by Regan Slaymaker | Nov 3, 2023 | Commercial & Industrial Solar, Innovation, Video
It was a pleasure to interview the Rt Hon Chris Skidmore at Solar and Storage Live in Birmingham this year!
Solar&StorageXtra is the new publishing part of the Solar and Storage Live event series where we will be interviewing our esteemed speakers, exhibitors, sponsors and attendees to get their live reactions to the event and the important discussions within the industry.
The Rt Hon Chris Skidmore joined Solar&StorageXtra to discuss the UK Solar industry and the challenges that face the growth of Solar!
What the Rt Hon Chris Skidmore wanted to make clear was that there must be multiple changes to the energy system in order for the transition to Net Zero to be successful. The main priority is to develop a long-term, strategic plan for solar that can help improve and enhance grid connections and infrastructure. Once this plan is in place, it could help remove any potential connection barriers that would prevent widespread solar generation in the UK.
For the Rt Hon Chris Skidmore, the energy transition must be user focused for consumers to feel the full benefits of the transition to Net Zero.
“We need to make this (the energy transition) user focused. We need to be able to empower the householder, not just be a recipient of energy but… have the opportunity to share in the energy conversation; to have flexibility on the grid. We are seeing people generate and store their own energy! It is not about the technology, it is about the outcome and purpose of that technology and that is making life easier for people.” – Rt Hon Chris Skidmore, Chair of the Net Zero Review
For more interviews from Solar&StorageXtra and to keep up to date with all NEW content, subscribe to the Solar&StorageXtra YouTube channel and Newsletter!
Our next event is Solar and Storage Live London, April 29-30 2024!
To enquire about interviews, submit news and press releases please contact our Editor, Regan Slaymaker, regan.slaymaker@terrapinn.com.
For sponsorship and exhibition enquires please contact Tom Moon, tom.moon@terrapinn.com.
by Regan Slaymaker | Nov 2, 2023 | Commercial & Industrial Solar, Innovation, Video
It was a pleasure to interview Rt Hon Graham Stuart, Minister of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, at Solar and Storage Live in Birmingham!
Solar&StorageXtra is the new publishing part of the Solar and Storage Live event series where we will be interviewing our esteemed speakers, exhibitors, sponsors and attendees to get their live reactions to the event and the important discussions within the industry.
Rt Hon Graham Stuart joined Solar&StorageXtra to discuss the future of UK solar, the factors that have boosted UK solar, and the importance of the UK’s energy security.
What the Rt Hon Graham Stuart wanted to make clear was that Solar remains one of the cheapest forms of electricity generation available. Once grid connections are developed and infrastructure has been improved, renewable generation can provide a huge economic opportunity to the UK. A new, low-cost energy system will be developed to ensure no-one will be left behind.
An increase amount of Solar, and other renewable generation, not only makes our system for environmentally friendly but also improves our energy security.
“Vladimir Putin’s barbaric invasion of Ukraine showed that Wester countries have been too dependent on dictators, like Putin, and their oil and gas supply. Everyday we reduce our oil and gas consumption we not only contribute to the environment but, when we generate more energy in here in the UK, but we make ourselves more secure.” – Rt Hon Graham Stuart, Minister of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.
For more interviews from Solar&StorageXtra and to keep up to date with all NEW content, subscribe to the Solar&StorageXtra YouTube channel and Newsletter!
Our next event is Solar and Storage Live London, April 29-30 2024!
To enquire about interviews, submit news and press releases please contact our Editor, Regan Slaymaker, regan.slaymaker@terrapinn.com.
For sponsorship and exhibition enquires please contact Tom Moon, tom.moon@terrapinn.com.
by Regan Slaymaker | Nov 2, 2023 | Commercial & Industrial Solar, Large Scale Utility Solar, Video
It was a pleasure to interview Chris Hewett, Chief Executive of Solar Energy UK, at Solar and Storage Live in Birmingham this year!
Solar&StorageXtra is the new publishing part of the Solar and Storage Live event series where we will be interviewing our esteemed speakers, exhibitors, sponsors and attendees to get their live reactions to the event and the important discussions within the industry.
Chris Hewett joined Solar&StorageXtra to discuss the UK Solar Industry, the creation of the UK’s Solar Taskforce, and the challenges to distributing Solar generation across the UK
What Chris wanted to make clear was that collaboration between industry and government is of paramount importance to reaching 2050 Net Zero targets. The UK’s Solar Taskforce is fundamental in contributing to this government and industry collaboration:
“The UK’s Solar Taskforce is a genuinely joint government-industry initiative co-chaired by myself and Graham Stuart. It has eight different members from the Solar Industry, also the UK Infrastructure Bank, the Energy Networks Association and MCS, the right people in the room. We’re going to release a report in the Spring 2024 and that will set the scene for what this government and future governments will do to deliver Solar.” – Chris Hewett, Chief Executive, Solar Energy UK
For more interviews from Solar&StorageXtra and to keep up to date with all NEW content, subscribe to the Solar&StorageXtra YouTube channel and Newsletter!
Our next event is Solar and Storage Live London, April 29-30 2024!
To enquire about interviews, submit news and press releases please contact our Editor, Regan Slaymaker, regan.slaymaker@terrapinn.com.
For sponsorship and exhibition enquires please contact Tom Moon, tom.moon@terrapinn.com.
by Regan Slaymaker | Oct 27, 2023 | Innovation, Storage, Video
Interview with Giovanni Buogo: Discussing the importance of a connected appliance ecosystem
Global appliance brand Haier have created Nahui, a sister company specifically created to develop renewable energy products. Nahui’s main focuses are manufacturing Solar PVs, Hybrid Inverters, Electric Vehicle chargers, and battery storage systems.
