ACEL Energy

Safety Systems with Rooftop Solar PV

Kerrie McGarrell — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 08:39:42 +0000

At ACEL Energy, safety is treated as a core design principle, not an afterthought. We engineer, design, install, and certify integrated safety systems for rooftop solar installations, ensuring personnel can safely access, inspect, and maintain PV panels throughout the system lifecycle.

What is a lifeline system?

A lifeline system is a permanent fall-arrest safety solution designed to protect technicians and maintenance personnel working at height. It can be used during solar panel installation, as well as during cleaning, inspections, and electrical maintenance.

It allows users to securely attach themselves while moving across the roof, including areas near edges, skylights, or densely installed PV modules. This ensures continuous fall protection while maintaining safe mobility during both installation and long-term maintenance activities.

Falls from height remain one of the leading causes of serious workplace accidents in Europe. Rooftop photovoltaic systems introduce additional risks due to sloped surfaces, potential slip hazards, and restricted movement around installed equipment.

Why lifeline systems matter for PV installations?

Beyond safety, lifeline systems play a critical role in the long-term performance and maintainability of photovoltaic installations.

Regular maintenance, such as panel cleaning, cable inspection, and connection checks, is essential to maintain optimal energy output. A safe and well-accessible roof environment enables technicians to carry out these tasks more efficiently, more frequently, and with reduced risk of damage to modules or roof structures.

Without proper access and fall protection systems, maintenance becomes more complex, more expensive, and less consistent over time, ultimately reducing the overall efficiency and lifespan of the PV system.

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Hydebank Ground mout Solar farm

Kerrie McGarrell — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 10:19:39 +0000

A Step Toward a More Sustainable Future

In September 2024, a 356kWp solar farm featuring 668 panels, was opened at Hydebank Wood Secure College and Female Prison. The installation marked an important step forward to reduce carbon emissions, lower energy costs, and transition toward more sustainable operations.

The project was officially opened by Justice Minister Naomi Long alongside DAERA Minister Andrew Muir, highlighting strong cross-government support for renewable energy initiatives across Northern Ireland.

Project Overview

The Hydebank solar farm is a carefully designed installation that integrates renewable energy into an operational public facility.

Key specifications include:

Installed Capacity: 356 kWp
Number of Panels: 668 solar panels
Energy Generated in 2025: 284489 kWh
2025 Savings: £71122.25

By generating a portion of its electricity on-site, the facility reduces its dependence on grid-supplied power while improving long-term operational efficiency.

This solar farm is not an isolated initiative but part of a broader governmental push toward sustainability and Net Zero emissions. Public sector estates across Northern Ireland are increasingly being evaluated for renewable energy opportunities, energy efficiency upgrades, and carbon reduction strategies.

Projects like Hydebank demonstrate how relatively modest-scale renewable installations can still deliver meaningful environmental and financial returns when implemented across multiple sites.

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ACEL Energy achieve MCS Certification

Kerrie McGarrell — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 09:42:08 +0000

We’re proud to announce that ACEL Energy is MCS certified for Solar PV installations!

What is MCS Certification?

The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) is the UK’s recognised quality mark for renewable energy systems. It ensures that all renewable energy products and installations meet the highest industry standards for design, installation, and commissioning. By adhering to MCS guidelines, installers like ACEL Energy guarantee safe, reliable, and efficient solar energy systems for homes and businesses.

MCS standards are developed in collaboration with independent technical experts and industry working groups, providing a trusted benchmark for quality across the renewable energy sector. This certification demonstrates that ACEL Energy not only meets but exceeds the standards expected in professional solar PV installations.

What this means for our customers?

Choosing an MCS-certified installer provides more than just reassurance, it ensures your solar PV system:

Complies with UK industry regulations
Uses certified, high-quality components
Delivers safe and efficient performance
Qualifies for government incentives and schemes

Our commitment to clean energy

This certification reinforces ACEL Energy’s mission to provide high-quality solar solutions that make renewable energy accessible and reliable. By achieving MCS certification, we continue to support businesses in reducing their energy costs and carbon footprint while contributing to a more sustainable future.

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The O&M Checklist Every Solar Owner Should Follow

Kerrie McGarrell — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 15:46:46 +0000

Investing in a commercial solar PV system is a smart move for Irish businesses looking to cut energy costs and reduce their carbon footprint. However, the key to long-term performance and savings aren’t just at the installation stage; it’s Operations and Maintenance (O&M). Without a structured O&M plan, even high-quality solar systems can underperform, leading to energy losses, costly repairs and reduced life cycle.

