Certa Invests €50 Million in Solar Energy Projects, Targeting Irish Businesses
Certa, Ireland’s largest fuel supplier and part of the DCC group, is embarking on a €50 million investment plan to deliver 50 megawatts (MW) of solar power to 100 large Irish businesses over the next five years. This initiative aims to provide enough renewable energy to power approximately 12,000 homes.
Solar as a Service Offering
Certa’s new “Solar as a Service” (SaaS) offering is being facilitated through its 2023 acquisition of Alternative Energy Ireland (AEI) [1]. The service allows businesses to adopt solar energy solutions without significant upfront capital expenditure or ongoing maintenance responsibilities.
How the Service Works
AEI will handle the installation and maintenance of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, ensuring they achieve at least 90% of their expected energy output annually. Financing for these projects will be provided by Wewise, a sister company within the DCC group, offering tailored arrangements with no initial costs [2].
Early Adopters
Jabil, a company specializing in healthcare product development and manufacturing located in Bray, County Wicklow, is the first company to utilize the new service, with a deal valued at €1.2 million. Jabil is installing 3,000 rooftop solar PV panels, projected to generate 1.3 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of renewable energy annually for the next 25 years and reduce carbon emissions by 360 tonnes per year [3].
Lindab, a supplier of energy-efficient building solutions, has as well secured a deal worth €200,000 to install 400 rooftop solar PV panels across its three Dublin sites. This system is expected to generate 165,000 kWh of solar power annually and reduce carbon emissions by 44 tonnes each year [4].
Certa’s Broader Sustainability Initiatives
This investment in solar energy aligns with Certa’s broader commitment to sustainability. The company has already transitioned its fleet of 100 delivery vehicles to hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), which can reduce carbon emissions by up to 90% [3]. Certa has also supported the decarbonization efforts of various Irish businesses and events, including Amazon Web Services, John Sisk & Son, and the National Ploughing Championships [3].
About Certa and DCC
Certa operates 39 unmanned, pay@pump forecourts and 22 home heating depots across Ireland [1]. It is a subsidiary of DCC plc, an Irish services company [2]. DCC has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 [3].