200 jobs to be created at Activ8 Solar

Agreement between Activ8 Solar Energies and SSE Airtricity will support the transition towards a carbon-neutral economy.

Monaghan based Activ8 Solar Energies in conjunction with SSE Airtricity have announced the creation of up to 200 highly skilled green jobs over the next two years.

The announcement was made by the largest supplier of solar PV units in Ireland and exclusive solar partner to SSE Airtricity as Taoiseach Micheál Martin officially opened Activ8’s new state-of-the-art headquarters in Carrickmacross earlier today.

The agreement between Activ8 Solar Energies and SSE Airtricity will support the 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.

In 2022 alone, the partnership between Activ8 and SSE Airtricity delivered over 3,000 domestic solar installations, and there are now 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- 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 moved into their new state-of-the-art headquarters in NEXUS Business Park, Carrickmacross in June of this year.

“I am delighted to be in Carickmacross to open this new state-of-the-art Activ8 Solar Energies headquarters and to announce the creation of up to 200 green jobs in the region,” 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.

Ciaran Marron, CEO, Activ8 Solar Energies added that since the local company’s establishment in 2007, they 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, noted that 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% 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.”