It was a pleasure to speak to the Head of Energy Business for Nahui, Giovanni Buogo, as he explained the importance of smart and connected technologies and how they positively contribute to the electricity grid. Giovanni began the discussion by explaining there are different layers to how Nahui’s technologies can benefit the grid.
The hardware Nahui produce are particularly important in benefitting the grid; how the technologies store Solar energy and release it back into the system are particularly important.
Nahui’s software is also very important. This relates to how all of Nahui/Haier’s appliances (air conditioning, refrigerators, Solar panels and Storage Systems) work together. The challenge here is establishing this correctly and creating an efficient, connected technology eco-system that can connect with good software and interact with the electricity provider.
If all devices are connected, and energy flows are optimised, consumers will be able to save money as a flexibility provider. For Giovanni, we must look at the benefits of how a connected technology eco-system can benefit the environment whilst working at full capacity. Haier’s main aim, Giovanni explained, is to have a connected eco-system of appliances whilst maintaining a high level of comfort for the consumer.
For example, heating and cooling systems working at optimum capacity whilst contributing to decarbonisation and cost savings.
“A key driver of Haier Europe’s strategy is the pledge to sustainability: through the Science Based Targets Initiative, the company has committed to setting emissions reduction targets by adopting a scientific and calculated approach and pursuing digital transformation to drive efficiency and reduce environmental impacts.” – Haier
Giovanni did clarify that there are issues when creating a connected technology eco-system. The main challenge is that a lot of appliances in homes are not smart and do not belong to the same manufacturers. Standardisation of technology is a big issue here.
Having smart devices, like a smart refrigerator/washing machine, might appear unnecessary for some customers however, once devices are smart, customers can benefit from the smart technology for a lifetime. Cost savings and more positive environmental impact are the main benefits.
At Solar and Storage live this year, Nahui are placing a strong emphasis on understanding what the UK solar market needs and how it operates differently to other markets.
To do this, Nahui would like to discuss with installers, home builders, and solar thermal installers and share their views on a connected technology ecosystem.
“We are not just at Solar and Storage live to present products but there to understand what the UK market is asking for. Solar and Storage life is the perfect chance for this! The UK has a very active and dynamic market and Nahui (Haier) want to be a part of it.” – Giovanni Buogo
Watch our interview with Giovanni Buogo and subscribe to the Solar&StorageXtra YouTube channel here.
For more interviews from Solar&StorageXtra and to keep up to date with all NEW content, subscribe to the Solar&StorageXtra YouTube channel and Newsletter!
Our next event is Solar and Storage Live London, April 29-30 2024!
To enquire about interviews, submit news and press releases please contact our Editor, Regan Slaymaker, regan.slaymaker@terrapinn.com.
For sponsorship and exhibition enquires please contact Tom Moon, tom.moon@terrapinn.com.
by Regan Slaymaker | Oct 27, 2023 | Innovation, Storage, Video
Tom Callow, the Head of Corporate Communications for myenergi, joined Solar&StorageXtra to discuss the importance of Smart Electric Vehicles (EV) chargers and how myenergi contributes to decarbonising the energy space.
Founded in 2016 by Lee Sutton and Jordan Brompton, myenergi have focused on technologies that can maximise energy consumption in the home and benefit consumers. myenergi’s key technology, the Zappi, is a trailblazer in the sector because it is the world’s first Solar powered EV charger.
Tom Callow is speaking on myenergi’s panel ‘On the Plus-Side: Smart Charging and the EV Consumer Benefits’. Tom explained that a key process to unlocking EV consumer benefits is understanding their concentration and connection to the grid.
There are fears of an overuse of charging due to an influx of electricity being used at one time. However, Tom explained that this doesn’t happen “people have different lives.” Vehicles are charged at the same time, overnight for example, but smart charging sessions can be scheduled, delayed and paused to manage electricity’s load on the grid and contribute to flexibility.
The benefits of EV’s connection to the grid must be made more aware to the consumer. A lack of knowledge about this topic has contributed to a fear of EVs being a burden to the grid. In reality, EVs can drive the adoption and consumption of renewable energy. In addition to this, the renewable energy used is also more manageable than the energy used from fossil fuels.
Recent legislation has been passed that all new private EV chargers being built must be smart, there have been some issues with companies finding loopholes with this new legislation but myenergi’s ‘Zappi’ was already close to meeting the new requirements.
“If you are a consumer, you should want a smart charger like the Zappi. It allows you to take advantage of smart tariffs and… Solar energy, even if you don’t have it today.” – Tom Callow, myenergi
A key discussion across the Charge EV theatre are the factors that can unlock mass EV uptake. For Tom Callow, cost is the main factor.
There are a lot of good used EV options for buyers on the used car market at the moment, Tom explained, but used EV market must be driven by increased, new and cheaper supply. A major disappointment with Rishi Sunak’s 2030 pushback is that it will delay the used EV market. Used car buyers will be waiting longer for an established and cheaper used EV market.
At Solar and Storage live this year, myenergi will be exhibiting at stand G12 presenting their products the Zappi, the Eddi (solar power diverter), and the Libbi (a modular battery storage system).
For myenergi, Tom explained, Solar and Storage live is about connecting with the installer community, letting installers see how their products can empower consumers and answer the questions ‘what else can benefit the consumer?’ and ‘What could the new customer eco-system look like?’.
Watch our interview with Tom Callow and subscribe to the Solar&StorageXtra YouTube channel here.
To enquire about interviews, submit news and press releases please contact our Editor, Regan Slaymaker, regan.slaymaker@terrapinn.com.
For sponsorship and exhibition enquires please contact Tom Moon, tom.moon@terrapinn.com.
by Regan Slaymaker | Oct 12, 2023 | Storage, Video
(Image Credit: Number 10 Credit: Simon Walker/No.10 Downing Street)
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced a major U-turn on the agreement of green policies.
