AES Solar visited the stage three times at the Scotland Energy Efficiency Awards held in Glasgow on the 23rd of June, securing two silvers and a gold!
We were shortlisted in the following categories: Regional Solar PV Installer and Contractor of the Year and Regional Large Scale Project (>250K) of the Year for which we were highly commended. However, it was the Regional Small Scale Project (<250K) of the Year category that we scooped up the top spot on the night. This award recognised our pioneering installation on Edinburgh Castle.
Celebrating our Solar Success
A small but cheerful party of AES Solar staff, clients and friends attended the occasion. This included Jack Caldwell, Carbon Projects Manager for Historic Environment Scotland (the public body tasked with looking after Edinburgh Castle) there to celebrate the winning project. The awards ceremony was held at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Glasgow.
SMALL SCALE PROJECT OF THE YEAR WINNERS!
First Prize for “Landmark” Installation
We were honoured to be chosen as the installation team for Edinburgh Castle back in 2022. The project saw a 31.5 kWp solar PV system installed on the historic Scottish landmark. AES Solar were qualified for the task even with the historically significant nature of the building. This is thanks to our 44 years of experience in the industry. The team took every effort to respect the building within the historic site. This consideration was evident at every stage, from surveying to installation.
Designed at a mounting angle to ensure the height of the panels did project over the parapet wall, the system is only visible from the air. The 84 all-black SunPower solar PV panels selected for the system are both discreet and aesthetically pleasing. On completion of the installation the addition of grey gravel allowed the roof and the mounting frame to blend seamlessly together. Already a rewarding experience, we are delighted to take home an award for this project. The icing on the cake – or should that be the solar panels on the castle?
THE WINNING EDINBURGH CASTLE SOLAR PV INSTALLATION
Highly Commended
Highly Commended in the Solar PV Installer and Contractor of the Year category, AES Solar placed second in the category against some very worthy competition. This category recognised the impact our work has had on the local community. It also recognised our level of expertise and what our customers and community have to say about us.
We also placed silver in the Regional Large Scale Project. This award recognised the efforts of those involved in delivering a successful large scale energy saving project. This included maintaining excellent customer service. We also had to demonstrate a high standard of quality work throughout the project. For this category, we nominated the large-scale solar and storage project, North East Scotland College (NESCol).
The impressive scale and complexity of the project saw a megawatt of solar PV installed combined with 20 Tesla Powerwalls. The works took place across 4 college campuses at 10 properties. Installing the project also involved road closures and crane lifts! The impressive uptake of solar and storage by NESCol sets a precedent for other colleges and universities around Scotland.
Additions to the Trophy Cabinet
These awards are an incredibly welcome addition to our trophy cabinet. The trophy and certificates we received will now sit alongside our other cherished awards presented to our company and staff. This includes The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise in Sustainable Development 2022 and Managing Director George Goudsmit’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
(L-R) JAMIE DI SOTTO AND GEORGE GOUDSMIT
George Goudsmit’s Reflections
Reflecting on the award ceremony George Goudsmit said: “It is an honour to be recognised on not one but three occasions. We spent an evening surrounded by the best and brightest in the solar industry in Scotland. I am of course especially delighted that we secured first place in the Regional Small Scale Project category for our work on Edinburgh Castle. This is a project very close to our hearts here at AES Solar.”
“Although represented by ten on the night, these awards signify the hard work of the whole AES Solar team. We would not be where we are today without their dedication and expertise. We always strive towards the highest quality of workmanship and customer service. This is reflected in these accolades.”
Brightest Stars in Energy Efficiency
Commercial Director Jamie Di Sotto added: “We would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate the other winners and runners-up of the night. A massive well done to the other nominees as well – a big achievement in its own right! It’s great to see so many examples of high standards and best practices in our industry.”
