Demand for large scale solar carports drives growth at FlexiSolar
FlexiSolar, the solar carport specialist based near Cambridge, has announced details of its growing operations team; recruited to design, develop, install and maintain integrated large scale solar carport solutions at sites across the country. Backed by Innovate UK, the UK's innovation agency, FlexiSolar formally entered the market in 2017 as a design, manufacturing, installation and operations company specialising in the integration of solar panels, electric vehicle charging points and carports. Innovate UK has backed FlexiSolar as part of its focus on driving the science and technology innovations that will grow the UK economy.
FlexiSolar's delivery is led by Operations Director, Keenan Gratrick, who as well as being a seasoned electrical engineer qualified to 11KVa, brings over 10 years' experience specialising in the renewable energy sector; overseeing the installation of circa 800 MW of Solar PV. In his career, Keenan has been responsible for setting up commercial operations and solar park maintenance departments using market leading renewable technologies across the UK and overseas. The Operations and Maintenance team has grown fast in light of the high level of projects awarded to FlexiSolar so far this year. The department has also been working hard to gain maintenance contracts on existing Solar Plants; as part of its objective to grow their portfolio of maintained sites.
Electrical and Automation Design Engineer, Piervanni Fois, joined FlexiSolar having gained over 12 years' experience as a designer and consultant within several organisations and independently. Piervanni has developed detailed designs of electrical power networks, protection and control systems for industrial and commercial buildings, as well as wind and solar farms including applications for control and PLC systems, and software development. He developed his professional profile with a keen interest in renewable energy systems, solar generation, smart grids and energy storage including EV charging.
Construction Manager, Andrew Edwards, has over 10 years' experience within the Solar PV industry, with a proven track record in delivering multiple and complex projects on time and within budgets. With a passion for clean energy and a strong interest in pioneering energy storage deployment in the UK, Andrew was previously at Belectric Solar Ltd, where he dealt with rooftop solar installations and was responsible for a number of ground mount projects, ranging from 3.8 MW to 126 MW. In total Andrew has dealt with the installation of 88 solar parks.
Site Manager, Ashley Wass, joins FlexiSolar from Morrison Utilities, where he gained experience in civil engineering, emergency water work repairs, whilst authorising method statements and risk assessments, and supervising multiple projects. Ashley has been in the Solar PV industry for over 4 years and has dealt with a number of ground mounted installations.
The Operations & Maintenance team is supported by Project Co-ordinator, Rachel Wareing, who works to ensure the effective and efficient administration of all projects. Rachel has a technical background, having spent 12 years in the RAF as an aircraft mechanic, with a strong skillset also gained from a number of years in the NHS, managing 160 properties used for accommodation for staff and patients' families.
Speaking about the recently expanded operations team, Robert Carpenter, Managing Director of FlexiSolar said "Our large scale solar carports offer a significant opportunity to generate and harness energy at source. The level of complexity and understanding in the design and installation of these solutions is of paramount importance and needs clear expertise behind it; which is exactly what we have put in place with the FlexiSolar operations team. The growing team is focussed on developing intricate, bespoke solar carport systems for our clients, from concept to completion."
FlexiSolar's expert sales team were also introduced earlier this year and are working with organisations and local authorities across the country to discuss their large scale solar carport requirements.