To help our client’s maximise their system’s performance, here is the essential O&M checklist every solar owner should follow:

1. Inspect Panels and Mounting System

Regular inspections are key to identifying early signs of damage and wear. Check solar panels for dirt, moss, algae, or bird fouling and inspect the mounting system for corrosion or loose fittings. Catching issues early prevents small problems from becoming costly repairs.

2. Clean Panels When Required

Although Ireland’s rainfall helps naturally clean panels, debris can still accumulate, especially on flat roofs or shaded areas. Routine cleaning helps ensure maximum efficiency, optimising energy generation and protecting your return on investment.

3. Monitor Inverters and System Performance

The inverters convert DC electricity to usable AC power, so inverter performance is critical. Regularly check inverter status, error codes and overall energy output. Use monitoring software to compare actual performance against expected generation and identify any drops in efficiency.

4. Carry Out Electrical and Safety Checks

Electrical components, which include wiring, fuses, switches and grounding systems, should be inspected regularly. By ensuring they are functioning correctly you are protecting your system, maintaining compliance with Irish safety standards and reducing the risk of downtime or damage.

5. Keep Records and Follow Preventive Maintenance

Document all inspections, cleaning, repairs, and maintenance activities. Many manufacturers and insurers require proof of O&M for warranty and coverage purposes. Preventive maintenance—servicing inverters, replacing defective PV modules and other components—prevents minor faults from escalating into expensive failures.

Protect Your Investment

A properly maintained solar PV system maximises energy generation, extends lifespan, and safeguards financial returns. By following this 5-point O&M checklist, Irish businesses can ensure their commercial solar system delivers consistent savings, environmental benefits and long-term reliability.

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The Hidden Cost of Poor Solar O&M

Kerrie McGarrell — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 15:38:26 +0000

Investing in a commercial solar PV system is a smart way for Irish businesses to reduce energy bills, cut carbon emissions and improve sustainability. However, many companies overlook a critical factor that can dramatically affect long-term performance: Operations and Maintenance (O&M). Poor or neglected solar O&M can lead to hidden costs that often reduce the potential savings of going solar.

Lost Energy Production

The most immediate cost of poor O&M is reduced energy generation. Even small issues like dirty panels, defective inverters or shading from nearby growth can significantly decrease output. Over time these losses add up, resulting in your system producing far less energy than expected. For commercial operations, this can translate into substantial lost revenue and delayed return on your investment.

Increased Repair Costs

Neglecting regular maintenance often turns minor faults into major problems. A small inverter malfunction or loose electrical connection can escalate into costly repairs or the possibility of system downtime. Without proactive inspections and servicing, businesses may face expensive emergency repairs, which are typically much higher than the cost of routine O&M.

Shortened System Lifespan

Commercial solar PV systems are designed to last a minimum of 25 years. However, poor O&M accelerates wear on key components, reducing the system’s effective lifespan. Replacing panels, inverters or other critical parts earlier than expected can significant costs to the system during its life cycle.

Warranty and Compliance Risks

Most solar panel manufacturers and insurers require documented O&M to maintain warranties. Failing to perform regular maintenance can void warranties or breach insurance conditions, leaving businesses exposed to financial risk if a component fails. Additionally, non-compliance with electrical safety standards can pose legal and operational risks.

Environmental and Reputational Impact

Poorly maintained solar systems not only underperform financially; they also fail to deliver their full environmental benefit. For businesses promoting sustainability, this underperformance can harm credibility and reputation with customers, investors, and regulators.

Protecting Your Investment

A professional O&M programme is not an optional extra; it’s essential to safeguard your solar investment. Regular monitoring, cleaning, inspections, and repairs ensure your system operates efficiently, meets warranty requirements, and delivers predictable savings over its lifespan.

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What is O&M on a Solar PV system and why is it essential for commercial installations?

Kerrie McGarrell — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 15:32:21 +0000

As more Irish businesses invest in commercial solar PV systems to reduce the burden of high energy costs and meet sustainability targets, the importance of Operations and Maintenance (O&M) is often underestimated. While solar PV technology is highly reliable, long-term performance depends on continuous monitoring, servicing, and maintenance. O&M plays a critical role in protecting your investment and ensuring consistent energy generation throughout the system’s lifetime.

What Is Solar O&M?

