Kingspan Solar

Source: Construction Digital

Date :04/01/2008 09:43:27

Kingspan Solar’s Corporate Development Director, Cameron Holroyd, explains how the organisation aims to lead the renewable energy sector

Written by Lucy Mowatt and Produced by Nicholas Davies

In 2006, the Kingspan Group acquired Solar Panel Systems along with a key design company, namely Coates Design Partnerships of Beverley, West Yorkshire.

This business was renamed Kingspan Solar and along with Coates Design Partnerships sits under Kingspan Hot Water Systems, which is now part of Kingspan Environmental and Renewable Division.

Kingspan Group is very acquisitive and places particular emphasis on the renewables sector. In November 2007, the company purchased Thermomax, manufacturers of vacuum tubes for solar panels, to add to its product portfolio within the solar hot water sector.

The intention of the business is to offer total packaged solutions from site orientation and design through to total package supply and training. The business is well positioned particularly within the New Build and Social Housing sectors, explains Cameron Holroyd.

Consumer demand

Not only are customers becoming more aware of environmental issues and how they can make their homes more environmentally friendly, but house builders and developers are also being pressured by Government Legislation and planning authorities to meet increased standards in terms of efficiency and green issues.

Solar panels are at the forefront of these changes because their installation will not affect the structure of the building or radically alter its appearance. “Legislation being driven by Central Government means that a lot of the customer base see solar as a good way of achieving the relevant standards,” Mr. Holroyd elaborates.

The fact that solar thermal panels produce ‘free’ hot water all year round, reducing fuel bills, along with increased awareness of people in general to green issues and the environment, also contributes to the market growth shown within the solar market place.

Kingspan Solar’s customer base is widespread and includes many of the leading National House Builders. Kingspan Solar also works with Housing Associations, Local Authorities and organisations seeking to implement solar water heating solutions throughout their facilities.

The requirement for installing a system is that the building is either South or South East/South West facing. The Kingspan Lighthouse house at the BRE in Watford, which was the first Zero Carbon house built, is fitted out with Kingspan Solar panels and is a good example of how renewable energy sources can be used effectively.

Becoming a Market Leader

Kingspan as a group have now created a Environmental and Renewable division and you will see increased focus within this market sector, Mr. Holroyd explains. “The solar cylinders we use have best in class insulation and are manufactured from ‘Duplex’ stainless steel, which is 100% recyclable.”

The company have based its business on supplying packaged solutions to the market, from design/site orientation layouts through to total material package supply. The company looks at the whole product lifecycle, which goes beyond the ten year guarantee through to recycling. All of the company’s products are high quality and fully approved.

Installation of solar equipment is relatively simple in terms of plumbing, but the important issues are health and safety related. These include setting up the right scaffolding, wearing the correct protective attire and ensuring that the correct materials are used. Contractors installing the solar system should have the relevant training and qualification, explains Cameron Holroyd.

Kingspan Solar’s immediate aims are focussed upon becoming the leading company within it’s sector, like it’s sister companies in the Kingspan Group. Cameron Holroyd explains the strategy behind this: “We are looking to offer complete packaged solutions to clients, whatever they may be.”