Planning Permission Boosts Certa’s €50m Solar Deals
Planning permission hurdles vanish as DCC-owned Certa seals first solar contracts, slashing business energy costs amid Ireland’s green push.
Certa, owned by DCC plc, launched a €50 million Solar as a Service programme targeting 50 MW across about 100 commercial sites over five years. The model lets businesses install rooftop and ground-mounted solar panels without upfront costs or maintenance. Alternative Energy Ireland, acquired by Certa in 2023, handles deployment and real-time monitoring to hit 90% output.
First deals went to Jabil, a medical device maker, with a €1.2 million agreement for 200 kW systems at three Dublin facilities. This setup generates 190,000 kWh yearly, powering 45 average homes and cutting 50 tonnes of emissions annually. Jabil’s industrial engineering manager hailed the no-capital outlay approach.
Lindab, a ventilation systems provider, signed a €200,000 deal for 400 panels across Dublin sites, yielding a 178 kW system. It produces 165,000 kWh per year, equivalent to 40 homes’ usage, and reduces emissions by 44 tonnes. Certa guarantees performance without owner involvement.
Orla Stevens, Certa Ireland’s managing director, noted surging demand from firms chasing lower bills and emissions. The programme supports Ireland’s targets: 80% renewable electricity by 2030 and 51% greenhouse gas cuts from 2018 levels. Collectively, projects could yield 50 GWh annually, matching 12,000 homes’ needs.
Solar expansions tie into broader trends, where An Bord Pleanála decisions and environmental impact reviews shape large-scale renewable projects. Businesses eye these amid flood-risk development concerns and housing scheme approvals, but commercial rooftops often bypass strict planning permission needs under exemptions. DCC’s strategy bolsters secure, cleaner energy access nationwide.
This initiative arrives as solar adoption surges, fueled by stable SEAI grants up to €2,400 for homes—€900 per kWp for the first 2 kWp, then €300 up to 4 kWp. Businesses tap accelerated capital allowances, writing off 100% of costs against taxes. Zero VAT on panels further eases entry, aligning with the National Retrofit Plan’s 2026 expansions for PV and heat pumps.
Commercial players like Certa lead by removing financial barriers. No initial investment means quick ROI through savings and carbon credits. Demand grows as energy prices linger high, pushing firms toward self-generation. The model ensures longevity via maintenance guarantees.
- 50 MW target spans five years, 100 sites.
- €50m investment, zero upfront for clients.
- 50 GWh/year output equals 12,000 homes.
- Jabil: 200 kW, 190,000 kWh, 50t CO2 saved.
- Lindab: 178 kW, 165,000 kWh, 44t CO2 saved.
For Irish enterprises, this signals a shift: solar viability without capital risk accelerates material contravention avoidance in planning permission processes. Certa’s rollout proves scalable renewables fit commercial needs seamlessly.
Originally reported in Business Post on Wed, 11 Mar 2026 07:42:02 +0000. Full story