Solar O&M refers to the ongoing operational management and maintenance of a solar PV system, post installation and commissioning. For commercial systems in Ireland, O&M typically includes regular site inspections, performance monitoring, preventive maintenance, fault diagnosis, PV module cleaning, thermal imaging and the repair of system components.

Although solar PV systems have no moving parts, components such as inverters, cabling, and mounting structures are subject to wear, environmental exposure and electrical stress over time. Solar O&M is widely viewed as a cost-effective means of maintaining a safe, highly efficient system, whilst securing peace of mind that your system is working towards delivering the minimal payback period on your investment.

Why solar O&M Is essential in Ireland?

Ireland’s climate presents unique challenges for solar PV performance. High rainfall, wind exposure, coastal salt air and biological growth can all impact system efficiency if not properly managed. Solar O&M ensures that systems continue to perform reliably in these conditions.

Regular maintenance helps maximise energy generation by identifying underperformance early and resolving issues in a short time frame. Even minor faults, if left undetected, can significantly reduce output and lead to lost revenue over time. Routine inspections also ensure that systems meet Irish electrical safety standards, reducing operational and liability risks.

Solar O&M also protects the financial return on your investment. Commercial solar systems are designed to deliver predictable savings, generally forecast over a 20–25-year timeframe. In the absence of regular maintenance, reductions in efficiency and possible unscheduled downtime can extend payback periods and increase operating costs.

There has been a significant increase in demand by equipment manufacturers and insurers for generators to have a documented O&M contract in place, to maintain equipment warranty and insurance compliance.

Long-Term Assets Require Long-Term Care

For Irish businesses, solar PV is a long-term energy asset, not a “fit and forget” solution. By investing in professional solar Operations and Maintenance, businesses can protect performance, extend system lifespan, and maximise the long-term value of their commercial solar investment. The marked increase in energy prices in recent years has made everyone more aware of the need to minimise energy losses on site and ensure maximal generation to ensure

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Winter Solar Power in Ireland: How to Keep Your System Efficient During Storms

Kerrie McGarrell — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 14:18:46 +0000

Winter in Ireland brings unique challenges for solar energy, shorter daylight hours, low sun angles, and frequent cloud cover can make commercial solar systems work harder to deliver consistent performance. But for Irish businesses committed to sustainability and cost control, winter is not a setback, it’s an opportunity to boost system efficiency and optimise energy savings.

1. Keep your solar panels clean

Dirty panels = lost energy. Even a thin layer of dirt, leaves, or grime can reduce efficiency, especially during winter when sunlight is limited.

Pro tips:

Check panels regularly for dirt, leaves, or snow.
Use a soft brush or a hose with low pressure—avoid harsh chemicals.
Schedule a professional cleaning once or twice a year for a deep clean.

2. explore battery storage systems

Solar panels generate electricity when the sun is out, but what happens when it’s cloudy—or during a storm? That’s where battery storage comes in. A home or business battery stores excess energy generated during the day so it can be used when solar production is low or when the grid goes down.

3. Solar + Battery: Your Storm-Proof Energy Duo

Storms are on the rise in Ireland, making energy resilience essential. Even under heavy clouds, your solar panels can produce some electricity. A battery stores this energy so it’s available when you need it most.

During a storm, a battery-backed system can:

Automatically supply power to essential appliances.
Keep your business or home running smoothly during grid outages.
Reduce stress and potential losses from unexpected power cuts.

4. Optimise Panel Orienttion for winter sun

Winter sunlight hits at a lower angle, so panel orientation makes a bigger difference than you might think.

Tips for winter optimisation:

Angle panels towards the sun’s lower winter path.
Avoid shadows from trees or nearby buildings.
Consider professional advice for adjustments to maximise winter output.

Even small changes can significantly improve energy capture during the darker months.

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ACEL Energy partnered with americold to deliver a 900kwp rooftop solar pv system

Kerrie McGarrell — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 15:12:23 +0000

ACEL Energy is proud to have partnered with Americold at their large-scale cold storage facility in Lough Egish, Co. Monaghan, to deliver a 900kWp rooftop solar PV system. Operating in a highly energy-intensive environment, the project was designed to reduce grid dependency, stabilise energy costs, and strengthen Americold’s sustainability credentials. The live operational nature of the site required careful planning to ensure no disruption to critical cold chain logistics.

