Last month AES Solar won the Best Energy Efficiency in House Design or Build category of the Highlands and Islands Renewable Energy Awards and is now up for two national accolades.

The renewables company, which is celebrating its 40th year in business, is in line to win the Solar PV Installer and Contractor of the Year and Vulnerable Customer Support of the Year at this year’s Energy Efficiency Awards in Glasgow.

Commercial director Jamie Di Sotto believes customer feedback and their active role in the community makes them stand out in the industry.

He said: “It is great to be recognised for the quality of service, knowledge and expertise we have within the company. However, these awards also recognise the contribution we as a company make to the communities we work in. We put in a lot of effort into being supportive of local community activities and developing our workforce.” 

As well as charity work and supporting community groups and events, AES Solar has been helping vulnerable consumers through a freephone helpline which offers advice to the public even if they aren’t customers.

Mr Di Sotto added: “It a sad fact that solar panel customers are a target for unregulated companies who prey on the vulnerable. We’ve been working with local trading standards to prevent people from falling victim to their tactics.”

AES Solar plans to celebrate its four decades in business through a series of events and promotions while highlighting the long-term benefits of solar energy.

Managing director George Goudsmit said: “Forty years is a long time in this industry, and we’ve seen many companies come and go. We’ve specialised in solar from the beginning and it’s all we’ve ever done. As a result, we’ve sold panels all over the world, and our engineers have been invited to speak at conferences as far away as China. 

“The fact that we are the longest established solar company in Europe shows how skilled we are as a group, and I’m very proud that in our 40th year we are blazing a trail for solar energy.”

To honour the anniversary the company will host a celebratory event on the June 21 to mark the Summer Solstice. As the longest day of the year the sun can shine for up to 21 hours in some parts of the world. In-house, staff at AES Solar will take on a number of personal challenges, with other exciting events kept under wraps until further details are confirmed.

Keen to emphasise the environmental benefits of solar energy, the company aim to plant 40 trees on behalf of 40 customers. The company is also keen to organise litter picks or beach clean ups in the local area with involvement from community volunteers.

Mr Di Sotto said: “Giving back to the local area and community involvement has always been particularly important to us. We plan to organise a litter pick with 40 volunteers at one of the local beaches or woodlands. We’re inviting people to get in touch with us if they can help or have a location in mind. This is an issue close to our hearts, and we hope this will raise awareness of climate change and the benefits of solar panels and renewable energy.

“The last forty years are just the beginning. Solar has an exciting future. Batteries are making an appearance, and these allow solar energy to be stored for later use. With electric cars replacing petrol and diesel by 2035, solar power will be even more widespread over the next 40 years.”