At Cobolt Blue Energy, we believe in providing more than just solar panels; we’re committed to delivering truly sustainable and ethical energy solutions. We sat down with our co-founder, Liz, to discuss her personal journey into the world of solar and what inspired the creation of Cobolt Blue Energy.

Q: Liz, what first sparked your interest in solar energy?

A: It was a combination of things. I’ve always been passionate about protecting the environment and felt it was time to move beyond just talking about it and to actually do something. At the same time, I was concerned about global energy security and the rising cost of energy bills, especially as I approached retirement. The idea of having more predictable bills and gaining energy independence from the grid was a huge draw. I wanted the assurance that I could run my home independently, no matter what.

Q: Your background is in business and as a business adviser. How did that influence your path toward founding a solar company?

A: My work as a Business Adviser exposed me to a wide range of companies and their journey towards NetZero. I saw firsthand how much pride and motivation employees felt when their company made a genuine effort to protect the environment. This reinforced my personal conviction that caring for the environment wasn’t just a personal choice but a professional necessity. It became clear that there was a need for a solar company that prioritised sustainability and ethical practices, not just profits.

Q: In your research, you uncovered some concerning facts about the solar industry. Can you tell us more about what you found?

A: Yes, we discovered some disturbing truths. We learned that according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), over 60% of the electricity used in global solar panel manufacturing comes from coal. I couldn’t reconcile the idea of installing a product made with fossil fuels and shipped long distances to reduce my carbon footprint. It just didn’t make sense.

We also found that China manufactures over 80% of the world’s solar panels, with projections suggesting this could rise to 95% in the coming years. This reliance on a single region concerned us, especially when we saw reports linking some solar factories in the Xinjiang region to forced labour practices. We were deeply disturbed by the thought of public money being used for installations with panels linked to these issues. We knew we had to find a better, more ethical way to source our products.

Q: Your personal search for solar installation was frustrating. What was your experience like?

A: It was eye-opening. Most companies were just pushing their cheapest products without any real consideration for sustainability or ethical sourcing. They were more interested in moving stock or increasing margins than in helping me find a truly sustainable solution. There was a lot of bluster and little substance.

I also saw a worrying trend of poor workmanship. We heard from roofers who were constantly repairing roofs damaged by poorly installed solar panels. We were determined to fix this. We knew that for a solar solution to be truly effective and trustworthy, it had to be a quality product and installed by skilled, reliable tradespeople.

Q: So, how did this journey lead you to create Cobolt Blue Energy?

A: All of these experiences solidified our business plan. We were determined to build a company that did things differently, and did them right. We focused on what truly mattered: sustainability, ethical sourcing, and expert installation.

We did our due diligence and selected manufacturers based on the quality of their products and their commitment to sustainability. On a personal note, I’m proud to say the 14 panels on my own roof were designed in Switzerland and manufactured in Germany using only wind and solar power. They are fitted with cutting-edge technology, and I have the peace of mind that they were installed by skilled tradespeople.

Q: It sounds like your personal solar installation has been a success. What have been some of the key benefits for you?

A: It’s been incredible. My on grid energy usage is now so low it’s almost non-existent. My home energy usage rarely exceeds 10 pence per day, and some days it’s as little as zero. I can charge my car directly from the panels, which saves me hundreds of pounds in motoring costs.

I’m also able to sell my excess energy back to the grid. In just the last three months, I was credited with £114, which more than covers my standing charges. It’s been a truly empowering experience, not just for my bank account but for my peace of mind.

Q: Three years in, what are you most proud of at Cobolt Blue Energy?

A: I’m most proud of the fact that our original business plan is our reality. We are making a real difference. We educate people about the benefits of solar and, wherever possible, we only supply the very best products that have been sustainably manufactured and ethically sourced. We’ve stayed true to our core principles. Our passion and tenacity have only grown, and we take comfort in knowing that we are always doing the right thing for our clients and the planet. 

That’s the power we want to give to everyone.