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10 Years Of Supplying Solar!

How time flies!

April sees us turning 10 years old, and what a journey it has been. From humble beginnings based out of a shipping container in a storage yard, to a multimillion pound business covering international distribution and UK wide installation services.

Read all about our journey here!

Wagner; Where it all began.

Our journey started in 2009 with AC Solartechnic, founded by Carsten Pump and Mark Osborne. The company provided solar equipment to installers across the South Coast of England. Quickly growing in size the company found its home on Keynor Farm, in Sidlesham.

With the UK renewables industry seeing a boom 2010 saw a joint venture launched with German manufacturer Wagner & Co. We joined the worldwide network of Wagner Solar outlets which included France, Italy, Spain, Turkey and the USA, as well as other distribution partners across Africa, Europe, Indonesia, and New Zealand. We very quickly became a well-known company across the UK’s renewables industry. You can read more about how we started, and our transition to Wagner Renewables here: Where it all began.

The UK side and how we became Wagner Renewables

2011 and 2012 saw soaring business for us, at the peak of the busy period we employed over 25 employees distributing stock across the UK and priding ourselves on the technical knowledge of our sales team.

Sadly, much like our German colleagues, the solar crisis hit us hard, reducing our staffing by half. Still, despite the huge cuts across the industry we remained. 2012 also saw Carsten Pump resign from the company and Mark Osborne become Managing Director, ready to take the company forward.

In 2014, with fears about the German side of Wagner Solar possibly going bankrupt Mark took the decision to buy the company out and form Wagner Renewables Ltd. Shortly after launching Wagner Renewables we bought out another local distributor, Frankensolar UK. Some of the Frankensolar staff transferred over and with their expertise still play a vital part in the service we provide today.

From a small team of only 8, we survived the solar crisis and supply a whole range of renewables equipment internationally, all from our Warehouse in Sidlesham. Some of the original staff from Wagner Solar UK are still with us; Mark Osborne, Oli Ross, and Darren Crisp. Along with new members of staff, we had a solid and highly trained team who are very knowledgeable about all things renewable.

Reflecting on his time at Wagner Renewables Darren Crisp notes; I started with Wagner Solar UK back in 2011, before Wagner Renewables had even been dreamt up. I was originally taken on just on a 3 week contract to help in the warehouse. I often joke its been the longest 3 weeks of my life! From taking on that temporary position I was taken on to stay full time, and quickly established friendships with my colleagues. From there I’ve stayed with the company, working up to Warehouse Manager, then covering Marketing, and being trained in the sales & installation side of the business. There’s not many roles I haven’t covered in the past 13 years. It really has been a rollercoaster, but working alongside some great team members has kept me sane(ish). Having seen and played my part in some brilliant projects has been so rewarding. It’s been exciting to see how the company has grown, and I’m really looking forward to seeing where we head next.

Wagner Renewables today

In 2016 we launched our local install scheme offering installations to local homeowners and businesses. Following the success of this we also launched our international installation service completing our first international installation in Ghana. Quite a feat for a small team!

The end of 2017 saw us build a purpose designed training centre, offering free training for installers wanting to learn more about the products we offer, and keep up to date with new products within the industry. This also doubles up as a showroom where we hold regular open days for members of the public to come in and learn more about Going-Green. You can keep up-to-date with any training sessions or open days by visiting the events section of our website.

Since 2016 we have seen huge growth in installations. From offering local installations we now have 3 install teams working across the UK. We’ve also trained up in-house electricians working alongside our roof teams, but with the ability to offer servicing, repairs, battery storage, and EV Charging solutions. We’ve worked on some huge projects, and secured national contracts helping companies reduce their CO2 impact.

The international side of our company has also seen renewed growth, with regular shipments heading off to Cyprus, and parts of Africa. We’ve also completed some interesting installations with members of our team flying out to France, St Lucia, and even the Falkland Islands!

Still local at heart

Despite all of our international work, and installations up and down the UK we’re still passionate about our local community.

In 2022 we launched a scheme to support local organisations with projects aimed at green initiatives. Part of this scheme also involves tree planting in The National Forest.

So far we have planted over 270 trees, and donated £4000 to local causes. A scheme we are excited to continue and hopefully expand. Read about our latest round of charity giving here: Local Charities Benefit from Eco Fund Grant

Mark Osborne, Managing Director said ‘It has been a privilege to run this business, it’s not always been plain sailing, and there have been very tough times over the years. That said, we are still here today, and have seen some real accomplishments in recent years. I’m very proud of our team, and all of our staff, both past and present who have helped us get to where we are today. As I look back on over ten fantastic years in the renewables industry I’m also looking forward to what the future brings’.

To make our ten year birthday celebrations that little bit sweeter we’ve also been listed as finalists in this years Chichester and Bognor Business Awards. It’s always a privilege to stand alongside other local companies at award ceremonies like this.

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