Scope of works

Our scope included structural engineering to accommodate rooftop PV mounting, design and installation of a bespoke inverter enclosure, and the integration of a new G10 panel. A custom electrical protection scheme was developed t meet both regulatory standards and client requirements. ACEL Energy coordinated the installation of long-distance AC cabling with surge protection cross the site. The project required close engagement with ESB Networks, where our team managed the final commissioning process and ensured all relay protection settings were tested and approved.

Project outcomes

The system now provides Americold with significant on-site renewable energy, directly offsetting their operational electricity demand. This reduces both energy costs and carbon emissions, while also enhancing long-term resilience against fluctuating energy prices. Delivered to strict safety and regulatory standards, the project demonstrates ACEL’s expertise in designing and executing complex PV systems for the cold storage sector.

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Shannon airport ground mount solar farm

Kerrie McGarrell — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 11:11:24 +0000

Project Overview

ACEL Energy partnered with the Shannon Airport Group to deliver a 1.2MW ground-mounted solar PV system, the first of it’s scale at a major Irish airport. Developed to enhance sustainability and reduce energy costs. The project was completed withing a highly regulated environment spanning both airside and landside area. Delivered in collaboration with Conneely Builders and HTR Solar, the scheme demonstrates ACEL’s capability in managing complex infrastructure projects under stringent safety and aviation protocols.

Scope of Works

The project involved the full design, supply, installation, and commissioning of SA Solar Europe PV modules. ACEL carried out all civil groundworks, the installation of mounting structures, and both AC and DC cabling. A secure inverter housing was integrated into the airport’s LV electrical system. The system incorporates solar tracking and wind-responsive tilt control to optimise energy performance and protect against storm conditions. Careful scheduling and coordination ensure works were completed without disruption to daily airport operations.

Project outcome

The solar farm supplies clean, renewable electricity directly to Shannon’s Airport’s operations. The project not only reduce carbon emissions but also provides long-term energy cost savings, strengthening the airport’s environmental credentials. It stands as a flagship example of how renewable energy can be successfully integrated into critical infrastructure facilities.

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Ireland’s Businesses urged to adopt solar and storage to reduce grid dependence

Kerrie McGarrell — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 10:00:43 +0000

Ireland aims to generate 80% of its electricity from renewable resources by 2030, in line with the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive target of 42.5% for member states. however, growing electricity demand due to the electrification of heat, transport, and business activities is placing increased pressure on the grid. As a result, smart energy solutions and new funding models are becoming critical for business to control energy usage. Barry Sherry, CEO of ACEL Energy, highlights the role of modern energy management systems. ‘Smart meters will be vital,’ he says. ‘They allow businesses to take advantage of dynamic pricing. Electricity will be more expensive during peak hours like mornings and evenings, but businesses can benefit from cheaper tariffs or store energy when demand is low’ This flexibility helps companies reduce energy costs and optimse usage.

Overcoming grid capacity challenges

Businesses often face difficulty expanding due to grid capacity limits. Securing more capacity is costly and time consuming. Sherry stresses the need for on-site solutions: ‘Grid constraints are slowing growth for businesses. The best way to take control is to generate and store energy on-site’

Energy independence with solar and storage

ACEL Energy is encouraging businesses to co-locate solar generation with battery storage to reduce dependency on external electricity. ‘Battery storage is a game changer,’ Sherry says. ‘It allows companies to store excess solar energy and import electricity at cheaper times. Medium to large enterprises are increasingly using the grid as a backup.’ These solutions provide stability against fluctuating electricity prices and supply issues.

co-ownership model for renewable systems

To ease the financial burden of transitioning to renewables, ACEL Energy offers a co-ownership funding model. ACEL designs, installs, and manages the system, while businesses pay only for the energy generated and stored. ‘We’ve helped many companies move to renewable energy without the need for upfront capital,’ Sherry explains.

ireland's renewable energy future

Despite its substantial renewable potential – particularly in wind, solar PV, and biomethane – Ireland faces hurdles such as planning delays and resource limitations. Nevertheless, there is a strong drive to accelerate renewable infrastructure deployment. Ireland’s government and businesses remain committed to to achieving the 2030 targets, which are crucial to reducing national greenhouse gas emissions. As businesses seek to future-proof their operations, investing in solar and battery storage is an effective way to gain energy independence and reduce costs. With ACEL Energy’s innovative funding solutions and Ireland’s evolving renewable energy policies, businesses have the tools to thrive in an increasingly electrified world.

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