We explore how to bridge this gap through business model transformation and design thinking. We examine the transition from box-ticking reporting to creating real environmental and commercial value.

Laura McDermott CEO of Colectivo joined us on the Solar Smart Podcast to share her expertise. Laura is a leading voice in Irish consultancy helping organisations synthesise sustainability with innovation. She brings a practical and human-centric perspective to climate action.

THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT

The spark behind Colectivo.
Sustainability as business transformation.
New greenwashing laws explained.
Leveraging government grants for diagnostics.
Success strategies for SMEs.

GUEST DETAILS

Laura McDermott is the CEO of Colectivo. She leads an Irish consultancy focused on embedding sustainability through business model transformation. Laura specialises in design thinking and stakeholder engagement helping organisations turn ESG ambition into practical commercial action.

MORE INFORMATION

Since 2020, SolarSmart has been driving solar adoption in Ireland. We’ve installed over 1700 systems for homeowners and business owners around the country. 

SolarSmart is now the country’s highest-rated solar installer on Trustpilot. 

Visit our website;  solarsmart.ie

This podcast was produced by dustpod.io

Quotes

Change should be the end goal. - Laura McDermott

Use design innovation methods to get people on board. - Laura McDermott

The first step is diagnostic. - Laura McDermott

KEYWORDS
#BusinessGrowth #GreenInnovation #SustainableStrategy #SolarEnergy #ClimateAction

Discover how integrated solar and storage solutions are transforming commercial energy generation, providing a blueprint for maximising savings and achieving true energy independence. The discussion delves into cutting-edge DC coupled storage, the role of AI in optimising usage patterns, the coming impact of dynamic tariffs, and the future of vehicle-to-grid technology.

Joining Morgan Pierce is Peter Russell, the Director of Ireland for Sigenergy, a leading voice in Ireland's energy transition. Peter draws on over 15 years of experience in solar PV, battery storage, and EV infrastructure to explain why Sigenergy is the market leader in rapid innovation.

THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT

Peter Russell's solar career path
Sigenergy's all-in-one stackable innovation
AI algorithms and dynamic tariffs
Commercial battery storage adoption
Vehicle to grid technology potential

GUEST DETAILS

Peter Russell is the Director of Ireland for Sigenergy. He has over 15 years of experience in renewable technologies spanning solar PV, battery storage, and EV infrastructure. He was instrumental in driving the early heat pump market in Ireland and is now recognised as a leading voice in Ireland's energy transition

MORE INFORMATION

Since 2020, SolarSmart has been driving solar adoption in Ireland. We’ve installed over 1700 systems for homeowners and business owners around the country. SolarSmart is now the country’s highest-rated solar installer on Trustpilot. 

Visit our website;  solarsmart.ie

This podcast was produced by dustpod.io

Quotes

You want that investment to maximise your potential in savings and your potential in energy independence. - Peter Russell

Being an all-in-one unit means it's kind of future proof. - Peter Russell

You could commission and install a megawatt of batteries in one day very easily. There's no wiring between any of the battery packs. - Peter Russell

KEYWORDS #SolarEnergy #BatteryStorage #DCCoupled #DynamicTariffs #VehicleGrid

This episode explores Nourish's decades-long evolution from an obscure health food store to a mainstream retail leader and details the operational decisions that led to their new HQ solar installation. Host Morgan Pierce and Lloyd Hewson discuss tackling high electricity bills, upcycling materials, the power of SEAI business training, and the surprising speed of solar payback.

Joining Morgan is Lloyd Hewson, Head of Operations at Nourish. Lloyd has seen the industry dramatically evolve during his 25-year tenure and shares his extensive experience managing growth and embedding sustainability at the core of the business.

THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT

Nourish's 40-year evolution and growth
Retail's energy challenges and waste reduction
The HQ move and solar decision
Quantifying solar's impact and payback
Debunking solar myths and key advice

GUEST DETAILS

Lloyd Hewson is the Head of Operations at Nourish, Ireland's leading natural health and wellness retailer. He has been with Nourish for over 25 years, starting in warehouse and shop roles before moving into head office operations. He is an expert in balancing rapid business growth with sustainability and led the sustainable fit-out and solar installation at Nourish’s new headquarters.

MORE INFORMATION

Since 2020, SolarSmart has been driving solar adoption in Ireland. We’ve installed over 1700 systems for homeowners and business owners around the country. SolarSmart is now the country’s highest-rated solar installer on Trustpilot. 