Whilst the Prime Minister has said he was “absolutely unequivocal” about sticking to 2050 net zero targets, the U-turn was decided because the Conservative party wants to “adopt a more pragmatic, proportional and realistic approach to net zero.”
Sunak explained this approach is “a middle road between those who want tougher actions and those who do not believe humans are the cause of climate breakdown.” Sunak believes this ‘middle road’ will keep ‘the consent of the British people’ on the side of the government.
One of the Conservative party’s ideas that will ‘keep the consent of the people’ is to delay the ban of new internal combustion engine (ICE) cars from 2030 to 2035.
The motor industry, of course, expressed mass disapproval to the change in policy because it will ultimately decrease the likelihood of the UK reaching its 2050 net-zero target.
Many environmental and business experts have said the push back could end up costing the public and businesses more money in the long run.
Middle road indeed…
In an interview with myself and Solar&StorageXtra, Tom Callow, Head of Coorporate Communications for myenergi, explained that the 2035 push back could delay the use of the used Electric Vehicle (EV) market. Subsequently, car buyers who predominantly use the used car market will end up waiting longer for a cheaper, second-hand EV.
The used EV market, as with any market, is driven by new and increased supply. With increased supply, price tends to decrease.
The Prime Minsiter’s push back will continue the use of the used ICE vehicle market, as opposed to the used EV market, because overall cost of ICE vehicles will remain low.
“The government’s argument is that this five-year delay will allow more time for electrification to take place and reduce private motorists; but that shows a fundamental misunderstanding of how the motor industry works.” – Philip Northard, Chair, Vehicle Remarketing Association (VRA)
Philip Nothard, Chair of the VRA, has explained that this change in policy could disrupt the value of the EV market because of the confusion it creates with potential buyers… “Many or most of the decisions about cars or vans on sale in the UK in 2030 have already been finalised and have been based off global factors.”
The Governments change in policy hasn’t changed anything regarding business, all the decisions have already been made.
What this change in policy will ultimately do is increase the number of sceptics around the current viability of the used EV market and generate confusion about where the EV market is headed.
Therefore, not only is the used EV market affected but companies could lose out on potential business because buyers are still prioritising ICE vehicles and not EVs. To avoid this being made by consumers, manufacturers will need “more encouragement than ever” to purchase EVs says Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Ultimately, Hawes continued, the automotive industries commitment to a zero-emission new car market has remained unchanged.
What is needed is the widespread education of the importance of a decarbonised new motor industry to remain on course for 2030. Not only at a consumer level but at a local authority where investment and infrastructure installation must remain on course.
The business decisions mentioned will mean the majority of cars on the road will be EVs anyway, a continuation of current projects and practises will allow for better preparation for mass EV uptake.
The Prime Minister’s 2035 push back hasn’t changed much from the perspective of business in the motor industry.
For many, the push back will only create confusion and delay widespread engagement in new and used EV markets. Delaying mass consumer uptake in EVs and decreasing the likelihood of the UK reaching its 2050 net zero target.
The Prime Minister describing the governments new green policies as a ‘middle road’ approach isn’t far off… but I was always told to avoid playing in the middle of traffic.
Subscribe to the Solar&StorageXtra YouTube channel here.
To enquire about interviews, submit news and press releases please contact our Editor, Regan Slaymaker, regan.slaymaker@terrapinn.com.
For sponsorship and exhibition enquires please contact Tom Moon, tom.moon@terrapinn.com.
by Regan Slaymaker | Oct 11, 2023 | Commercial & Industrial Solar, Large Scale Utility Solar, Video
It was a pleasure to be joined by the Shadow Minister for Energy Security Dr Alan Whitehead ahead of his exciting keynote participation at Solar and Storage Live in Birmingham. Dr Whitehead began the discussion by highlighting Labour’s vision for the Solar industry.
This vision is to link with Labour’s main objective to have the UK’s power supply fully decarbonised by 2030.
“The UK will have an overwhelmingly predominant system based off renewable and low carbon energy from 2030 onwards, Solar will have an enormous part of this.” – Dr Alan Whitehead
Labour have set an objective where the UK’s renewable capacity in 2030 will meet 55GW of offshore wind, 35GW of onshore wind, and 50GW of Solar by 2030. Alan explained that this will come with some challenges…
These challenges come from each industry being at different time scales. Allocation for offshore wind funding rounds need to get underway. Onshore wind generation must be completely restarted in the UK and the industry, for Alan, has “a mountain to climb” to get underway because of the current government’s ban on the development of new onshore wind.
The main challenge for the Solar is increasing its generation by five times its current generation to meet its target. The questions Alan raised for Solar to meet its 50GW target include:
- How can we finalise sites for large scale ground mounted Solar?
- How can we proceed with widespread rooftop Solar?
- How can we expand Solar on residential properties?
- How can we increase Solar’s presence on commercial and industrial sites?
Once these questions have been answered and generation is active, aggregating all of this power will produce countless virtual solar power plants.
When discussing the current increase in the distribution of Solar in the UK, Dr Whitehead explained that it is “really exciting that the price of Solar has fallen because Solar PVs in the past were really expensive.”
However, Dr Whitehead continued, current cost reductions must be pushed onto existing Solar supply chains in the UK. As important as Chinese imports of Solar PV have been in reducing cost, there is no long-term future being dependant on one country for importing Solar PV.
UK Solar PV producers and manufacturers, Dr Whitehead explained, cannot be underpinned by cheaper Chinese imports. The UK must develop the grid and its distribution networks with UK based Solar, doing so will be an “incredible boost to energy security” in the UK.
Alan expressed his disappointment with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s five-year push back of the date at which all new vehicle sales should be electric, and the abandonment of the government’s plan to improve energy efficiency standards for private renters.
