What Solarsense does

SolarSense is a UK-based renewable energy specialist founded in 1995 by Stephen Barrett, headquartered in Clevedon near Bristol, operating across England and Wales with more than 40 employees across four offices (Clevedon HQ, Bristol registered office, Cardiff, and a newly opened Manchester hub). The company designs, installs, and maintains solar PV systems, commercial battery storage, solar carports with integrated EV charging, and large-scale solar parks for commercial, industrial, agricultural, and (from March 2026) residential customers. Core technical capabilities include SolarEdge panel-level optimisation, bespoke solar brise-soleil shading systems, and integration with third-party battery systems (Tesla Powerwall for SMEs, Tesvolt TS HV 70 for larger installations) for load balancing, peak shaving, and backup power.

The business operates across multiple revenue streams: direct CapEx sales with optional 100% asset finance, Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) funded by UK financial institutions where clients purchase discounted solar electricity with no upfront cost, and a fully-managed Solar as a Service subscription model (monthly fees, 3-year minimum terms) introduced in August 2025. Go-to-market is enterprise field sales for commercial clients, inside sales for residential, and a partner referral network including Control Energy Costs. The company holds ISO 9001, ISO 14001, MCS, NICEIC, SafeContractor, CHAS Elite, and B Corp (131/200 impact score, top 3% of UK B Corps) certifications.

In May 2023, SolarSense transitioned to an employee-owned structure via an all-employee Trust, with founders retaining 12.5% each. Named enterprise customers include Renishaw (10.46MWp across 10+ sites, 9.79GWh annual generation), Freedom Leisure (10-site programme, 1.56MWp, 1.51GWh annual generation), Tesco, TK Maxx, NHS, Glastonbury Festival, the Duchy of Cornwall, and Brothers Drinks. The cumulative footprint exceeds 20,000 clean energy installations delivered over 30 years of operation.

Name

Solarsense

Legal name

SolarSense UK Limited

Website

https://solarsense-uk.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

SolarSense is a UK-based renewable energy installer founded in 1995, delivering solar PV, battery storage, and EV charging for commercial, industrial, agricultural, and residential customers across England and Wales via CapEx, PPA, and Solar as a Service models.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Commercial and Residential Solar PV Installation Services

NAICS

Solar Electric Power Generation (221114)

SIC

Electric Services (4911)

akta.pro primary industry

Solar EPC & Construction (Utility-Scale, Rooftop, Balance of System) (EUAMABAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Solar PV Power Plant EPC (Utility-Scale) (EUAEAAAG), Solar Roofing & Roof-Mounted PV Systems (IMADAFAO), Solar Balance-of-Plant EPC (Piles/Foundations, Trenching, Combiner Networks) (EUAEADAJ)

Keywords

• Commercial solar installation
• Solar PV systems
• Battery storage solutions
• Renewable energy financing
• Solar carport EV charging

Headquarters

HQ city

Bristol

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Solar as a Service (SaaS): Fully managed monthly energy service with no upfront capital expenditure. Clients pay a fixed monthly fee for solar PV, battery storage, and solar carport installations. Contracts start from 3 years. Clients are typically cash positive from day one.
2. Power Purchase Agreement (PPA): Clients rent roof space and purchase discounted solar electricity generated by SolarSense-funded systems. No upfront costs, maintenance included, with system ownership transferring to client after approximately 25 years.
3. CapEx Purchase and Finance: Direct purchase of solar PV systems with optional 100% asset finance arrangements. Offers highest ROI over system lifetime with tax advantages through capital allowances for plant and machinery.
4. Residential Solar Installations: Solar panels, battery storage, and EV charging solutions for homeowners in South West England and Wales. Revenue generated from equipment supply and installation services.
5. Operations and Maintenance: Ongoing monitoring, maintenance, and servicing of installed solar PV and battery systems. Proactive monitoring ensures optimal performance throughout system lifespan.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

SolarSense designs, supplies, installs, and maintains solar PV systems, battery storage, solar carports with EV charging, and large-scale solar parks for commercial, industrial, and residential customers across England and Wales. The company offers multiple financing routes including CapEx purchase, Power Purchase Agreement, and a fully funded "Solar as a Service" subscription, supported by in-house operations and maintenance services.

