Activ8 Solar Energies is a proud Irish-owned company that employs over 270 staff Since 2007. It has installed more than 20,000 solar panel systems across Ireland, firmly establishing its reputation as a leader in renewable energy solutions. With a dedicated team uniquely skilled in engineering energy systems for Irish homes and businesses, it's an exciting and busy time for the company. In this Q&A, we sit down with the Head of Customer Journey & Innovation Jim McEneaney to learn a little more in addition to our recent video.

Jim, thanks for taking the time to talk to us further. Can you give us an overview of how you feel Ireland is doing in its switch to renewable energy?

I think we’re doing okay, but there’s definitely room to do better. What’s really encouraging is the willingness of Irish homeowners and businesses to play their part in the transition. Ultimately though, it has to make sense for them, and I think it’s starting to. For me, the introduction of microgeneration payments in 2022 was a real turning point. It created a fairer system, where people like myself could not only save on our electricity bills but also get paid for any excess energy we send back to the grid. Combine that with the €1,800 SEAI solar PV grant, and the financial case for solar has never been stronger. It's made solar a genuinely smart investment, not just an environmentally conscious one, and that’s why we’re seeing real momentum behind it across the country.

Can you describe how the exclusive partnership between Activ8 Solar Energies and SSE Airtricity, as mentioned in the video, initially came about?

Activ8 installed over 1500 solar panels on top of the SSE Arena in Belfast back in 2017 having had a previous relationship surrounding energy credits in the years before. That success led to SSE Airtricity taking a 50% stake in Activ8 Solar Energies and that relationship has gone from strength to strength ever since.

How big is the commercial solar installation side of the business, and are there any interesting projects your team is currently working on?

Like the rest of the business, our commercial division has grown rapidly over the last 7–8 years. We've recently completed an installation at John Lennon Airport in the UK and are working on multiple commercial projects across Europe. Here in Ireland, we’re especially proud of a current ground-mount solar project for Gyproc, which is being developed on a former landfill site. It’s a unique project, and we’re honoured to be trusted with such a technically demanding job. The available grants and incentives for adding solar to your business are a big help in driving adoption, making it not only a sustainable choice but also a smart financial investment for forward-thinking companies.

We usually ask our car dealer/distributors about current offers, do Activ8 Solar Energies offer promotions or referral schemes?

Having been in business since 2007, we place huge value on our customer relationships and reputation. We offer a referral scheme that financially rewards our customers for introducing friends and family who go on to complete an installation with us. We’re also excited to announce that an exclusive offer will be available to all attendees at the Nevo EV Show in November this year.

We understand Activ8 Solar Energies has received several awards recently, congratulations to you and the team! What does this kind of recognition mean for the company?

Last year we were recognised in Deloitte’s Best Managed Companies, a very thorough process over 6 months that looked into every aspect of our business, so we were particularly proud of that recognition.

Earlier this year we also won the Green Energy Provider of the Year at the prestigious Green Awards, where we were up against some of the largest utilities providers in Ireland, so this was a special win. This award is a testament to our dedication to innovation, quality, and environmental stewardship. We couldn’t have achieved this without our dedicated team, our partners, and every customer who has joined us on this green energy journey.

We’re very proud to have won awards recently recognising our industry leading health and safety standards at the recent Health & Safety Excellence Awards 2025, where we were the overall winner on the night for our commitment to health and safety, one of our core values.

We were also recognised with the Excellence in Recruitment & Retention award at the Workplace Excellence Awards! We are very proud of the team we have and a workplace where people thrive, grow and feel valued.

Lastly Jim, if a homeowner or business wants to learn more about installing solar, how can they get in touch?

The easiest way is to head over to our website at Activ8energies.com. You can use the Contact Us page or the chatbot to submit a few quick details. From there, we’ll come back to you with a tailored quote, information on your solar options, and details about your eligibility for SEAI grants. Whether it’s for your home or business, we’ll guide you every step of the way.