Solarsense, the South West's leading solar PV supplier, was started by Stephen Barrett, an experienced engineer who had spent many years servicing and repairing 1st generation solar thermal systems.
Seeing a future for solar power with modern vacuum tube technology, he established Solarsense in 1994 with an office in Saltford near Bristol, employing a professional sales consultant to go and get the work, whilst doing all the installation work himself.
In the early days solar was just for the green enthusiasts and most of the installations were solar thermal; this was when we began to build up our longstanding successful relationship with innovative vacuum tube manufacturer Thermomax (now part of Kingspan Renewables).
Solarsense became a limited company and secured premises in Long Ashton in 2000, and some new thermal installers came onto the payroll. In 2001 Richard Simon, an experienced building services engineer, joined the company and developed the Photovoltaic side of the business which now represents a large part of our activities. Richard is now Photovoltaic Technical Director.
Continued success and expansion
Our offices in Long Ashton Business Park served us well for some years, but were never going to be able to see the company through the rapid growth it would sustain in the years running up-to and since the introduction of the feed in tariff. With Kerry Burns now installed as the General Manager, and a team of some 15 staff, the time was right in late 2009 to look for new premises.
The company moved to its own office and warehouse unit set in picturesque grounds near Backwell in August 2010, where it boasts various displays of solar power systems, and there are over 40 staff working for Solarsense. We have our own in-house architect and professional building surveyor, as well as a specialist commercial installation team and several of our own PV and thermal teams too.
Solarsense have achieved many regional and national “firsts”, including:
+ First photovoltaic system under the Energy Saving Trust Grant Program in 2002
+ Award-winning first large scale solar thermal system in the region at the Clifton Lido, Bristol
+ The UK’s most famous large scale solar PV system, and the largest in the country at the time of installation, for Glastonbury founder Michael Eavis at Worthy Farm.
Plus our own direct action approach to charity solar, where we send a team and materials each year to help improve facilities in various parts of the developing world. Usually Africa or India, we team up with an existing charity which are already working in the area and add an extra dimension to their work by installing solar system(s).
Meet The Management
All of the management team share a genuine concern for environmental issues and have dedicated their professional careers to working towards a more eco friendly approach to energy.
Directors - both with over 20 years experience working with solar power:
Stephen Barrett .Eng. Tech
|
Richard Simon.Bsc Eng
|
Kerry Burns. MSc AEES
General Manager
Kerry Burns giving a tour of the purpose-built inverter room during a Farming Futures event at Worthy Farm, Glastonbury
In a field where so many companies are start ups with less than 2 years experience, we feel that our extensive experience and the genuine dedication of our whole team to renewable energy and the values it represents, counts in our favour.
Here at Solarsense we are dedicated to making the complete solar experience, from booking a survey to commissioning and servicing the system, as simple and hassle free as possible.
With rapidly rising fuel costs and increasing manifestations of climate change, the solar panel has finally come of age. At Solarsense we install both solar hot water and solar electric (PV).
Solar electric/photovoltaic systems
Photovoltaic (PV or solar-electric) panels are generally best installed on southerly facing roofs of existing buildings. They can be fitted almost anywhere, and can take the form of glass, roof tiles, slates, membranes etc. When the panels are installed, they are then linked through an inverter in to your mains supply.
The Feed-In Tariff scheme (UK Feed in Tariff), launched in February 2010, has set the rates that are paid for producing ‘green’ electricity. Further information can be found on our Feed In Tariff page. The investment for PV is usually greater than for solar thermal, but the paybacks can be better.
Solar hot water (thermal) systems
Solar hot water is typically installed onto a southerly facing roof on existing homes. The cylinder will normally need changing to a larger twin coil tank, in the case of combination boilers a cylinder will have to be added.
On average a solar hot water system provides between 60-70% of hot water throughout the year and is currently considered the most cost effective renewable energy product, giving a payback in only a few years. If solar hot water were to be installed in conjunction with a thermal store the solar can help with the heat demand of the under floor heating and can be linked in with heat pumps and wood burners for the truly "green" home. This design specification would be more suited to new builds due to logistical and space issues.
Solarsense have installed over 1000 solar thermal systems locally and in the UK, as well as a number further afield including Iona, Portugal, France and Spain.
As members of the Solar Trade Association, Gas Safe Scheme, Microgeneration Certification Scheme, Renewable Energy Association and the Association for Environment Conscious Builders, Solarsense can assure its customers a quality service and installations of the very highest standard. We are also registered via Elecsa, Napit and NICEIC as “Competent Persons” for the purposes of self-certification.
For more information please call us on 01275 461800 or complete our contact form.
Back | Top 