Solar has a substantial role to play in meeting net zero targets. Speaking at Solar and Storage live, Dr Whitehead explained, gives Labour an opportunity to present what a new Labour Government will look like regarding the Solar and Renewable energy industry. It also allows Labour to receive feedback on what the industry needs to thrive.
Dr Alan Whitehead’s presentation can be watched on the 19th of October at 13:30 in the Keynote theatre and is titles ‘Labour’s vision for the UK Solar industry.’
Watch our interview with Dr Alan Whitehead and subscribe to the Solar&StorageXtra YouTube channel here.
To enquire about interviews, submit news and press releases please contact our Editor, Regan Slaymaker, regan.slaymaker@terrapinn.com.For sponsorship and exhibition enquires please contact Tom Moon, tom.moon@terrapinn.com.
by Regan Slaymaker | Sep 26, 2023 | Commercial & Industrial Solar, Innovation, Video
Schletter are one of the largest producers and distributors of mounting systems for Solar PVs that are exhibiting at Solar and Storage live in Birmingham this year.
Ground floor mounts and roof top facades are the two main products Schletter focus on, offering training and education services to customers on how to install their mounting systems.
Nancy Yell, the Head of Sales for Northern and Eastern Europe for Schletter joined Solar&StorageXtra to discuss their participation at Solar and Storage live this year and the importace of AgriPV.
Nancy began the discussion by explaining Solar and Storage is Schletter’s biggest event in the UK to exhibit their products. The event provides Schletter with an opportunity to interact with everyone who is interested on Solar, whether that be installers, traders, and those involved in engineering, procurement and construction.
“Anyone who has a say or opinion about Solar PV will be at Solar and Storage live. We want to educate attendees on our products. To do so, we are a part of Solar Energy UK’s installation workshop.” – Nancy Yell
At Solar and Storage live this year, Schletter will be highlighting the importance of Agri PV in their speaking positions. Agri PV, Nancy explained, are Solar PV systems that work in synergy with agricultural processes. Schletter’s ‘mix and match’ mounting systems can integrate the production of electricity in the day-to-day business of agriculture.
Agri PV provides a lot of opportunity for decarbonisation of agriculture, allowing this industry to not be left behind. Nancy explained that Schletter are hoping to demonstrate and promote products and educate attendees on the importance of mounted Solar PV at Solar and Storage live this year.
You can find Schletter at Stand i7B at Solar and Storage live in Birmingham where they have an “expert on everything!”
Some of those experts speaking at the event include:
- Tilmon Elsner, 17th of October – 12:50 in the Commercial and Industrial theatre – Presentation
- Tilmon Elsner, 18th of October – 9:30 in the Keynote theatre – Agri PV and the possibilities for UK Solar – Panel
- Christain Salzeder, 18th of October – 11:30 in the Large Scale Utility Solar theatre – AgriPV and the solutions for the UK – Presentation
Watch our interview with Nancy Yell and subscribe to the Solar&StorageXtra YouTube channel here.
To enquire about interviews, submit news and press releases please contact our Editor, Regan Slaymaker, regan.slaymaker@terrapinn.com.
For sponsorship and exhibition enquires please contact Tom Moon, tom.moon@terrapinn.com.
by Regan Slaymaker | Sep 26, 2023 | Commercial & Industrial Solar, Innovation, Video
Over the last 10 years, JA Solar have made their mark on the UK solar space selling their integrated Solar modules into the market.
Solar and Storage live in Birmingham is a major chance for JA Solar to engage with major buyers, distributors, and installers in the Solar industry. Alastair mentioned that JA Solar are an industry leader in Solar PV and were one of the first companies to put and emphasis on the UK market. Giving the UK solar market ‘real access to Solar and the benefits of flexibility.’
Alastair explained that JA Solar have maintained a constant supply of Solar PV modules in to the UK market maintaining a low price and high quality of supply. JA Solar are considered pioneers in Solar PV regarding:
- The move to monocrystalline modules from polycrystalline modules.
- The mass production of black-black modules.
- Being innovators in Perc Technologies and Perc modules.
Throughout our conversation, myself and Alastair discussed some of the major solar industry trends. The first trend we discussed was the main factor that is expected to affect the rise and fall of costs related to solar. Alastair explained that the main factor that would affect this would be the capacity of Solar that is available. This could affect Solar’s current increase in efficiency and decrease in price.
Alastair explained we must anticipate and avoid issues created by unexpected challenges, the main example in recent times being the Russian invasion of Ukraine that led to the current energy crisis.
The second major industry trend myself and Alastair discussed were the current labour and social issues in the Solar supply chain.
Alastair explained JA Solar are looking into the overall due diligence of their supply chain and are shifting their priorities relating to ESG legislation. To do this, JA Solar are a part of the Solar Power Security Initiative and the Solar Energy Responsible Sourcing Steering Group that work in line with EU acts and directives around due diligence.
“JA Solar are a part of the solution, rather than a part of the problem. We know where our modules come from and where we have the power in the supply chain to enforce certain traceability and ESG actions.” – Alastair Mounsey
The third industry trend that was discussed in our interview was the particular recycling processes around Solar PV. Alastair explained that some of the commentary around Solar PV waste may be exaggerated but it does raise an important question.
The Solar industry has identified the need for Solar PV recycling but hasn’t implemented it because there isn’t a need for it yet. Due to the lifespan Solar PVs, there isn’t a widespread need for Solar PV recycling because older modules are still working efficiently.
For Alastair, their shouldn’t be an alarmist viewpoint regarding PV recycling. JA Solar, and other PV companies, are tracking the lifecycles of their modules.
Diversifying the global Solar supply chain was the final trend myself and Alastair discussed. This is an ever present issue in the Solar industry but, Alastair explained, that the market will determine whether supply chains will diversify due to particular cost profiles. The price of new supply chains may need to match current market price for diversification to be put into effect. However, Alastair did reveal that JA Solar are investigating new supply chains to keep up with current demand.
