, click here
-
Listen to the ThinkBusiness Podcast for business insights and inspiration. Latest episodes are here. You can also listen to the Podcast on:
-
Spotify
-
SoundCloud
-
Apple
