Former UTC Warrington student launches solar business

A former UTC Warrington student has launched a new business combining his experience with drone technology and the commercial solar industry.

Joshua Doyle has established Warrington-based Sunbase, which works with businesses considering solar installations for commercial, industrial and agricultural premises.
Since leaving UTC Warrington, Joshua has worked with drones under Civil Aviation Authority approval, producing aerial visuals for property advertising, commercial buildings and development sites.
That experience introduced him to the practical uses of drone technology around buildings, including surveying roofs and reaching areas that are difficult to inspect using traditional methods.
Joshua said: “After leaving UTC Warrington, I began working with drones to produce visuals for properties and commercial sites.
“UTC has a strong focus on engineering and technology, so there is a natural connection between my time there, the work I have done with drones and the direction I am now taking with Sunbase.”
Drone technology will be used as part of the early surveying and planning stages of some Sunbase projects, including external roof surveys and internal inspections where access is difficult.
The company has been set up to bring together the different stages involved in a commercial solar project, including surveys, finance, design and installation.
Depending on the business and the site, funding routes can include a Power Purchase Agreement, known as a PPA, or asset finance.
A PPA can allow a business to use electricity generated by solar panels without paying the full installation cost at the start, while asset finance offers another route for companies looking to purchase a system over time.
Following an installation, Sunbase can also introduce eligible businesses to a specialist partner that assesses whether the carbon savings produced by the solar system could generate carbon credit revenue.
Joshua said: “Working with drones has given me experience around commercial properties and shown me how technology can make surveys safer and more practical.
“Commercial solar involves much more than fitting panels. There are surveys, finance options, technical assessments and installation work to coordinate, which is where the idea for Sunbase came from.”
The business will initially focus on Warrington and the wider North West, where there are large numbers of manufacturing, logistics, agricultural and commercial premises.
Joshua added: “Warrington has always had strong links with engineering and industry, and UTC Warrington reflects that.
“It is good to be launching the business in the town where I studied and using technology that has been part of my work since leaving.”

Further information is available at sunbase.co.uk