JA Solar can be found at Stand E7 with speaking positions at:
- October 17th – 15:50 Sponsor Presentation: Module Technology & Supply Chain Into 2024– Matthew Xenakis, Sales Manager
- October 18th – 10:30 Sponsor Panel: Addressing the Need to Scale Up Investment Opportunities within Energy Storage – Alastair Mounsey
- October 19th – 10:30 Sponsor Panel: Future Trends in Solar PV Technologies and How they Will Contribute to Net Zero Targets – Alastair Mounsey
Watch our interview with Alastair Mounsey and subscribe to the Solar&StorageXtra YouTube channel here.
To enquire about interviews, submit news and press releases please contact our Editor, Regan Slaymaker, regan.slaymaker@terrapinn.com.
For sponsorship and exhibition enquires please contact Tom Moon, tom.moon@terrapinn.com.
by Regan Slaymaker | Sep 26, 2023 | Large Scale Utility Solar, Storage, Video
Interview with Wenzel Brühl: The Vice President (Growth Markets) for Sonnen discusses Sonnen’s RELAUNCH in the UK!
sonnen’s Vice President for Growth Markets, Wenzel Brühl joined Solar&StorageXtra to discuss sonnen’s relaunch of residential energy storage technologies in the UK.
Whilst being a German manufacturer, sonnen has factories in Europe, Australia, and The United States; allowing customers to purchase and install products globally. sonnen has been present in the UK Solar Market for some time but, Wenzel explained, Brexit did halt their market growth.
sonnen will use Solar and Storage live in Birmingham this year to relaunch their products in the UK market.
“We’re starting a restart in the UK by presenting our products at Solar and Storage Live. We’ll get installers acquainted with the products and announce our growing presence in the market.” – Wenzel Brühl
sonnen’s mission statement is ‘clean, affordable energy for all is one of the greatest challenges of our time.’ When asked ‘how sonnen is aiming to achieve this?’, Wenzel explained that there are lots of sources of clean and affordable energy; the main challenges is how to store the energy.
sonnen has designed and produced technologies that will provide customers with the opportunity to control when the energy is produced and when it is available to be used.
Virtual power plants are another technology that allows prosumers to provide efficient grid stabilisation. Wenzel explained that different virtual power plants allow customers to be a part of their own decentralised system and allow consumers to have a much larger impact on their environment.
Decentralised energy systems can assist in preventing the risk of an energy crisis and help consumers decarbonise their energy use. The UK’s virtual power plant is running but there are bigger plants in Germany, the United States, and the BeNeLux area.
Sonnen has four key expectations for Solar and Storage live this Year:
- To raise awareness of solar storage systems
- To network with important people in the Solar industry
- Meet with new people and engage them with sonnen’s products
- Answer any questions from present and future customers
Attendees can find sonnen at Booth K4 at Solar and Storage this year with speaking positions at:
- Speaking on Wednesday and Thursday:
- Tuesday – 11.20 Sponsor Presentation: sonnen – a Global Player With a Local Focus
- 20 Sponsor Presentation: sonnen – a Global Player With a Local Focus
Watch our interview with Wenzel Brühl and subscribe to the Solar&StorageXtra YouTube channel here.
For more interviews from Solar&StorageXtra and to keep up to date with all NEW content, subscribe to the Solar&StorageXtra YouTube channel and Newsletter!
Our next event is Solar and Storage Live London, April 29-30 2024!
To enquire about interviews, submit news and press releases please contact our Editor, Regan Slaymaker, regan.slaymaker@terrapinn.com.
For sponsorship and exhibition enquires please contact Tom Moon, tom.moon@terrapinn.com.
by Regan Slaymaker | Sep 19, 2023 | Commercial & Industrial Solar, Video
Interview with Lorna Wallace-Smith: EcoFlow announce NEW Technology
EcoFlow are one of the largest providers of Solar PV retrofit technology at Solar and Storage live in Birmingham this year and it was a pleasure to talk with Lorna Wallace-Smith, the Head of UK Communications, about their participation and what products will be on display in Birmingham this year.
Lorna announced that EcoFlow will be unveiling their PowerOcean DC Fit technology at 11:00 on the 17th of October at Solar and Storage live in Birmingham this year at stand O11.
This new retrofit technology is designed with simplicity at its core. It is easy for the homeowner to use and easy for installers to install. A homeowner can use the PowerOcean DC Fit technology and EcoFlow’s algorithm with third party inverters that assist the technology to save consumers money in the long run.
Lorna explained that Solar and Storage live is the perfect event for EcoFlow to attend and network with all companies, customers, installers, and traders in the Solar industry. At their unveiling of their PowerOcean DC Fit technology, there will be a short presentation about the technology, an opportunity to talk to the technical experts, and installers who have been installing the PowerOcean DC Fit in Germany.
EcoFlow’s mission is to transform the way residential energy is harnessed and utilised, providing a straightforward energy experience for everyone. Exceptional reliability and support for customers is of paramount importance for EcoFlow.
Watch our interview with Lorna Wallace-Smith and subscribe to the Solar&StorageXtra YouTube channel here.
For more interviews from Solar&StorageXtra and to keep up to date with all NEW content, subscribe to the Solar&StorageXtra YouTube channel and Newsletter!
Our next event is Solar and Storage Live London, April 29-30 2024!
To enquire about interviews, submit news and press releases please contact our Editor, Regan Slaymaker, regan.slaymaker@terrapinn.com.
