You could say George Goudsmit, managing director of AES Solar in Forres, is still ‘beaming’ after being given a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Solar and Storage Awards in Birmingham yesterday (21 November).
He and other staff members went to the ceremony to mix with people from the industry, meet colleagues and discuss the future of renewable energy.
And after hearing their own operations director talk on stage about solar power, the organisers surprised George with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Established
George has been the mainstay at AES Solar for nearly all of its 42-year existence. It’s the longest established solar company in Europe, and the only manufacturer of thermal collectors in Scotland.
The company designs and builds solar panels in Forres for energy projects all over the world, and has even installed systems at Balmoral Estate and the Scottish Parliament building.
On collecting the award, George said: “I am so honoured to receive this Lifetime Achievement Award. It is humbling to have my commitment to the industry recognised in such a prestigious way. I would like to extend my gratitude to my fantastic team at AES Solar as well as our wonderful clients and partners. Without their help and support, none of this would be possible.
“I always predicted great things for this industry. When I reflect on the past thirty plus years, there is so much to be proud of. These awards tell us a lot about our industry and the future of the UK solar and storage sector looks very bright to me! I look forward to everything else we accomplish in the years ahead and I will continue in my efforts to make sure the energy revolution is a solar one.”
Inspiration
Campbell MacLennan, Technical Director at AES Solar, added: “There have been many ups and downs in the Solar Industry, yet George’s continuous energy and passion for all things solar has been an inspiration to me, the staff at AES Solar, our customers and all our partners.
“To this day George continues to enthuse and promote the benefits of Solar to all those he meets, whether it’s children at the local school, community groups, businesses at network events, or the person who happens to be beside him in the queue at the post office.
“He will always let them know about the virtues of solar energy. It is a privilege to call George my work colleague and friend and I couldn’t think of anyone more rewarding for the Lifetime Achievement Award.”