About Us

Our mission & ethos

The mission here at Solidarity Solar is to provide high-quality renewable energy solutions to the South West which benefit people and the planet. By choosing us, you can trust that you’re choosing a more sustainable future for all.

We are a team of friendly solar installers striving for a more sustainable future. We hope to establish ourselves as the most ethical installers in the South West. Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword for us; it’s integral to the way we run our business. In fact, we are currently working towards becoming B corp certified, to demonstrate our belief in using business as a force for good.

Our office is located in walking distance from the beautiful Plymbridge Woods, meaning we often spot the well-known herd of local fallow deer. Our workspace is filled with sustainable products and passionate employees. To kick-start the day we have freshly ground Owen’s Coffee (Organic and roasted 7 miles from the office). Staff wellbeing is a top priority for us, so we also provide healthy snacks and kombucha to fuel our amazing team.

Our story

In 2020, two friends who were living off-grid imagined a new approach to solar. They were both working as solar engineers for other companies, but felt the industry had more to offer. They were fed up with the push sales tactics, high profit margins and lack of care for customers and the environment.

Their vision was simple; to create a solar company which would benefit people and the planet. One which would value its staff, serve the local community, take responsibility for its environmental impact and build trust and transparency for its customers. From this initial idea, Solidarity Solar was born. The company established itself in Liskeard in 2021 and due to our recent expansion we now operate from Sisna Park Road, Plymouth. However, as we grow we will always keep our core principles and strive to do better.

In 2023 lots of things changed. Ben, one of our original founders, stepped down from his role to pursue a slower pace of living. Jacob has continued to move towards a more sustainable business model by becoming a member of 1% for the planet and partnering with Ecologi (a world-wide tree planting organisation). We’ve also undergone the rigorous process to become Which? Trusted Trader installers, demonstrating our dedication to transparency and customer satisfaction.

Taking climate action

One of our proudest initiatives is our partnership with Ecologi. With every solar installation we undertake, we contribute to reforestation efforts by planting 100 trees through Ecologi. These trees play a vital role in offsetting carbon emissions, enhancing biodiversity, and fighting climate change.

We are also members of 1% for the planet, a global network of businesses that commit at least 1% of their annual sales to environmental causes. Although that might not sound like much, those numbers soon add up. If every business committed to this, imagine the global impact we could collectively make in protecting our natural world.

Naturally, now that we’ve moved, we’re working on our own system to power our office with renewable energy. This should be up and running by the end of the year. For local surveys we use one of our electric vans to minimize fossil fuels and harmful emissions, ensuring that our on-road activities align with our sustainability goals.

Eco-friendly products are always preferred here at Solidarity Solar HQ. Our subscription to Ethical Consumer Magazine keeps us informed and up-to-date with the latest developments in sustainability and ethical practices. Smol cleaning products, Naked Sprout toilet roll and Owen’s locally-ground organic coffee are just a few examples of choices we make which keep our impact small.

Our team

At Solidarity Solar, we take immense pride in our dedicated and knowledgeable team. Our collective expertise spans a wide range of talents, ensuring that your solar project is in the most capable hands. We believe that going solar should be a pleasant journey, and our friendly and helpful team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Jacob Walpole

Founder & Director / Sales

Jacob founded Solidarity Solar in 2021, after previously working as a Solar Engineer. He dreamt of creating his own company which valued its employees, gave back to the environment and the local community. For the past few years he has worked tirelessly to achieve his vision and establish the company's brilliant reputation. At the weekend he enjoys song writing, playing guitar and spending time with his family. You'll also find him cooking, gardening and getting out into nature.

Paul Wilkinson

Head Electrician

Paul has worked at Solidarity Solar since the get go and came with prior experience in the industry. He is knowledgeable, highly skilled, and very conscientious. Paul prides himself in the level of care he takes in every job and our customers are always impressed by Paul's tidy workmanship. For Paul, watching the generation come in and leaving a job well done is the most rewarding feeling. In his spare time, Paul enjoys catching waves, walking and climbing.

Damien Aggett

Roofing Specialist

Having previously worked as a scaffolder, Damien is quite at home working at heights. He is very conscientious and his roofing work is carried out with meticulous detail. Damien enjoys organising and working out each roof layout to get the best out of every system. Outside of work, Damien cares for his growing collection of tropical fish and enjoys working on cars.

Lee Bailey

Roofing Specialist

Lee recently made the switch to renewables after working in a local factory. His new role has meant he gets to spend plenty of time outside and is constantly meeting new people. Lee's favourite aspects of the job are laughing with his co-workers and communicating with customers to ensure their install goes as smoothly as possible. He enjoys the fact that no two jobs are ever the same. When he's not at work, Lee spends his time tinkering with his motorbikes and doing DIY.

Sophie Wright

Social Media / Content Manager

As Jacob's partner, Sophie has a personal connection to the company and has watched it grow from the very beginning. With a Creative Writing degree, artistic background and keen eye for detail, Sophie manages our online presence. She has a passion for the natural world and enjoys working for a company with such a strong focus on its environmental impact. In her spare time she enjoys long walks in nature, beachcombing and illustrating with watercolours.

Laura Davies

Administrator

Laura takes care of handover packs, certification and ensuring that the correct paperwork is completed after every install. Laura loves being a part of her brother's business and the fact that the company's ethical values align with her own. Her favourite part of the job is speaking with customers and ensuring the last step of the install goes as smoothly as possible. She works remotely from her home in the Snowdonia mountains. Laura is a qualified yoga instructor and avid gardener. In her spare time she enjoys walking with her St Bernard (Rocka) and rescue dog (Scruff).

Laura Coode-Bate

Finances

We met Laura after installing solar on her house. She fit in so well that we asked her to become a member of the team. Laura is now our bookkeeper and deals with all of our finances. For Laura, the most satisfying part of the job is keeping everything tracked and organised. Outside of work, Laura enjoys exploring the gorgeous South West coastline with her boys and cockerpoo (Ivy). You'll often find them going on long walks across the beach or rambling over Dartmoor.

We place a strong emphasis on supporting the talented individuals who contribute to our organisation. That’s why we are accredited Living Wage Employers; ensuring every member of our team is paid fairly for the valuable work that they do.