EDF, Britain’s biggest generator of zero carbon electricity, has acquired Chorley-based solar panel and battery installer, Contact Solar.
This latest investment is part of the energy supplier’s UK strategy to help its customers and Britain achieve net zero. It follows last year’s acquisition of heat pump installer CB Heating, moving the energy supplier one step closer to being able to offer ‘whole house’ net zero home offers, combining solar, battery, EV charge points and heat pumps.
With solar panels reducing electricity consumption by up to 74% in each home, take-up is predicted to increase by 75% between now and 20301, This investment will ensure EDF has the required flexibility and capacity to meet customer demand both now and in the future, as well as supporting growth in Contact Solar.
Customers will also benefit from access to Contact Solar’s services, rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot, and EDF’s broad supply chain, creating opportunities to pass on savings for customers.
Founded over a decade ago, Contact Solar embarked on a mission to deliver unrivalled domestic solar projects with an unwavering focus on quality. Specialising in domestic UK solar panels, commercial solar and battery storage for solar, the company is a leading installer offering a range of products and systems that are designed to suit customers’ needs.
Contact Solar’s network of qualified, local installers across the country will work with EDF to deliver residential installs alongside solutions for local authorities, housing associations and developers in building and retrofitting homes, as they look to meet their own net zero ambitions.
To provide even greater coverage and service, EDF will also explore the possibility of upskilling engineers already working on home energy solutions to install solar panels, alongside other zero carbon products such as electric vehicles or heat pumps.
Philippe Commaret, Managing Director of Customers at EDF, said: “We are a long-term partner to Britain and this investment marks another important step forward in our commitment to helping our customers achieve net zero.
“We know more and more people want to save cash and carbon and by acquiring a company like Contact Solar we can help them by providing better value and a truly great end-to-end solar panel install service, utilising a company whose expertise, knowledge and service is exceptional.”
Tom Taylor, Director at Contact Solar, said: “We are delighted that EDF has chosen to acquire Contact Solar. We’ve experienced exponential growth in recent years thanks to the extraordinary competencies of our highly skilled workforce, who are incredibly passionate and dedicated. And this strategic move will not only accelerate our business growth but will also enable us to continue providing exceptional service to our customers, which has always been our top priority.
“We are excited about the limitless opportunities that lie ahead and look forward to working alongside EDF to help more customers install solar and batteries in their homes, as the country moves towards a greener future.”
