At Solar & Storage Live UK 2024 in Birmingham, GreenEnco Founder and CEO Dr Jyotirmoy Roy, and COO Emmanuel Kwafo, discussed the advisory firm’s approach to addressing challenges in the renewable energy sector.
The pair discussed trends in the solar and storage and EV sectors, alongside using solar assets to help the commercial and industrial sector achieve their net-zero goals.
Interview with Dr Jyotirmoy Roy and Emmanuel Kwafo, CEO and COO at GreenEnco
“Every stakeholder in the C&I sector has targets to meet, but we need to ensure that the systems being deployed undergo proper due diligence and risk assessment.”
Xtra: What is GreenEnco’s mission in the industry?
Jyotirmoy: At GreenEnco, we focus on providing solutions rather than just systems or products. We integrate different technologies – like solar, energy storage, and solar EVs – into tailored solutions.
For example, we promote “solar EVs” because traditional EVs might not be powered by green sources. We aim to innovate and bring these solutions to the market.
We also offer technical advisory services like lender and owner engineering, working with developers, funds, and banks on project financing and technical due diligence, whether for new builds or mergers and acquisitions.
Another key service is asset optimisation using our PV Asset Performance Management (PVAPM) technology, which increases solar generation efficiency.
This algorithm, developed during my academic research, has been validated through real-world applications across six markets, including the UK, delivering an average 8% uplift in generation for existing solar assets.
Emmanuel: We’re very passionate about this industry and have been in it for a long time. GreenEnco’s mission is ultimately about creating a better world in a changing climate.
Xtra: Dr Jyotirmoy, can you tell us about your presentation at Solar & Storage Live?
Jyotirmoy: I spoke about how the commercial and industrial (C&I) sector can transition to net zero.
There’s a lot of opportunity in the market, but it’s crucial to approach this carefully. Every stakeholder in the C&I sector has targets to meet, but we need to ensure that the systems being deployed undergo proper due diligence and risk assessment.
The presentation covered the current market landscape, the risks involved in large-scale C&I projects, and how to manage these risks successfully.
Xtra: What trends in the industry should we be paying closer attention to?
Jyotirmoy: One major trend is the rapid growth of utility-scale and commercial projects. Project sizes are getting bigger, and the overall scale of the industry is expanding quickly.
We’re also seeing significant improvements in the efficiency of products like solar modules, inverters, and battery storage. Battery storage, in particular, is becoming a critical component in the net-zero transition.
Even though we’ve made progress, we’re still just scratching the surface of what battery storage can do – whether it’s supporting grid infrastructure or enabling more renewable energy integration into the network.
The market is evolving fast, and the increasing complexity brings exciting new challenges.
Emmanuel: The way we deliver projects has changed. Traditional methods don’t always work in today’s market – you need to be more flexible and adaptable. The industry is moving so fast that it’s an exciting time to be involved.
Xtra: Who have you met at Solar & Storage Live?
Emmanuel: We’ve met a great mix of people (at the show). We’ve spoken to investors, developers, EV charging companies, and even people who are completely new to the industry.
Some attendees are here just to explore renewable energy and learn about the latest technologies, which has prompted great conversations.
Jyotirmoy: What’s particularly interesting this year (2024) is the number of new faces. This event has been around for a long time. It started in 2010 in a much smaller venue with only 10 exhibitors. I was working for a different company back then, and it’s amazing to see how much it has grown.
In those early days, the UK solar market was booming thanks to feed-in tariffs and ROC schemes. After that, we saw some major changes in the industry.
But now, it feels like there’s a resurgence. There’s a lot of energy and excitement again, and it’s great to see people from such diverse backgrounds getting involved.
Xtra: Emmanuel, as a long-time visitor and exhibitor at Solar & Storage Live, how has the journey been for you?
Emmanuel: I’ve been coming here for over a decade, and it’s been amazing to watch the event grow. Last year was our first time exhibiting, and the Birmingham venue was already much bigger than it used to be. This year, it’s grown even more, and the level of interest has been incredible.
It’s great to connect with people, share knowledge, and see how the industry has evolved. The conversations are getting more sophisticated, and the technology is advancing rapidly. It’s been fantastic to be part of this journey.
Missed out on Solar & Storage Live, or want to come back for more? Don’t miss the London edition from 2-3 April 2025 – or find a Solar & Storage Live event closer to home.
