Early autumn saw the return of Solar & Storage Live UK: the nation’s largest platform for solar installers and manufacturers to meet, network, and discover new innovations.
At the show, Solar&StorageXtra caught up with Craig Bilboe, Country Manager UK & Ireland for EcoFlow.
With his extensive background in energy technology and business development, Craig offers a sharp perspective on navigating market regulations and installer needs.
“As we move into the winter period, we’re now really looking at concerns around grid stability and power outages. Our Gateway will really address some of those concerns, as well as the rising cost of energy.”
Since we last caught up with EcoFlow at Solar & Storage Live London, what has been new for the company?
Craig: Lots of things have happened. So, we have new products to release here at the show. We have the Gateway, which is really important and is being asked for by our installation partners. They’re craving our Gateway, so that’s really good.
And we have some, the new PowerInsight and our AI functionality, which is something unique to the industry. And I think actually, there’s a whole host of benefits to incorporating AI.
Now, we have to be very careful in delivering this message to consumers because everything has AI. But EcoFlow are the only company in this arena that I know of, in our industry, that is offering a specific AI to the energy storage market.
This will have huge benefits to not only the existing consumers, but also people who may never have had access to dynamic tariffs or have been able to capitalise on savings.
This product is probably the most exciting for me as an individual, because there’s a huge opportunity for energy saving for end users that may be in a social housing sector or may have some physical challenges, or might find it very difficult to access traditional dynamic tariffs. We have a product here that could potentially change the industry.
So, as usual, EcoFlow attends Solar & Storage Live UK to present and bring new products to the market.
What drove EcoFlow to open a UK office, and why choose Birmingham as the location?
Craig: We opened our UK HQ in Birmingham this Autumn. Opening an office here is important for our installation partners because we need to demonstrate as a manufacturer that we’re investing not only in the local community but also tin he region and the country as a whole.
Our installers really want to be able to have a location where they can come and get trained. They’ll have the comfort that we’re here for the long period, and that we’re here to support them, not just for now, but for the coming years too.
Overall, we think it’s vitally important that we have a location where everyone can come and learn more about EcoFlow.
What opportunities or challenges are you targeting in the UK residential and commercial solar-storage sectors?
Craig: There are lots of challenges and opportunities we’re looking to tackle. But, to that end, our Gateway is something where end users are really starting to look at.
As we move into the winter period, we’re now really looking at concerns around grid stability and power outages. Our Gateway will really address some of those concerns, as well as the rising cost of energy.
Over time, I think we’ll see an increased demand for our batteries, but also our different solutions, such as off-grid scenarios and all the other functionalities.
What’s your long-term vision for EcoFlow in the UK and Europe?
Craig: We’ve had a presence in the UK for over three years; we wouldn’t have invested in our new office unless we wanted to be here for the long term.
We want to continue to bring new products, new innovations into the European market and beyond, support our installers, and maintain our large presence in the home energy sector.
Really, we want to be able to provide good products for our installers, which add benefits to the end users and continue to play a part in our industry.
Why is EcoFlow a repeat exhibitor of Solar & Storage Live?
Craig: Solar & Storage Live UK is probably our most important vehicle to access new installers.
We’ve put all our focus on this event to demonstrate – or at least showcase – our new products. We want to demonstrate our functions and all the great things about EcoFlow.
This [show] is probably the best vehicle now that we can see to reach all new installers, touch base with our existing installers, and network within the industry as well.
I would say that this is probably the most important thing that we do every single year to generate new business.
Catch more of Craig’s insights in the Solar&StorageXtra podcast, where Craig discusses how AI-driven energy management can transform the storage sector.
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