For sponsorship and exhibition enquires please contact Tom Moon, tom.moon@terrapinn.com.
by Regan Slaymaker | Sep 19, 2023 | Everything Installer, Video
Interview with KT Tan – The Future of the Solar industry
Dr KT Tan, the Chief Technical Officer of Viridian Solar, joins Solar&StorageXtra to discuss Viridian Solar, reducing the risk of Solar PV fire and the future of the Solar industry.
KT began the discussion by highlighting Viridian Solar’s role in manufacturing roof integrated Solar PV systems in the UK. The Clearline Fusion Solar Roofing System is their main product and a market leader in the Solar sector.
In addition to this, KT mentioned Viridian Solar’s ‘ArcBox’ technology has had an ‘award winning’ impact on the Solar industry in pioneering a focus on reducing the risk of Solar PV fire.
‘How do we handle the risk of Solar PV fire?’ is the title of KT’s presentation at Solar and Storage live this year. KT explained, the risk of large-scale Solar PV fire is incredibly small; with it being more dangerous to use your toaster and that cause a fire.
However, risk of Solar PV is an incredibly important issue and just because the risk is so low, that does not mean the Solar industry should become complacent.
With increased demand and deployment of Solar PV, this increases the risk of Solar PV fire. It is important to negate this risk of Solar PV fire before it becomes too big.
Along with negating the risk of Solar PV fire, KT discussed other factors that will shape the future of the Solar industry. KT explained the Solar industry has successfully moved away from the need of subsides, with Solar now being completely ‘self-sufficient’ industry.
‘It has become a no-brainer’ to deploy Solar from micro-generation level all the way to utility scale level. For KT, the main challenge is now ‘How to best use the energy?’, implying we must be more efficient with energy storage processes.
“One hour of solar irradiance on the surface of earth is enough to power the global electricity consumption for one year.” – Dr KT Tan
Dr KT Tan explained that a modernisation of the energy market is needed to embrace new energy storage technologies. However, market modernisation does come with challenges.
The new challenges that could affect the future of the Solar, according to Dr KT Tan, are:
- Geo-political risks
- Avoiding technology stagnation
- Avoiding unhealthy competition
- Carbon footprint
- Look at the recycling issue.
Such risks must be addressed to ensure Solar’s current market growth continues.
You can find Dr KT Tan’s presentation at 10:30 on Day 3 in the Commercial & Industrial Solar theatre at Solar and Storage Live.
Watch KT Tan’s interview here and for more interviews with Solar&StorageXtra subscribe to our YouTube channel!
For more interviews from Solar&StorageXtra and to keep up to date with all NEW content, subscribe to the Solar&StorageXtra YouTube channel and Newsletter!
Our next event is Solar and Storage Live London, April 29-30 2024!
To enquire about interviews, submit news and press releases please contact our Editor, Regan Slaymaker, regan.slaymaker@terrapinn.com.
For sponsorship and exhibition enquires please contact Tom Moon, tom.moon@terrapinn.com.
by Regan Slaymaker | Sep 18, 2023 | Innovation, Video
Interview with Ashley Feldman – Tech UK and Deploying Smart Cities in the UK
Ashley Feldman leads the Transport, Environment and Cities work for Tech UK, the trade association for technology and innovation in the UK. Tech UK bring together technology vendors, integrators, and advisors to propel innovation.
Tech UK’s main role is to champion the positive contribution technology makes to the economy, society and environment. Leading the Transport, Environment and Cities work, Ashley speaks to Tech UK’s 1000+ member cohort who are making and developing solutions across the transport and cities domain, aiming to find out:
- What are these companies priorities?
- What is making them successful?
- How can Tech UK drive innovation in this space?
- How can Tech UK support these companies?
When answering these questions, Tech UK must find out and develop the best market placement for this technology.
When discussing if there are any particular challenges when bringing together all of these separate stakeholders, Ashley explained that there are challenges but aren’t too big to cause issue. As the ‘cross-industry voice’ to help drive innovation, Tech UK must assist in creating discussions, uniting the industry, and encouraging challenging conversations and help companies converse who normally wouldn’t in the sector.
At Solar and Storage live this year, Ashley is speaking on a panel titles ‘Developing Smart Cities for EV Integration’ at 13:00 in the Charge EV theatre on the 18th of October.
To begin this discussion, Ashley explained what a Smart City. To do this, he described what a Smart City is through 4 separate characteristics:
- The Role of Data and Data Sharing
- The Role of Integration
- More importantly lateral integration and ‘How can technology be integrated?’
- The Role of the Citizen
- Where smart cities were originally technology centric, they are now designed with users in mind.
- The Role of the eco-system
- Looking at how both public and private players can work together to drive innovation and technology.
Ashley explained these four characteristics working in collaboration with each other is the purest form of what a Smart City is. For technology to enable the development of Smart Cities, especially for EV integration, the technology must acknowledge these 4 characteristics.
Creating opportunity for citizens and making end users life easier in a wider eco-system is the focus of a smart city. Gathering data and insights is incredibly important to enable the simplicity of the smart city ecosystem. EVs being connected devices allow the data they collect to monitor the environment, air quality, congestion, road conditions, and availability of chargers in a city. Real time data can unlock a continuous flow of infrastructure and allow a safer, more environmentally friendly city.
Ashley Feldman concluded the discussion by explaining that the future of mobility is data driven, customer centric and more environmentally sustainable.
Watch our interview with Ashley Feldman and subscribe to the Solar&StorageXtra YouTube channel here.
For more interviews from Solar&StorageXtra and to keep up to date with all NEW content, subscribe to the Solar&StorageXtra YouTube channel and Newsletter!
Our next event is Solar and Storage Live London, April 29-30 2024!
To enquire about interviews, submit news and press releases please contact our Editor, Regan Slaymaker, regan.slaymaker@terrapinn.com.
