Solar Talks Team: Steve, our Installation Manager

Solar Talks Team is our way of celebrating the amazing people that make Naked Energy and drive what we do. In this third episode of Solar Talks Team we’re in conversation with Steve Webster, Naked Energy’s Installation Manager

Hi Steve, what is your role, and how long have you been at Naked Energy?

I am the installation Manager at Naked Energy and joined the business at the end of 2023. My day-to-day responsibilities are supporting installers with the specification and installation processes associated with Naked Energy’s Virtu product range of solar thermal and solar PVT collectors and their integration into existing or new applications. This support can include initial product installation training, specification of ancillary pipework, fittings, components, and controls, including advisory site visits.

What attracted you to taking the role of Installation Manager?

I have been fortunate in that much of my career has involved researching into, working with, and installing, leading edge technologies. A large proportion of which has involved designing and installing highly efficient heating systems incorporating renewable energy technologies such as solar thermal, solar PV and heat pumps in both residential and commercial environments.

The Installation Manager role at Naked Energy represented the opportunity to work with the Virtu products that represent the next evolution of solar thermal and PVT technologies at a point in time where the decarbonisation of heat is a very important element in reducing the dependence on fossil fuels.  

As part of Naked Energy’s engineering team, I also get quite involved in the continuous improvement of our product range to meet installers needs by directly sharing and implementing their feedback with the wider engineering team. I love having a positive impact on my environment and the role of Installation Manager at Naked Energy allows me to continue making a difference, just on a much larger scale!

What’s your background and career history?

My early career was focussed on communications and network technology research and development including optical fibre systems, mobile technology applications, remote monitoring systems, and the use of solar PV and small wind turbines for the powering of remote communications equipment.

It was research into these renewable energy technology applications that enhanced both my environmental conscience and my desire to make a difference where I can.

This led to a new career pathway that involved retraining as a heating engineer and the establishment of a business that focussed on the design, installation and maintenance of efficient heating systems incorporating renewable energy technologies such as solar thermal, solar PV and heat pumps.

During my career I have developed a passion for educating and sharing knowledge, particularly in respect to energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies, be it to customers, fellow installers or students during periods of teaching.

The importance of the efficient utilisation of energy and the positive impact that renewable energy technologies can have in reducing fossil fuel demand and the associated carbon emissions/environmental impact has generally been underplayed by policy makers, as well as the commercial and industrial sectors, for decades.  

Changing energy for good should be the new message and mantra for all!

Which aspect of the energy transition are you most fascinated by?

I am really interested in the interplay of integrated solutions combining different renewable technologies, such as solar thermal and solar PVT, with heat pumps and other low carbon tech, and the benefits this delivers in the form of enhanced energy efficiency, reductions in emissions and reduced demand on the electricity grid.

Currently, the emphasis on heat decarbonisation seems to be through electrification, i.e. heat pumps. While heat pumps present a great solution to many use cases, the benefits of integrated low carbon solutions do not get the amount of recognition deserved. Quite frankly, if we are serious about our journey to net zero, we need to make use of the most energy efficient and lowest carbon solution available for a given application.

What do you enjoy about working at Naked Energy?

Working with a bunch of people who are scarily clever but very helpful and supportive with it, and who share a passion for making a difference. Every day is definitely a school day!

What’s been your favourite moment so far?

Can I say the Christmas party? It was such a great ice breaking opportunity meeting my new colleagues, where I was made to feel valued and so welcome from day one. That sense has continued, making me feel very much part of a team with a shared mission much earlier that I thought might be the case.