Published on 1st June 2025

Sussex Solar Ltd is celebrating its 20th year as a family-run business this June. Founded by Horsham-based husband and wife Andy and Amanda Baxter, the business is now located in Southwater and has established a fine reputation as renewable energy experts. 

THE SOLAR-COASTER

Before establishing the business, Andy worked at Edwards High Vacuum, a leading developer and manufacturer of specialist vacuum products at Manor Royal, Crawley. 

Andy’s role as a Project Manager took them both overseas, including two stints in America, but after the arrival of their first child, Andy and Amanda moved back to their home town of Horsham. Solar thermal panels had been fitted to the roof of their new house, but Andy soon discovered that they were not generating any hot water, so he investigated further and managed to fix them. They were to provide the inspiration for the business…

 Andy recalls: ‘At the time, government incentives made renewable energy schemes very appealing, but often the companies selling solar panels lacked the expertise to properly install them. Our home was one of many with poorly-fitted panels, installed by a company that had gone bust and was therefore unable to repair them. So, being technically minded, I climbed on to the roof and fixed the problem. Then, I repaired my neighbour’s solar panels and it was at that point that I realised there might be a great business opportunity. 

‘I attended a week-long course at the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) in Wales, learning from experienced installers, before tentatively launching my own business. Close friends and relatives helped me out with an extra pair of hands and the business steadily grew until we incorporated Sussex Solar Ltd in June 2005. Amanda’s business and management economics knowledge complemented my technical and practical skills, so we combined forces.’ 

DIVERSIFICATION IS KEY

While government incentives boosted demand for renewables, the effect was temporary and the boom-to-bust cycle became known as the ‘solar coaster’. At the end of 2011, the UK government reduced the incentives offered through its Feed-in-Tariff scheme (FiT), which paid homeowners for generating electricity from solar PV panels. Three years later, the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) was launched, offering quarterly payments to homeowners installing solar thermal and heat pump systems. These payments were significantly reduced in 2016 and were eventually phased out altogether, putting many firms out of business. However, Andy was able to use his engineering background to diversify the business and add other renewable technologies to Sussex Solar’s portfolio. 

Amanda said: ‘Adding other technologies to our existing service and maintenance offering enabled us to survive the solar coaster dips each time government incentives were reduced or withdrawn. Diversification proved key to our survival. 

‘Other firms entered the industry when government incentives were on offer, then as incentives were withdrawn there was a race to the bottom by others, both on pricing and quality. These firms often went under, leaving their customers unsure of who to turn to for repairs and servicing. We have customers who have stayed with us for 20 years because they trust us, so this has provided us with repeat business.’

NEXT GENERATION

In the wake of Covid, Sussex Solar moved to a larger premises at Oakhurst Business Park in Southwater, with the workforce expanding to include electricians, plumbers and installers, as well as an office team focusing on sales and marketing. Andy and Amanda’s son Dominic Baxter has joined the family business too, serving an apprenticeship and gaining further qualifications as a heat pump engineer and electrician. Dominic is very keen to gradually take over the business over the next few years, allowing the business to continue successfully in a safe pair of hands.

Andy said: ‘Back in 2010, the output of solar panels we installed were typically 200 Watts, generating around 180kWh each per year. Now, panels are larger and considerably more powerful at around 450-500W each. Improved manufacturing methods have drastically reduced the cost to the consumer too, while various mounting systems have been developed, so that solar panels can be fitted to all kinds of roofing surfaces and ground mounts. 

‘We also now utilise an advanced software programme to provide customers with an accurate report of what renewable energy systems could be installed at their home or business, as well as how much energy they could potentially generate and the costs involved. When I started out, I made these calculations on spreadsheets, so modern software has made the job much easier!’

PUMP IT UP

Sussex Solar are accredited installers of Vaillant and Mitsubishi air source heat pumps and currently the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant provides £7500 towards the cost of installation. The BUS grant is available to homeowners looking to replace existing fossil fuel heating systems (gas, oil, LPG and electric boilers, for example) with heat pumps to help reduce emissions. Heat pumps generate up to four units of heat for every unit of electricity used to power it, compared with a less than one-to-one ratio achieved by fossil fuel boilers.

Heat pumps can be especially beneficial when used alongside other renewable energy sources, says Dominic: ‘You can’t use solar PV to directly power a gas boiler in order to heat water. However, solar panels can help power a heat pump. So, this can be a very efficient system, especially when combined with a battery storage unit, such as Tesla’s new Powerwall 3. This can help people make considerable savings. 

‘For example, if you drive an electric car, you can charge it at night, taking advantage of the lower rate for off-peak electricity available between 12am – 7am. You can also recharge your battery storage units, which can then be used during the day to save you buying peak-time electricity. You can also use this stored electricity to run the heat pump throughout the day, making savings. At the moment, the price of electricity is very high in the UK, so a heat pump is not always an easy choice without financial incentives. However, if the electricity price was to come down, heat pumps would be even more appealing to the wider market, as they’re already more efficient and better for the environment.’ 

BRIGHT FUTURE

Recent fluctuations in the price of gas and electricity have encouraged many to turn to renewable energy, not only to help the environment but also to protect them from future price rises. Whatever challenges await, Sussex Solar is well placed to meet them.  

Andy said: ‘I used to find it frustrating, as there was so much scepticism regarding renewable energies, even though the environmental benefits were obvious. Now, the tide is turning and as manufacturing costs come down and the technology improves, people are seeing both the environmental and financial benefits of adopting renewable energy. I am very confident that Dominic will continue to develop his knowledge and eventually take over the business when we retire. We have always grown at a manageable pace and employed people from the local area, giving them the skills and training they need to progress in the industry. We’ve always operated diligently and tried to look after every single customer. That is why we look to the future with great optimism as we celebrate our 20th anniversary.’  

WORDS: Ben Morris / PHOTOS: Alan Wright 

Further information: www.sussexsolar.com