Product overview

SolarSense is a UK-based renewable energy company offering a comprehensive portfolio of solar PV, battery storage, and EV charging solutions for both commercial and residential customers. The commercial offering includes solar panels, commercial battery storage, solar carports with EV charging, and large-scale solar parks, supported by flexible finance options including Solar as a Service (fully funded model), Power Purchase Agreements, and traditional CapEx financing. The residential offering comprises solar panels, battery storage, and EV charging. All offerings are backed by maintenance, monitoring, and consultancy services covering planning, DNO applications, and regulatory compliance.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Commercial Solar Panels Bespoke commercial solar PV installations designed, supplied, and installed for businesses across England and Wales to reduce operating costs and carbon footprint.
• Commercial Battery Storage Battery storage solutions for commercial properties to store and discharge electricity, balance loads between busy and quiet periods, and provide backup power for energy independence.
• Commercial Solar Carports and EV Charging Solar carport structures that generate clean energy while providing covered parking and integrated EV charging infrastructure for commercial sites.
• Large-Scale Solar Parks Utility-scale solar PV installations for ground-mounted renewable energy generation on commercial and industrial sites.
• Solar as a Service Fully funded subscription model delivering solar PV, battery storage, and solar carport installations with no upfront cost, no ownership obligations, and no maintenance responsibilities. Clients pay a fixed monthly fee with terms from 3 years.
• Solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) Financing arrangement allowing businesses to rent roof space and purchase discounted solar electricity generated by SolarSense-funded systems, with no upfront capital cost, maintenance included, and unit price indexed to RPI.
• Residential Solar and Battery Storage Return to the residential market offering solar panel installations, home battery storage, and EV charging for homeowners in South West England and Wales to generate their own clean energy and reduce grid electricity costs.
• Planned Preventative Maintenance for Commercial Systems Ongoing operations and maintenance services for commercial solar PV systems including proactive monitoring to ensure optimal performance throughout the system lifespan.
• Residential Maintenance Servicing and Repairs Maintenance, servicing, and repair services for residential solar PV and battery storage systems.

Quantifiable outcome

• Average payback period of 3-5 years for commercial solar PV installations
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers15 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• apetitocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2025Partnership with food producer client to repurpose 150+ solar panels from their site for donation to charity Paul's Place. Demonstrates shared commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
• Sport WalescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Sport Wales Capital Grant programme provided funding support for solar PV installations at leisure centres across Wales, enabling Freedom Leisure to accelerate decarbonisation.
• AUMA ActuatorsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Partnership to donate more than 400 solar panels for farms and homesteads in rural Ukraine. Systems provide vital energy to support food production, disabled veterans, and families affected by the war.
• Rainforest ConcerncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnvironmental charity partnership since 2022. For every square metre of rooftop solar panels installed, SolarSense sponsors ten times that area of rainforest protection. Partnership supports conservation in 13 countries across 30+ international conservation projects.
• Control Energy Costs (CEC)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEnergy management consultancy partnership. CEC refers clients to SolarSense for solar PV installations after conducting energy audits and determining solar would deliver highest carbon reductions.
• Solar Energy UKminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdrian Thomas, SolarSense Director of Sales and Marketing, serves on the board of Solar Energy UK, supporting the broader solar industry advocacy and development.
• Bishop Bexel Orphanage (India)minorOthersCharitable initiative in 2010: installed solar PV system with internal lighting at orphanage in India, reducing reliance on intermittent grid supply.
• Remote Villages (Senegal)minorOthersCharitable initiative in 2011: installed off-grid solar lighting across 10 remote villages in southern Senegal, providing essential power for rural medical clinics.
• Beso Medical Centre (Ethiopia)minorOthersCharitable initiative in 2012: installed solar-powered vaccination fridge enabling safe storage of life-saving vaccines in region with frequent power outages.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• PassivSystems: UK energy technology company providing solar PV, battery and intelligent energy management solutions for homes and businesses. Comparable in product mix and financing-led approach, though smaller and more software-anchored than SolarSense.

Direct peers

• Solarcentury (Statkraft): One of the UK's largest commercial and residential solar EPCs, offering solar PV, battery storage and EV charging with multiple financing routes including PPAs. Closely comparable to SolarSense across product mix, target customers and delivery model.
• Lightsource bp: UK-headquartered utility-scale and commercial solar developer and EPC with solar-as-a-service and PPA financing for businesses. Directly comparable to SolarSense in commercial PV, storage, and funded-installation offerings, but at significantly larger scale.
• GRIDSERVE: UK renewable energy company developing solar farms, battery storage and Electric Forecourt EV charging hubs. Comparable to SolarSense on commercial solar, battery storage and integrated EV charging solutions for C&I customers.
• Clean Earth Energy: UK solar PV and battery storage EPC serving commercial and industrial customers with PPA and funded-installation options. Closely comparable to SolarSense in C&I solar focus, financing structures and turnkey delivery.
• EvoEnergy: UK solar PV and battery storage installer serving commercial and residential customers with multiple financing options. Closely comparable in product portfolio, financing flexibility and customer base to SolarSense.

Broad incumbents

• British Gas (Centrica) Solar & Storage: UK energy incumbent offering residential and commercial solar PV, battery storage and EV charging. Competes with SolarSense, particularly in residential and small commercial solar, leveraging a national brand and balance sheet.
• EDF Renewables UK: UK arm of EDF Renewables developing utility-scale solar, wind and battery storage plus C&I onsite generation. Competes with SolarSense on commercial and industrial-scale solar installations with a much broader portfolio.
• Octopus Energy (Octopus Solar): Major UK energy retailer with growing solar installation, battery and EV offerings for residential and commercial customers. Wider portfolio than SolarSense, but a competitor in C&I solar and solar-as-a-service.

Regional players

• SunGift Energy: South West UK solar PV and battery installer serving residential and commercial customers. Directly comparable in product mix and geography (overlap with SolarSense's South West base), but smaller and more residential-weighted.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/solarsenseuk
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCyBoDaC-wlb95S_gPrd4hag
• Facebookfacebook.com/solarsenseuk
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/solarsense-uk-ltd
• Instagraminstagram.com/solarsenseuk

Compliance7 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Solarsense