A local solar panel company has won a prestigious national award for its work at Edinburgh Castle.
AES Solar emerged as the winner in the Solar PV Project of the Year category at the National Energy Efficiency Awards. The solar PV system was part of Historic Environment Scotland’s (HES) programme to reduce energy use across the historic properties in its care. This accolade recognises the pioneering 31.5 kWp solar PV installation on Edinburgh Castle.
The Energy Awards were held at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole and celebrated business excellence, customer service, and industry collaboration in the energy sector.
The National Solar PV Project of the Year Award recognises the efforts of those involved in delivering a successful solar PV project as an energy efficiency measure. Judging criteria included the level of expertise exhibited, the project’s positive impact on the community, and feedback from clients.
Iconic
AES Solar’s journey to the national stage began back in June with their regional victory in the Small Scale Project of the Year category at the Scottish Awards. The project was awarded the top spot on the night by the judges for being an outstanding, iconic installation, delivered with the care and consideration required, commensurate with the building and surrounds.
Despite the unique challenges presented by working on such a historically significant structure, AES Solar were deemed qualified for the task with more than 40 years of experience in the industry. The team approached the project with meticulous care for the historical site. This was evident from the initial surveying stages through to the final 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 are both discreet and aesthetically pleasing. On completion of the installation, grey gravel was added to blend the roof and the mounting frame seamlessly together.
Sensitive application of renewable energy
Jack Caldwell Carbon Projects Manager at Historic Environment Scotland said:
“The installation of Solar Panels at Edinburgh Castle is an ambitious example of the sensitive application of renewable energy technologies in the historic environment.
Edinburgh Castle, as one of Scotland’s most significant Scheduled Monuments, is a site of huge historical and cultural significance, and as such the solar panel installation was carefully designed to ensure that impacts to the historic building fabric were avoided along with avoiding any visual impact on the building from within the Castle and surrounding City of Edinburgh.
This project is an exemplar of sensitive renewable energy installation and demonstrates just one of the ways that the historic environment can play a part in the solution to net zero.”
In attendance at the black-tie ceremony in Birmingham were AES Solar’s Managing Director, George Goudsmit, and Finance Director, Lynn Davidson.
Stiff competition
Following the excitement of securing the top spot on the night, MD George Goudsmit said:
“It was an honour to attend and accept this prestigious national award on behalf of us all. This was already a very special project to us all but to be acknowledged for our efforts nationally is astounding – and amongst such stiff competition too.”
“The project has been a collaborative effort from day one. Members across the company have lent their experience and technical knowledge. We owe our success to their dedication and expertise. This triumph also underscores the excellence of our partners and their products, including SunPower, SolarEdge and Sunfixings. Historic Environment Scotland’s invaluable support and trust were also instrumental. AES Solar extends heartfelt thanks to all those who contributed.”