For sponsorship and exhibition enquires please contact Tom Moon, tom.moon@terrapinn.com.
by Regan Slaymaker | Sep 8, 2023 | Innovation, Storage, Video
Interview with Tom Lowe: The importance of Smart Thermal Storage
Tom Lowe is the Founding Director of Thermal Storage UK, a not-for-profit trade association promoting the use of smart thermal stores. Thermal Storage UK’s key focus is the interaction between power and heating systems and the importance of heat flexibility when warming homes and using renewables.
Heating is one of the largest carbon dense industries with 90% of homes being heated with fossil fuels.
Tom explained one way to decarbonise is mass electrification and for mass electrification to be successful we need storage to decrease peak demand. Increasing the use of storage in the electricity grid could lower the cost of building the network and reward customers for being flexibility providers.
When discussing the different types of storage, Tom made it clear that there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ storage solution. Different properties will require different storage solutions depending on the cost of the storage asset, size of the property and space for the storage asset. The question that needs to be asked when installing storage assets is ‘How can we utilise the asset to be as flexible as possible?’
Increasing flexibility is key to decreasing mass network investment. From now and until 2050, investment in the electricity grid is estimated to be between £100billion-£300billion of additional spend.
However, the more flexibility you have, the more you can decrease peak demand. With peak demand decreased, the less you need to invest in the network. The less you need to invest in the network, the more you can reward customers for using flexible assets.
Network investment is inevitable to decarbonise heat, transport and industrial processes but reducing overall costs can utilise renewable generation upstream.
It is not just government action and spending that is important in supporting network decarbonisation. British manufacturers are also key to this and Thermal Storage UK have supported innovation companies to be a part of the solution. Three examples include:
- Sunamp have won the King’s Award for enterprise due to building products to decarbonise domestic heating.
- Tepeo have received £10million of funding for future heating projects.
- Caldera are developing projects focusing on electrifying industrial processes.
Tom is speaking at Solar and Storage Live at 10:50 in the Everything Installer theatre on a panel titled ‘Solar in the Delivery of the Future Homes Standard 2025’ and at 16:00 in the Solar Innovation and Technology theatre on the panel titled ‘Developing Low Carbon Thermal Storage for Domestic Heating’.
Watch our interview with Tom Lowe and subscribe to the Solar&StorageXtra YouTube channel here.
For more interviews from Solar&StorageXtra and to keep up to date with all NEW content, subscribe to the Solar&StorageXtra YouTube channel and Newsletter!
Our next event is Solar and Storage Live London, April 29-30 2024!
To enquire about interviews, submit news and press releases please contact our Editor, Regan Slaymaker, regan.slaymaker@terrapinn.com.
For sponsorship and exhibition enquires please contact Tom Moon, tom.moon@terrapinn.com.
by Regan Slaymaker | Sep 8, 2023 | Storage, Video
Interview with Jeremy Yapp: ev.energy and innovations in smart charging.
ev.Energy have developed an application that will allow customers to ‘seamlessly and easily’ arrange smart charging sessions for their electric vehicle.
As the Policy and Regulation Director for ev.Energy, Jeremy Yapp is the expert that assists the company understand policy and regulation changes around smart charging and help develop innovation.
With the energy landscape being incredibly volatile, Jeremy explained that keeping up with fast paced policy and regulation changes can be difficult, but the landscape is complicated and the government and civil servants do a ‘fantastic job’ in writing new policies to make the energy market progress.
All workstreams across the energy space must be moving in the same direction to achieve net zero and changes in policy and regulation are essential in achieving this.
At Solar and Storage Live, Jeremy will be speaking on two panels in the Charge EV theatre. The first covers ‘Smart charging and the EV consumer benefits’, Jeremy made it clear that to have a decarbonised Britain we need more electricity for heating and EV charging. To have more electricity we need a more productive and resilient grid, especially to cater for intermittent solar and wind generation.
Flexible assets, like smart chargers, can lead to an estimated saving of £3trillion on grid infrastructure and reinforcement in the UK alone. If an EV user has a time-of-use tariff they will be compensated for being flexibility provider and help the grid meet demand.
‘Unlocking domestic flexibility to better balance the grid and reduce cost to customers’ is the second panel Jeremy will be speaking on at Solar and Storage live. Jeremy emphasised Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) as an ‘game changing’ technology. Combining V2X and the fact that all new home EV chargers must be smart, customers can save £650 a year on their electricity bills with this technology. To date, ev.Energy alone have helped deliver £1million to customers in smart savings.
Our interview concluded discussing how mass EV uptake can be unlocked. Jeremy made his answer clear, to unlock mass EV uptake we need combustion engine cars off the road and cheaper electricity. Jeremy explained cheaper electricity can be unlocked through the use of flexible assets, like smart charging.
Watch our interview with Jeremy Yapp and subscribe to the Solar&StorageXtra YouTube channel here.
For more interviews from Solar&StorageXtra and to keep up to date with all NEW content, subscribe to the Solar&StorageXtra YouTube channel and Newsletter!
Our next event is Solar and Storage Live London, April 29-30 2024!
To enquire about interviews, submit news and press releases please contact our Editor, Regan Slaymaker, regan.slaymaker@terrapinn.com.
For sponsorship and exhibition enquires please contact Tom Moon, tom.moon@terrapinn.com.
by Regan Slaymaker | Sep 8, 2023 | Commercial & Industrial Solar, Video
Solar Energy UK have conducted a study assessing the public attitudes towards Solar developments. The study found the public attitude toward Solar has shifted with increased projects and the acceleration of the energy transition.
Increasing the number of Solar projects has created more opportunities to decarbonise the UK economy and electricity network.
However, it is not all sunshine and rainbows. Local communities have raised concerns about new solar developments changing their local landscapes. The study found 42% of people living near existing, proposed or under-construction solar farms strongly support the sectors development and 92% of people showed supportive or neutral attitudes.
