A Journey of Innovation and Advocacy

AES Solar was first established by Lyle Schnadt as Weatherwise Homes in 1979. In 1990 I took on that small heating company which had a side-line in solar thermal, and I have been involved with it over the last 34 years. It has been an incredible journey and today we are an award-winning solar specialist.

Leading the Charge

I stepped into the leadership of what became AES Solar soon after I moved to Scotland from London in 1989. Initially the company was situated within New Findhorn Directions Ltd, the trading arm of the Findhorn Foundation. I foresaw significant growth in solar power as this was at a time when solar thermal was the only readily available technology on the market. Our solar thermal panel display was admired by none other than Sir David Attenborough when it was part of a London Science Museum exhibition! In order to develop further, I moved the company into the neighbouring town of Forres, where we still operate to this day.

Findhorn Foundations

I stayed in touch with the company’s “Findhorn Foundations” however, and was regularly involved with community initiatives. This included supporting an architectural design contest for a Buddhist retreat on Holy Island, leading to encounters with notable figures like the Dalai Lama and comedian Ruby Wax. Ruby Wax remains a friend to this day!

Pioneering Solar PV

Anticipating the rise in popularity of Solar PV, the AES team became trained in the installation of such systems and were involved in the UK’s first grid-connected solar PV project in 1995. Under my guidance, this innovative spirit has remained, resulting in diverse and unique projects ranging from remote cottages to iconic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle. The latter of which was recognised with the Solar PV Project of the Year award at the National Energy Efficiency Awards 2023!

Leadership and Advocacy

Throughout my time at AES Solar, I held pivotal roles in shaping the UK solar industry. As a board member of the Solar Trade Association (now Solar Energy UK) for two decades and a founding member of the Scottish Solar Energy Group (SSEG), I championed public engagement and education on solar energy. My contributions extended to the founding of organisations such as Scottish Renewables, Solar Cities Scotland, and SEDA Solar.

This support of the industry and its customers resulted in a meeting with the then Minister of State for Energy and Clean Growth, Claire Perry at Westminster in 2019. With my solar companions I used the opportunity to encourage an early introduction of the Smart Export Guarantee scheme. This was to ensure that customers and industry did not suffer as a result of the removal of the Feed-In Tariff.

Recognising Solar Brilliance

My dedication to the industry over the years culminated in me being presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Solar and Storage Awards in 2021. The judging panel selected me due to my commitment to the solar industry for over the past four decades. I was appreciated for being an early pioneer, having shown a personal and professional commitment to solar, and being a passionate advocate on behalf of the industry; my infectious enthusiasm for the technology were also noted.

A Royal Seal of Approval

Among my notable achievements was the recognition for personally convincing the late Queen Elizabeth II to install solar energy at Balmoral! This was the result of an opportune 20-second conversation on the Scilly Isles with the Queen (followed up in writing of course) which led to AES Solar being selected to install a solar thermal system at the Scottish Royal Estate. News of this royal encounter travelled nationwide and was picked up by major news publications across the UK!

This feat, along with our exemplary portfolio, environmental initiatives and employee benefits, resulted in AES Solar receiving The Queen’s Award for Enterprise in 2022 in Sustainable Development – a treasured acknowledgement of my legacy.

Passing the Torch

In February 2024, after four decades of leadership, I transitioned from my role as Managing Director to Company Founder, with the future of AES Solar secured through a management buyout. This will maintain the high standards of excellence embedded within the company. While I step back from daily operations, I remain involved with AES Solar engaged in exploring innovation in the dynamic solar sector.

Reflection on my decision to step down

Queens Awards Presentation

The solar industry is a fascinating industry to be in and AES Solar has grown from a pioneer of solar thermal into a firmly established provider of solar energy to commercial and domestic customers. I feel that the company has grown in a harmonious way for clients and employees alike and I am looking forward to exploring new innovation in the sector, safe in the knowledge that the business is in good hands. I always predicted great things for this industry and when I reflect on the past thirty-plus years, there is so much to be proud of.

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This story has been adapted from a post on the AES Solar website.