Southern Solar - Our Team

solar power house At Southern Solar Ltd we are blessed to have a great team of people working together. We all share a desire to do something we believe in for our work, and collectively have many years experience in this area. We are all commited to playing our part in reducing our impact on the environment and helping other to do so also. Enjoying our work is a priority and making the whole process enjoyable for us and for you is very important to us. Going solar can be fun. Our current team members tell you a bit about themselves below:

Howard Johns – Managing Director

Howard Johns is the founder of Southern Solar Ltd, and has been installing solar hot water systems and other small scale renewable energy systems for over seven years. He has been involved in energy technologies for the last thirteen years after completing a degree in "Energy and Environmental Technology". He is a qualified plumber with a wide range of practical experience, and also has a qualification in solar electics.

Howard is also Chairman of the Solar Trade Association (STA), and has been actively involved in lobbying Government to try to improve conditions for the industry. The STA represents over 150 solar energy companies in the UK.

Sussex Office

Simon Griffiths – Sussex Branch Director

I have the overview of activity in the Head Office. My main role is survey, quoting and project managing commercial and public sector contracts, however I still enjoy visiting people in the homes to help chose a solar solution.

Working at Southern Solar provides me with a satisfying challenge. The business was founded on strong ideals and these are still core to my working day. I aspire to a working environment that is making a difference, sustainable, has a healthy live style and is profitable.

Peter Grech – Sussex Branch Assistant Manager

Pete is based in the Sussex office, and you may well meet him on a survey. He is reponsible for holding lots of things down in the Sussex office – making sure your solar systems arrive on time, and that the team know where they are going! He says “I've been working for Southern Solar for about four years after working in energy efficiency, organic farming, conservation, engineering... If I have time I like to walk hills and mountains, talk with friends, read or lie still staring into space. I believe indolence and sloth have something positive to offer in building a more sustainable society. Stay in Bed, Save the Planet!”

Annie Lowden

Annie works in the Sussex office. You may well talk to her on the phone, or get a visit from her if you want a survey – shes always cheerfull – well nearly!

She says; “I joined Southern Solar in May 2006, having previously trained as a plumber and run my own domestic plumbing business for several years. I’ve been interested in renewables for a long time now, and helped out with a couple of installations in the early days of Southern Solar. I enjoy working here at Southern Solar, it’s important to me to be part of a small and dedicated business. So many of our customers comment on how hepful and friendly the team are, and it makes all the difference to be involved in a pioneering and reputable company.”

Ian Jepson – Installation Team Manager

Ian is the manager of the installation team in Sussex and gets involved with all aspects of the installation of both solar hot water and electric systems.

Dave Purtell – Installation Team Leader

“I started working for southern solar over two and a half years ago. I previously worked in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry for many years but became unsatisfied working for a company purely driven by profits.

I am now working as installation team leader within the company on Solar Hot Water projects, specialising in PV (Photovoltaic) systems. I enjoy working with likeminded colleagues who also share environmental concerns and take pleasure in doing my job professionally, knowing that in a small way I am making a positive change to our carbon hungry society.”

Alex Robertson – Installation Team Member

Alex works installing solar energy systems out of the Sussex office. You might meet him on your roof, he says; “While I enjoy working as part of a humorous and friendly installation team, I most enjoy the peace of mind that doing something for the environment and future generations brings.”

Tim Horack Hallet – Installation Team Member

Tim works on the installation team in Sussex carrying out plumbing and roofing works, heres why; “I have a long standing interest in, and commitment to helping protect the environment as we only have one planet and no foreseeable escape route if it all goes wrong. I enjoy working with the team as it is nice to know that everybody at Southern Solar has the same view of our dilemma.”

Bristol Office

Luke Hustchison – Bristol Branch Director

Luke has been in the solar heating industry since 1999. He studied environmental engineering at Cardiff University gaining a theoretical knowledge of renewable technologies, before training as a CORGI registered heating engineer and helping to set up Southern Solar Ltd.

He manages our Bristol branch, co-ordinating installations and liaising with our clients in the South West, as well as providing technical design assistance on larger installations.

Jonathon Starks - Bristol Branch Assistant Manager

Jon supports Luke in managing the work of the Bristol branch. He is involved with selling and installation of the full range of systems that we offer. He says about himself: “I did 5 yr apprenticeship in Plumbing and heating after leaving school and then went back to college to do HND in Building. After a short career in the Police force, I worked for Hilti for 13 yrs in various roles , technical sales, field engineer etc. After that I worked for OSO Hot water cylinders in a sales role , also doing service calls. I found I enjoyed doing the service calls far more than the selling so set myself up as a service engineer

As I have got older I have found myself getting more and more environmentally aware and conscientious and wanted to do something in which I could share my knowledge and learn from like minded people.”

Jack Daniells – Bristol Office

Jack works in the Bristol office, and you may well speak to him when you first call us up.

Ben Wood - Installation Team Member

Ben works installing solar energy systems out of the Bristol office.

Hereford Office

Ben Whittle – Hereford Branch Manager

Ben manages the Hereford Office, in all its apsects. He says about his job: “My interest in Renewable Energy began when I left the city and bought a narrowboat to live on. I then spent the next 3 years finding out exactly how much I had previously relied on things we just take for granted living in houses.

During my time on the boat I worked as a painter and decorator, but I determined to find something more rewarding and useful to do with my time. I joined Southern Solar at an ideal time and my desire to learn tied in well with Southern Solars' growth. I completed a Solar course with the teachers at the Centre for Alternative Technology and eventually started working full time with Southern Solar in the Bristol office.

I now deal with all aspects of running the Hereford office, from surveying, overseeing works, designing and installing systems to meeting potential customers.

I find my work demanding but extremely rewarding. As I spend a significant portion of my waking hours doing work, I couldn't ask for more than a job that challenges and rewards in equal measure."