By Business & Finance 
Ciaran Marron is CEO of Active8, a solar energy provider that recently launched the ATLAS Duo N-Type, a solar PV panel.
What are your main priorities and goals in your role?
My focus is on working on the business, not in it — clearing obstacles and ensuring the right people are in the right roles. By empowering our senior leadership team, we create space for strategic thinking and sustained growth.
What are your biggest challenges as CEO?
The future always holds uncertainty, particularly as we expand into new markets. At the same time, it’s vital that we protect the culture and values that got us here — that’s non-negotiable. Maintaining our identity while continuing to grow to meet our ambitious targets is the key.
How do you keep your team/staff motivated?
We put culture and clarity at the centre of everything — a shared vision, open communication, and structured development paths. By investing in our people and treating each other like family, motivation takes care of itself.
What are the challenges facing the industry going forward?
The last 12 months has seen a surge of new entrants into the solar PV market, driven by a low barrier to entry. This means that maintaining standards within the industry is a real concern. We’ve seen cycles like this before, and what sets us apart is that since 2007 we don’t just meet standards — we set them.
What new trends are emerging in your industry?
Activ8 Energies are proud to be leading with innovation — from launching ATLAS, our own solar PV panel, engineered in Ireland specifically for Irish weather conditions, to pioneering AI integration to maximise electricity savings through our EnergiHub app. Developments live these are shaping the future of solar.
Are there any major changes you would like to see in your sector?
We’d like to see a higher bar for entry to protect quality and consumer trust. There also needs to be better support for homeowners, particularly when it comes to grants. Current government plans to reduce the €1800 SEAI grant by €300 annually means they are being penalised for doing the right thing. Commercial grants have been a welcome measure and driven massive growth in that area.
As an employer, are you finding any skill gaps in the market?
In both engineering/design and installation, the skill pool is still catching up with the pace of change in solar. We’ve responded by setting up our own Activ8 Solar Academy where already qualified talent is upskilled to our level. We’ve also searched the globe to acquire experience and brought our entire operation in-house ensure quality.
How did your strategy develop in the context of the banking crisis and economic crisis?
The crisis pushed us to make bold decisions — we pivoted from new builds to retrofits and focused solely on solar. This made us a safe, future-proof investment at a time when people were looking for reliability.
How has the COVID-19 crisis affected your business/sector?
COVID paused our residential work, but we used that time to invest in our people and systems. We got back on our feet quickly by leaning into key partnerships — like our work with Microsoft on schools — and came out stronger operationally.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given in business?
Not personal advice but a simple yet powerful one from Richard Branson: take care of your employees, and they will take care of your business. It’s a reminder that looking after your people, your customers and your values is what drives everything else.
What advice would you give to others starting out in business?
Don’t be afraid to fail — just fail fast and learn faster. Pick something, do it well, and surround yourself with people who are willing to guide and challenge you. Mentors are an invaluable asset and I’ve enjoyed passing on my own knowledge in recent years.
What have been your highlights in business over the past year?
Winning the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2023 put a focus on recognition for the wider team in 2024. Activ8 being named a Deloitte Best Managed Company in 2024 was a real highlight as was receiving recognition at the Irish Climate Change Action and Green Awards. But launching our own product, ATLAS, and expanding our commercial portfolio across Europe are the milestones that set us up for the future.
What’s next for your company?
We’ve recently delivered a data centre project in the Netherlands while commencing work on a solar farm at Liverpool John Lennon Airport, but that’s just the beginning of the next steps for Activ8. Our focus is continued expansion into new markets while strengthening our foundations at home.
Where do you want your business/brand to be this time next year?
We want to be operating at scale across Ireland, the UK and wider Europeean markets while building out our current hubs in Carrickmacross, Naas, Cashel and Ballinasloe. From a brand perspective, we’re aiming to cement our leadership position in Irish solar in a competitive marketplace while brand-building across the continent.
What is your favourite hobby and why?
I’m a huge GAA fan and have been deeply involved with Corduff GAA for years. Whether it’s coaching or committee work, being part of the local club keeps me grounded and connected to the community. Seeing the Activ8 brand on the front of every Monaghan GAA jersey fills me with pride every day.
What is your mantra for life?
Family first, in business and in life.
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