Visit our website;  solarsmart.ie

This podcast was produced by dustpod.io

This episode explores the critical connection between farm sustainability and renewable energy adoption, highlighting why solar is proving to be an unparalleled win for Irish businesses and homeowners. Discover how one company is verifying the country’s green resource and charting a path to energy independence, with astonishing return on investment figures.

We are joined by David Mullins, Founder and Owner Director of AgriData Ltd. David’s company is contracted to Bord Bia to provide on-farm inspections and verification for the Sustainable Assurance Scheme, placing him at the very centre of Ireland’s sustainability drive.

THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT

AgriData sustainability inspections across Irish farms
Six kilowatt system proved solar viability 
Wall mounted winter performance exceeded expectations 
EV driving fundamentally changes environmental thinking 
Ireland's climate perfect for solar production

GUEST DETAILS

David Mullins:
Founder and owner director of AgriData Ltd. Started as a software company in 1996 selling Farm Software systems to farmers, worked on projects for DAFM, the EPA, Repak ELT (Now Circle ELT) and Bord Bia, providing inspection service to Bord Bia and back office administration services to them. Working directly in the sustainability area through our contracts. Installed a 21Kw Solar PV system, 30Kwh Battery with SolarSmart and switched to Air Source Heat pumps for heating and cooling - removed all ICE vehicles and now only use BEV's.

DAVID’S PUBLIC CONTACT DETAILS

Website: https://agridata.ie

QUOTES

We are individually responsible for what we've done to the planet. We're individually responsible for what we continue to do to the planet and what we should do.  - David Mullins

The biggest myth is that Solar doesn't work in Ireland because we don't have sun. That's absolute rubbish. It is not even remotely true. We actually do nearly as good as Spain, to be quite honest with you, because we've got long days and cool temperatures. - David Mullins

At the end of the day, they do not compare. Small wind turbines don't compare with solar at all. - David Mullins

MORE INFORMATION

Since 2020, SolarSmart has been driving solar adoption in Ireland. We’ve installed over 1700 systems for homeowners and business owners around the country. SolarSmart is now the country’s highest-rated solar installer on Trustpilot. 

Visit our website;  solarsmart.ie

This podcast was produced by dustpod.io

KEYWORDS 

#SolarEnergy #SustainableFarming #ElectricVehicles #IrishAgriculture #CarbonNeutral

In our first episode, we explore how solar technology works specifically for commercial entities and how it directly impacts the bottom line. We discuss the mechanics of energy independence, the specific grants available to Irish businesses and how to turn unused roof space into a guaranteed revenue stream through government-backed schemes.

Joining our host Morgan Pierce is Padraic Marren, the Chief Strategy Officer at SolarSmart. With a deep background in business strategy, Padraic breaks down the numbers, the technology, and the strategic advantages of adopting solar energy in the current economic climate.

THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT

• Morgan’s transition from tech to solar 
• How solar energy is created 
• Battery storage for 24/7 operations 
• ROI and payback periods 
• The Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme

GUEST DETAILS

Padraic Marren is the Chief Strategy Officer at SolarSmart.ie. He plays a pivotal role in guiding the strategic direction of the company, focusing on helping commercial clients navigate the transition to renewable energy. His main skills lie in business strategy development, analysing market trends for renewable integration, and delivering customer-centric energy solutions.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/padraic-marren/

QUOTES

• Solar panels actually work better in temperate, temperate climates - Morgan Pierce
• Every kilowatt hour of electricity that comes in from the solar panels replaces a kilowatt hour that you purchase from your electricity supply company - Morgan Pierce
• Payback on that investment in perhaps anywhere between two years and four years - Padraic Marren
• They will guarantee you a rate of 13 cent kilowatt for 15 years - Padraic Marren
• This SRES scheme makes a lot of sense for Ireland, because we want every possible kilowatt hour flowing out to the grid. - Morgan Pierce

MORE INFORMATION

Since 2020, SolarSmart has been driving solar adoption in Ireland. We’ve installed over 1700 systems for homeowners and business owners around the country. SolarSmart is now the country’s highest-rated solar installer on Trustpilot. 

Visit our website;  solarsmart.ie

This podcast was produced by dustpod.io

KEYWORDS
#SolarEnergy #BusinessBenefits #SolarPanels #RenewableEnergy 

In our new podcast series, she’ll be sharing what she finds compelling about solar energy, and hearing stories from people about their real world experience with solar in their home or business. 

Press 'Follow' to get Solar Smart with Morgan Pierce. A brand new podcast coming this January wherever you get your podcasts.