It is the remaining percentages where Solar Energy UK CEO, Chris Hewitt, wants to focus on:
“Understanding public perceptions are key for Solar to play a role in achieving net zero by 2050.”
The need for accelerated solar development is clear but Solar Energy UK’s report demonstrates there are many public misconceptions around solar’s deployment. Solar Energy UK identified many of these misconceptions arise at the developmental stage of solar projects; this is where reassurance should be strongest.
Only 17% of people show a strong support of Solar projects during the developmental stage, the figure increases to 61.5% once the sites are fully operational.
To ensure public reassurance is present throughout a Solar projects lifecycle, Solar Energy UK must answer the question…
How can the industry deliver solar projects quickly at the scale needed and bring the community along for the journey?
Debunking the myths around Solar projects could increase the public reassurance of solar projects. Solar Energy UK have identified the three common misconceptions around Solar developments…
- The negative impact on Wildlife
The study found that 27.5% of people perceive the most important impact of Solar farms is on local wildlife, despite the fact there is clear evidence that ‘well designed, well managed solar can support wildlife habitats and can contribute to achieving national bio-diversity targets.’
- No direct benefits to local community
There is a common misconception that solar projects have limited to no direct benefits to the local communities they impact. Only 32% of people highlighted that ‘the provision of low-cost, clean energy to the local area as a key benefit’ of local solar projects.
With the current energy crisis, Solar Energy UK highlighting this benefit is essential to increasing public reassurance in Solar projects.
- Environmental benefit and poor positioning of Solar sites
53% of those asked in the Solar Energy UK study were not aware that solar farms can deliver biodiversity net gains on site.
The sustainable investment manager Downing LLP commissioned Clarkson & Woods to undertake a biodiversity assessment of 19 ground mounted solar farms in 2022. Across the 19, a total of 1419 habitat units and 327 hedgerow unites are currently accommodated within these sites.
It is important to note that sites of Solar projects are selected based on its access to the National grid. Only 7% of the population have acknowledged this process.
Overall, Solar Energy UK have identified that whilst support for Solar development is considerable, positivity towards projects face challenges through insufficient knowledge and common misconceptions. Solar Energy UK must increase resources allow information to be easily accessible to avoid public misunderstanding.
Once this happens, the development of solar sites can provide environmental protection to wildlife and increase employment opportunities for the public.
Individuals’ from Solar Energy UK speaking at Solar and Storage Live Birmingham include:
- Kara Davies, Residential Policy Analyst, Solar Energy UK
- Chris Hewett, Chief Executive, Solar Energy UK
- Gareth Simkins, Senior Communications Adviser, Solar Energy UK
- Gemma Grimes, Director of Policy & Delivery, Solar Energy UK
- Harvie Agnew, Policy Analyst, Solar Energy UK
The Solar and Storage Live agenda can be found here.
For more interviews from Solar&StorageXtra and to keep up to date with all NEW content, subscribe to the Solar&StorageXtra YouTube channel and Newsletter!
To enquire about interviews, submit news and press releases please contact our Editor, Regan Slaymaker, regan.slaymaker@terrapinn.com.
For sponsorship and exhibition enquires please contact Tom Moon, tom.moon@terrapinn.com.
by Regan Slaymaker | Sep 8, 2023 | Commercial & Industrial Solar, Video
Interview with Georgina Worrall: Bringing a gender balanced and diverse workforce to the energy sector
Founded in 2014 by Baroness Verma and Laura Sandys, POWERful Women are the leading professional initiative dedicated on working towards a gender balanced, diverse and inclusive energy sector.
Georgina Worrall is the Head of POWERful Women and it was great to discuss the progressive work this important initiative is doing in the energy sector. The overall target for POWERful women is to challenge the energy sector’s leaders and ensure a shift that 40% of women will be in middle management or leadership roles in the UK.
In 2015, POWERful Women released the first of their annual ‘State of the Nation’ reports where the top 80 energy companies have their employee structures assessed and challenged in an attempt to reach diversity targets.
Outside of top level reports and professional advice, colleagues and industry leaders are essential in creating a gender balanced and diverse workforce. Georgina explained four ways employees in the energy industry can support and promote women in the energy sector:
The first is by being an ally and calling out bad behaviour and discrimination at work. The second is by setting up mentorship schemes and providing support to employees. A third way of supporting women in the energy sector is by sponsoring projects with people from underrepresented groups. The fourth is to connect with people and find out ‘what it is actually like?’ working for your company.
Fortunately for POWERful Women, Georgina explained, there has not been any major push back from the work in promoting a balanced and diverse energy sector.
The main issue POWERful Women tackle is engaging business leaders to not just implement diversity and inclusion methods because it is ‘a nice thing to do’ but because it is the right thing to do. Georgina explained that education of the benefits of implementing diversity and inclusion measures into companies is one way of tackling this issue.
POWERful Women’s Energy Sector Coalition help to implement appropriate education of these measures and help challenge industry leaders. This coalition is made up of sixteen CEOs across the energy sector and meet five times a year to share best practice around implementing diversity and inclusion measures.
Education and sharing best practices of the benefits of diversity and inclusion measures are fundamental to achieving a diverse and inclusive workforce.
Watch our interview with Georgina Worrall and subscribe to the Solar&StorageXtra YouTube channel here.
Here is a link to POWERful Women’s ‘State of the Nation’ report.
For more interviews from Solar&StorageXtra and to keep up to date with all NEW content, subscribe to the Solar&StorageXtra YouTube channel and Newsletter!
Our next event is Solar and Storage Live London, April 29-30 2024!
To enquire about interviews, submit news and press releases please contact our Editor, Regan Slaymaker, regan.slaymaker@terrapinn.com.
For sponsorship and exhibition enquires please contact Tom Moon, tom.moon@terrapinn.com.
