Tayto Snacks has announced the commissioning of a major rooftop solar installation at its production facility in Ashbourne, Co. Meath, marking the company’s largest renewable energy investment to date. Delivered in partnership with Activ8 Solar Energies, the €1.17 million project represents a significant step forward in Tayto Snacks’ long-term sustainability strategy and its commitment to onsite renewable generation.
The new solar system now provides approximately 10% of Tayto’s annual electricity needs and is expected to generate around 667 MWh each year. This output will reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 146.17 tonnes of CO₂ annually, strengthening the Tayto Snacks’s energy resilience at a time when Irish manufacturers face rising electricity costs, grid constraints and more ambitious climate targets.
“This investment marks a major step forward in strengthening our energy resilience while reducing our carbon footprint,” said John O’Connor, Managing Director at Tayto Snacks. “Generating over 667 MWh of clean electricity onsite each year directly supports Ireland’s climate ambitions and reinforces our long-term commitment to sustainable manufacturing.”
Activ8 Solar Energies, which designed and delivered the installation, highlighted the significance of the project for Irish industry. “This project demonstrates what’s possible when iconic Irish brands take decisive action on sustainability,” said Ciaran Marron, CEO of Activ8 Energies. “Onsite 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.”
The rooftop array comprises 1,734 solar panels and features Activ8’s ATLAS Duo N-Type bifacial technology, engineered to maximise efficiency and reliability in Irish weather conditions.
Representing the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), Declan Meally, Director of Business, added: “This project showcases Irish businesses leading the way in renewable energy. Generating 10% of the site’s energy from rooftop solar 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 received support through SEAI’s Non-Domestic Microgeneration Grant (NDMG) scheme. Planning began in December 2024, onsite works commenced in March 2025, and the system is now fully commissioned and operational.
We invite you to take a closer look at our solar panels and hear Simon Murray, Automation and Controls Lead Engineer at Tayto Snacks and Martin Mulholland, Commercial Operations Director at Activ8 Solar Energies who installed the solar array, describe its impact and importance to the Tayto Snacks business.
772 kWp Solar Rooftop Installation at Tayto Snacks | Activ8 Solar Energies
Video credit: Tim Shearwood, Activ8 Solar Energies
Pictured L-R, Simon Murray, Patrick Wynne (Tayto Snacks), Martin Mulholland Activ8, Mr.Tayto and John O’Connor, Tayto Snacks.
Photo credit: Barry Cronin
Photo credit for the solar panels shot: Photo credit: Tim Shearwood
#TaytoSnacks #Activ8 Solar Energies #JohnOConnor #SimonMurray #PatrickWynne #CiaranMarron #MartinMullholland #SEAI # DeclanMeally #SSEAirtricity #HarrisPR #EamonnMurphy
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