Sustainable energy is a commitment we’ve made to our building, our clients, and the environment we all share here at Obsidian Offices. It is not something we arrived at overnight.
Since opening our doors in 1995, we have always believed that a great business centre is about leading by example, promoting and referring our own clients, and creating an environment that keeps costs down for everyone and helps the planet.
So when the time came to invest in solar, we knew exactly who to call.
Gen Green had been part of our client community for some time, and what struck us from the very beginning was their straightforward, no-nonsense approach to a sector that can often feel overwhelming. Their honest expertise and a genuine belief in what they do made the decision easy, but it was the people behind them that made us certain.
They installed 54 solar panels and a battery storage system here at Obsidian Offices, and the transformation has been remarkable. Bills that once reached £5,000 a month have fallen dramatically. Our overnight energy consumption more than halved.
We sat down with the Gen Green team Michael and Matt to find out more about who they are, the work they do, and what they believe the future of commercial energy looks like for UK businesses.
We also filmed a short video testimonial which you can watch below.
- When you first launched Gen Green, what were the biggest challenges in building credibility and trust as a new sustainable energy company?
The founders were already operating in the electrical and renewable energy sector so were able to secure initial contracts through our existing network which really helped in the early days.
Once we had a number of installs to show as case studies and testimonials it really helped to build trust with new clients.
- What made you go into the sustainable energy sector?
We knew this was still an industry in its early(ish) stages with lots of room for growth (despite us being in the sector for over a decade with other businesses).
We already had experience in the industry and within renewable energy installations, we were just bringing our experience together.
Between us we have a range of complementary skills which allows us to run a lean and agile business in the sector.
- Why should companies choose Gen Green?
We’ve seen it all!
Having started in the sector in 2010 with the launch of the Feed In Tariff and the first real solar boom, between us we have ridden the solar coaster in its various forms ever since. This means we are perfectly placed to provide a consultative approach to any project.
Providing honest guidance on what works and what is ‘hot air’, (excuse the global warming pun!) On top of the guidance before an installation, we pride ourselves on delivering a professional and personal installation experience, meaning you will always be dealing with the same people from within Gen Green from initial contact to installation to handover.
- On average, how much can businesses save by switching to solar panel energy?
Savings of 50% on electricity bills are common. In February 2025 we installed a 50kW PV system at Vicars Cross Golf Club. Over the last 12 months they have used 58,000kWh of which the Solar PV system provided 27,000kWh’s (46%) and saved around £8,100 in the year!
- For businesses considering making the switch to solar, what would you advise them to look at first?
Start by contacting a solar installer.
I know you might expect me to say that, but it really is the best place to start as any reputable installer will provide a consultative approach. The initial contact and meeting should be a fact-finding mission to gain an understanding of the business’s requirements, site specifics and end goals.
Each site is different so we always recommend a free site visit and consultation which can lead to a free quotation.
- What do you think the future of commercial energy use looks like in the UK?
Whilst the Labour Government have made considerable pledges to net zero and decarbonising the grid, there are many challenges ahead. The global tensions we’re currently experiencing highlight the fragility of the UK’s energy supply.
One challenge is upgrading the UK ageing grid to cope with all the new low carbon energy. This will cost and those costs are likely to be added to bills in terms of transmission fees. Whilst there will always be an energy mix and requirement for most businesses to import some energy from the grid, the more you can generate yourself and take advantage of lower tariffs overnight with batteries for example the less affected you’ll be by energy volatility.
A great quote I heard on a recent podcast in relation to businesses adopting solar and battery storage “Every year you don’t deploy within your business you are falling further behind whilst your costs will keep increasing”.
- What has been your biggest client success story so far?
We have worked with a number of prestigious clients and won some great contracts over the last couple of years, but I think the one we are most proud of (and looks great on our photo’s!) is Chester Golf Club. We were competing against a couple of other suppliers and to get given the contract was validation for our hard work.
We looked at many options with the General Manager and made multiple site visits to ensure smooth delivery and limited disruption to the club. It is now a great case study along with some other sports clubs, we are carving out a little niche as sports club energy specialists.
- How have Obsidian Offices’ Virtual Services supported Gen Green’s growth so far?
We’ve found Obsidian’s Virtual Business Services to be ideal whilst the company grows.
In the hybrid working world and a small business often operating on site and all over the country, we don’t always have a body in the office so being able to rely on Obsidian to pick up the slack when needed has been great. We also aware that as we do grow Obsidian can provide office solutions to suit us.
- Would you recommend virtual services to other growing businesses, and why?
Yes definitely, it provides us with the flexibility to grow without long contracts, gives us an office presence without the large overhead and provides a professional appearance.
The numbers we have seen since installation speak louder than any sales pitch ever could. But what stays with us more than the figures is the simplicity of it all. The decision to invest in sustainable energy was one of the most straightforward we have made, and the only thing we would change is that we didn’t do it sooner.
For any business owner sitting on the fence about solar, we would say this, the technology is there, the savings are real, and the right people to guide you through it are just a phone call away.
If you would like to find out what solar could do for your business, get in touch with the Gen Green team directly at www.gen-green.co.uk
Obsidian Offices is a premium business centre offering flexible office space, virtual business services, meeting room, daily desk and co-working hire with a community of forward-thinking businesses. Find out more at www.obsidianoffices.net.