My journey in the solar panel installation industry began in 2009, coinciding with the launch of the FIT scheme in the UK. For me, this venture was more than a business idea; it was a calling and a passion. I was driven by the vision of making renewable energy accessible and beneficial to homeowners. The FIT scheme, which closed to new applicants in 2019, provided a decade of intense activity. I derive immense satisfaction knowing that thousands of homeowners will continue to receive their index-linked FIT payments until 2034 or 2039, depending on their installation dates.
The end of the FIT scheme saw many solar businesses close their doors, but my passion for the industry kept me going. Three years later, inspired by my four children, I decided to brand my business and named it Solar Panel Installers UK. This new chapter was born out of a personal crisis; in 2016, while abroad, I contracted severe pneumonia, which led to major organ failure. Although they thought that they had lost me, (I was no longer breathing despite being connected to a ventilator) I was saved by the skill of the two paramedics in the back of an ambulance as they carried out a roadside intervention. I got to the hospital with a 95% mortality rate and opened my eyes two weeks later. This life-changing experience and my children’s encouragement led me to shift my focus from working in the business to working on it.
Today, I have a dedicated team that helps me manage 108 websites across the UK. This allows us to continue promoting solar energy solutions and supporting homeowners and businesses nationwide. My personal journey has reinforced the importance of resilience and passion in pursuing one’s calling, ensuring that Solar Panel Installers UK remains a trusted name in the industry.