Absolar Solutions is transforming UK energy efficiency with Innovate UK support
Absolar Solutions, a University of Southampton spin-out, has been transforming the way organisations and households assess properties for renewable energy potential since 2020. With the tailored support of Innovate UK, Absolar has not only overcome operational challenges to create jobs and increase revenues but has also helped the UK reduce carbon emissions and fuel costs.
Founded to address the growing climate crisis, Absolar Solutions sought to make renewable energy more accessible to businesses and households. The company utilises cutting-edge AI technologies like LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) and satellite imagery to survey properties and offer actionable insights on energy efficiency.
Since its launch, Absolar has received extensive support from organisations such as the Royal Academy of Engineering, Portsmouth City Council, Southampton City Council and its original base, the Sustainable Energy Research Group at the University of Southampton.
However, Absolar’s early journey was not without hurdles. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted market access and events, and key team members relocated abroad.
In May 2021, Absolar turned to Innovate UK Business Growth for strategic support. Innovation and Growth Specialist, Irving Levy, worked closely with Absolar’s leadership, offering bespoke advice tailored to their specific needs. He helped Absolar refine its strategic vision, improve team communication and streamline its business processes, bringing in tools such as GROWTHmapper and the Business Model Canvas.
The coaching also enabled Absolar to employ a project manager, significantly improving project delivery and cultivating a strong culture of excellence.
“Working with Irving and Innovate UK Business Growth has been transformative,” says Nic Cory, Founder and Director of Absolar. “Irving’s greatest asset is his ability to provide an outside perspective and challenge our thinking.
“His input ensures that we focus on the most lucrative opportunities, delivering projects that offer the highest returns on investment and carbon offsets, ultimately benefiting our clients and society. We are now making better, more strategic decisions that align with our long-term growth goals.”
Cross-support stimulates market expansion
Innovate UK Business Growth’s support laid the groundwork by shaping a business that was ready to apply for key grants. The company received introductions to essential infrastructure and opportunities thanks to their specialist’s connections. Through the Space Research and Innovation Network for Technology (SPRINT) and GreentechSouth, Absolar received vital grants to develop its Remote Solar Surveys technology. The company was also awarded several local authority contracts to support the further development of its Carbon Action Planning Tool, a software for emission intervention planning.
These initiatives empowered the company to expand its service offerings, helping local authorities across the UK assess renewable energy opportunities.
Substantial impact on sales and strategic partnerships
The results of this partnership have been significant. Since receiving Innovate UK Business Growth support, Absolar has grown from a startup with a turnover of just £12,000 in 2020 to a thriving company with £1.5 million in 2024, aiming to double this by 2025. They have set ambitious targets, aiming to double its turnover again by 2024. The company has also expanded its team, growing to 12 employees in areas such as project management, technology development and data science.
Absolar’s Carbon Action Planning Tool has been used by over 40 clients, including the Royal Air Force, Portsmouth City Council and Reading Borough Council. The technology has surveyed over 1.5 million properties, identifying 36,000 homes for solar PV installation in a single city, offering potential annual savings of £25 million and cutting 38,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
One of the company’s most exciting developments has been its partnership with NatWest Group and Lombard Asset Finance, which allows businesses to explore solar installations with potential funding support. This collaboration is integral to Absolar’s nationwide solar panel installations and positions the company for even greater growth in the coming years.
From UK startup to global recognition in sustainability and innovation
As Absolar continues its growth journey, it is also expanding its product offerings. The company is currently developing a new tool to help local authorities and social housing providers identify fuel poverty and model energy efficiency improvements. This initiative will further accelerate Absolar’s impact on society, helping reduce fuel costs and carbon emissions across the UK.
Nic adds: “We stopped being a startup two years ago and have since earned global recognition. The guidance and support from Innovate UK Business Growth have been instrumental in helping us navigate this complex market, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of innovation and sustainability.”
With Innovate UK Business Growth’s ongoing support, Absolar is well-positioned to scale nationally and internationally, transforming the way we think about renewable energy and contributing to the UK’s net-zero goals.
We stopped being a startup two years ago and have since earned global recognition…The guidance and support from Innovate UK Business Growth have been instrumental in helping us navigate this complex market, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of innovation and sustainability.
– Nic Cory, Founder of Absolar Solutions