A significant new all-island funded solar initiative has been launched by Activ8 Energies and SSE Airtricity, worth up to £170 million. The initiative will enable businesses to install on-site Solar PV with zero upfront cost, providing long-term energy price certainty through a long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) model.
The initiative is designed to make solar energy substantially more accessible for businesses, removing upfront cost barriers to renewable energy by offering fully funded installation and maintenance of rooftop solar PV systems. Under this approach, businesses enter into long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), typically spanning 15 to 25 years. This allows businesses to purchase renewable electricity generated on site at competitive and predictable rates.
This model offers a degree of cost certainty that is increasingly valuable amidst ongoing volatility in energy markets. For many organisations, it also presents a practical pathway to reduce Scope 2 emissions while avoiding the financial and operational complexities often associated with renewable infrastructure investment.
Ciaran Marron, CEO of Activ8 Energies 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.”
As organisations continue to balance cost management with sustainability objectives, models that remove financial barriers while supporting long-term energy planning play an increasingly important role in the region’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
The initiative is suitable for businesses installing systems of approximately 250kWp and above, particularly those with consistent daytime electricity demand. Contract terms typically range from 15 to 25 years, providing long-term energy price certainty and protection against market volatility.
Systems can be designed as part of a broader energy solution, incorporating solar PV alongside battery storage and, where relevant, backup generation to optimise on-site energy use and resilience.
By combining Activ8 Energies’ solar delivery with SSE Airtricity’s market reach, the partnership has the potential to accelerate the uptake of distributed renewable energy across the commercial sector.
