Professor and Mrs Martin

Professor Stephen and Mrs Martin – Orchard House, Worcestershire

Here at JHS Solar Solutions we are always happy to hear from past clients, and were delighted to catch up with Maureen and Stephen Martin of Orchard House, whose system we installed several years ago, when interest in solar PV was just beginning to increase in the UK.

In 2007, the couple had their home assessed by an energy advisory company, who identified solar PV as the ideal technology for the Martins’ electricity needs. Having identified JHS Solar Solutions as a local, accredited designer and installer, they invited the company to provide them with a proposal. Director and founder John Hill personally surveyed Orchard House and designed a bespoke solar PV system for the Martins – who promptly gave the go-ahead for the system to be installed.

Remembering her experience with JHS Solar Solutions back in 2007, Maureen said:

“We were both impressed with John Hill’s commitment to this technology, his knowledge and patience in explaining it – and the values we shared in recognising its importance. The installation process was straightforward, and the installers even repaired a couple of broken tiles on the roof that we didn’t know we had – real service with bonuses!”

After four years, the couple’s total generation stands at 9940.6 kWh, and has consistently delivered in line with JHS’ original predictions – even during those summers when the sun never seemed to shine! As a result of their installation, they have reduced their electricity imports by 40%. And, most importantly for the Martins, this means they have significantly reduced their carbon emissions.

Having worked alongside JHS Solar Solutions at the beginning of the solar movement, today Stephen and Maureen remain committed to reducing their carbon emissions, and showcasing renewable technology through their solar PV system. They play a big part in their local Transition Town movement, frequently inviting the community to visit Orchard House and see how solar PV can make a real difference to a family’s carbon footprint – and to people affected by climate change, which is how the couple started their sustainability journey.

During eight months of voluntary work in Bangladesh back in 2004, Stephen and Maureen witnessed first-hand the impact of climate change on vulnerable communities. The couple saw how flash floods had, for the second year running, destroyed the country’s rice crops just before harvest, leaving the Bangadeshi people powerless in the face of poverty.

Overwhelmed by the resilience and hospitality of the communities they worked with, the couple resolved to take active measures to reduce their carbon emissions back in the UK, in order to play their part in reducing the impact of climate change on developing countries such as Bangladesh. JHS is delighted to have been a part of the Martins’ innovative and ethical energy solution, and wish them the best of luck with their ongoing campaigning.