A renewable energy company has soared to success by focussing on a core product that has made it the longest established solar panel manufacturer in the whole of Europe.
AES Solar was founded in 1979 to provide renewable energy systems, but now, some 45 years later, it nuilt a solid specialist reputation in the solar thermal market by designing and manufacturing its own panels in Forres.
It has installed solar panels on some of Scotland’s most significant buildings, including Balmoral Castle, Edinburgh Castle and the Scottish Parliament.
In a commitment to remaining in the town, it has bought five acres of land surrounding its property to increase storage facilities.
Commercial director Jamie Di Sotto said: “Over the decades, we’ve expanded our expertise to meet the changing landscape becoming experts in solar PV, battery storage, off-grid and EV charging for domestic and commercial clients. In 2024 the strengthened our offering, with the acquisition of our heat pump team. “
One-stop shop
“We now offer the complete renewable energy package, both heat and power, from one trusted provider.
“We have achieved sustained growth in an industry often described as the “solar coaster” by prioritising ethical sales practices, high-quality products, and investing in our people.
“With rising consumer awareness and the pressures of the ongoing energy crisis, we’ve seen an increase in demand from customers seeking energy independence from the grid.
In 2024, the company underwent a management buy-out to ‘secure its long-term future’. In the same year, it acquired Black Isle Renewables, making it one of Scotland’s largest renewable energy companies.
“The acquisition of our heat pump team has brought two decades of expertise in renewable heating and an additional office facility, allowing us to offer fully integrated energy systems that provide both power and heat for homes and businesses.”
“To meet demand, we’ve strengthened our workforce through a robust recruitment strategy that champions apprenticeships, training, and long-term skills development. As a result, our team has expanded year on year alongside significant business growth and strong financial performance.
“Since 2020, our revenue has more than doubled, driven by rising demand for solar PV, battery storage and now heat pump technology.”
From 100s to 1000s
Jamie continued: “Installations have followed the same trajectory. We’ve grown from delivering hundreds of systems annually to well over a thousand installations each year, covering everything from small domestic rooftops to large commercial projects.”
This growth has been underpinned by the company’s investment in people, apprenticeships and in-house installs teams, ensuring they have the skills and capacity to keep pace with demand while maintaining the high standards AES Solar is known for.
It operates throughout Scotland, with its location in the north east giving it a strong base to serve customers right across the country, including remote regions that many companies find unfeasible.
Benefit to the environment
Beyond the financial benefits, solar power plays an important role in protecting the environment. By generating clean, renewable energy, customers directly reduce carbon emissions and contribute to a more sustainable future for generations to come.
People choose solar power for a mix of financial, environmental, and personal reasons. Solar offers significant savings on energy bills and providing stable, long-term energy costs and independence from the grid. This can be particularly important for those living in remote areas of Scotland where power outages are more common where solar and storage can provide a stable electricity supply.
Many customers are also motivated by sustainability and environmental responsibility, seeking to minimise their impact on the planet and help secure a cleaner future for generations to come. Solar power also appeals to those who value making a positive difference in their home, community, and the wider world, allowing them to feel empowered and in control of their energy choices.
The history of AES Solar
AES Solar was originally established in 1979 by Lyle Schnadt, operating out of the Findhorn Foundation and specialising in solar heating. In 1990, George Goudsmit took over the business and shaped the company into AES Solar as we know it today. By focusing exclusively on solar, George drove significant growth, moving operations to Forres in 1998 and leading a series of pioneering projects.
Jamie added: “Looking ahead, we anticipated the rise of solar PV, investing early in the technology and upskilling our staff, delivering our first 50kWp system in 2011. This spirit of innovation continued with the addition of battery storage in 2015 and EV charging in 2017.
“Industry recognition soon followed with our work on Lochside House picking up Grand Designs House of the Year 2018. Our proudest achievement however came in 2022 with the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for our contribution to Sustainable Development.
“In 2024, after more than four decades at the helm, George stepped down as Managing Director with the long-term future of the business secured by a management buyout of the existing leadership team marking a new chapter. That same year, we strengthened our renewable offering through the acquisition of Dingwall-based heat pump specialist Black Isle Renewables, firmly cementing our position as the leading provider of renewable energy and heat in Scotland.”
Jamie added that despite its success, the company faced challenges: “As a renewable energy company, we face several challenges.
“A key issue is the lack of consistent government initiatives and support, which can slow the adoption of renewable technologies and create uncertainty for consumers.
“Additionally, the market is increasingly crowded, and the presence of unscrupulous or inexperienced operators can damage the reputation of the industry, making it harder for reputable providers to build trust with customers.
“This makes it essential for us to maintain the highest standards of quality, transparency, and customer service to stand out and reassure clients in a competitive and sometimes mistrusted market.
At AES Solar, we’re proud to be the UK’s longest standing solar installer. We stand out due to how we operate as a business, our ethics and values. Our focus is on delivering integrated, high quality solutions that help people save money, live more sustainably and feel confident about their energy future.”