The headquarters of Activ8 Solar Energies in Carrickmacross, County Monaghan, has been officially opened by Taoiseach Micheál Martin today.
Activ8 Solar Energies is the largest supplier of solar PV units in Ireland and solar partner to SSE Airtricity.
Both companies are also announcing the creation of up to 200 'green' jobs over the next two years, that they say 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 Nearly Zero Energy Building to obtain planning permission in the county.
The partnership between Activ8 and SSE Airtricity has delivered over 3,000 domestic solar installations this year, 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. They said 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.
Activ8 Solar Energies says a typical 10 panel 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% on energy bills whilst offsetting over a tonne of carbon each year.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the 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," he said.
Ciaran Marron, CEO, Activ8 Solar Energies said since its 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."
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.
"As Ireland’s largest provider of 100% 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."
