Activ8 Solar Energies has installed a €1.17m rooftop solar panel system at Tayto‘s production facility in Co Meath.
The project marks Tayto’s largest investment in renewables to date and will see 1,734 solar panels installed at the Ashbourne site.
The system will generate approximately 667 MWh of electricity annually – supplying around 10% of the factory’s power demand and reducing carbon emissions by an estimated 146 tonnes of CO2 each year.
“This project demonstrates what’s possible when iconic Irish brands take decisive action on sustainability,” said Ciaran Marron, CEO of Activ8 Solar Energies.
“On-site generation is increasingly becoming core infrastructure for manufacturers. We’re proud to support Tayto Snacks in building long-term energy resilience while reducing carbon exposure.”
John O’Connor, managing director at Tayto Snacks, commented: “This investment marks a major step forward in strengthening our energy resilience while reducing our carbon footprint.
“Generating over 667 MWh of clean electricity onsite each year, this installation directly supports Ireland’s climate ambitions and reinforces our long-term commitment to sustainable manufacturing.”
The rooftop system will use Activ8’s Duo N-Type bifacial solar panels, designed to maximise efficiency and reliability in Irish weather conditions.
Declan Meally, director of business at the SEAI, added: “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. Activ8, working in partnership with SSE, has delivered a strong model that more businesses should follow.”
The initiative was supported by grant funding from SEAI under the Non-Domestic Microgeneration Grant (NDMG) scheme.
Planning and development for the project began in December 2024, with onsite works commencing in March 2025. The system is now fully commissioned and operational.
Photo: (l-r) Martin Mullholland, Oisín Burke, John O’Connor, Simon Murray and Declan Meally. (Pic: Supplied)
