A solar PV firm has opened a new office in Wales and appointed a new Managing Director.
Solarsense specialises in the design, installation and maintenance of solar panels, energy storage, solar carports and other renewable technologies across all sectors.
Its new MD Russell Mees joins the Board as it has been adding to its client list, which includes Lidl, Lush, Windsor Castle and Guide Dogs for the Blind.
In Wales the firm already works with organisations such as Swansea Stadium, Renishaw and Euro Foods Group.
Russell, who has been with the company for ten years, says Solarsense is supporting organisations across the UK on their journey to net zero, including via options with no up-front cost, helping them generate clean electricity on site at a fraction of the cost of grid power, typically around 4-6p per kWh compared to current grid prices of 25-30p.
Their list includes projects across a range of sectors delivered with a growing group of partners like Auditel and NG Bailey.
Stephen Barrett, who founded the company over 30 years ago. He has established the firm as an Employee Ownership Trust as part of his succession planning, and Russell and Stephen confirmed that they never want to sell out to a big corporation.
“A lot has changed since I started out 30 years ago but look where we are – with renewables taking over coal to become the world’s largest source of electricity for the first time in history in 2025,” said Stephen. “We are seeing structural transformation in the global energy system, costs falling, policy frameworks tightening up, and energy security at the top of national and corporate agendas.”
“I am very aware I am looking after Stephen’s legacy as the new MD, making sure this values-led business continues to lead and make an impact on the production of clean energy,” said Russell. “I feel really privileged that he’s trusted me to do that.
“We really pride ourselves on meeting with organisations at the start of their solar journey, hearing and then working to support their challenges and ambitions. Those conversations include looking at the shortened ROI, the role of batteries, the maintenance care we offer, faster routes to grid connection, and championing the role of solar farms and solar carports to facilitate clean energy production for companies with acres of car parking. There is a lot happening in 2026 and the whole team is excited to be on this growth journey.”
