Q&A
Two minutes
with . . .
PAUL McCULLAGH
UrbanWind
Who are you?
Stuart Elmes, Esq.
What do you do?
I’m founder and chief executive of Viridian Solar. I also help out at
the Solar Trade Association, where I’ve been on the board for the
last five years and chaired the Solar Thermal Working Group since
it was established 4 years ago.I volunteer at the MCS, where I’m
active on the solar thermal and roofing working groups.
Where are you?
We’re based in Cambridge. Our market is predominantly in the UK
but we export our solar panels to seven countries in Europe.
How’s business at the moment?
Business is good. 2014 was excellent, but we’ve got some exciting
new developments coming along the pipeline for 2015, which I can’t
wait to introduce to the market.
How could business be better?
It would be great if the dRHI re-ignited the solar thermal market.
We reckon the financial returns aren’t too shabby, but you’ve got
to include the energy savings in your calculation, not just the
subsidies.
Who do you admire in renewables?
I’d like to give some recognition to Mike Landy at the STA, who
really does the hard yards ploughing through pages and pages of
legislation and government consultations. His work continues to
underpin all our efforts to influence government policy in new build
and energy efficiency for the better.
What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received?
A friend and colleague at the University here in Cambridge who
had experience of starting a solar business in the US after the 70s oil
shock told me: “Don’t ever, never ever, under any circumstances at
all, go into a business sector that attracts government subsidy.”
Wish I’d listened to him!
REI: What have you got planned for 2015?
PM: 2015 is set to be a watershed year for us, with an
unprecedented level of development projects confirmed
or in the pipeline. We have already this year commenced
work on three fully funded turbines, and have a major
series of funded projects planned for throughout the
year. The first quarter of 2015 alone is already looking to
be our busiest and most exciting quarter to date.
What do you see as the growth area for renewables?
Interest in our fully-funded wind and commercial solar
offering is going from strength to strength, and we firmly
believe that this model will play a significant role in
the continued growth of renewables and, in particular,
medium wind in the UK.
This investor-backed model unlocks the
opportunity for potential customers who possess the
land assets and/or planning consents to benefit from
a wind turbine, but are currently unable to purchase
one outright or to secure the necessary funding, to fully
capitalise on the financial benefits of this technology.
How is your company cutting its carbon footprint?
Reducing our carbon footprint is undoubtedly an area
where we strive to be proactive, not least so that we
can advise customers on this issue from a position of
strength.
We are investing heavily in solar panels and LED
lighting, and have carried out an extensive review of
our transport needs. This includes downsizing, and
increasing use of video conferencing with clients and
suppliers.
Paul McCullagh is CEO of UrbanWind
www.renewableenergyinstaller.co.uk | 29