• • • NEWS • • •
SOLAR INSTALLERS TURN TO WIND ENERGY TO EXPAND THEIR OFFERING
A
s demand for on-site renewable energy continues to grow, the market for solar
installers is also changing. New rules allowing households to install plug-
in solar panels without professional installation could see part of the domestic market move towards DIY solutions. For established solar installers, that makes diversifying into other forms of renewable generation more attractive. According to AirPlus Renewables, its XEVA system provides an opportunity to do exactly that, opening the door to small-scale wind generation without requiring installers to develop an entirely new skillset. Designed for commercial rooftops and other
constrained environments, XEVA has been engineered to sit naturally alongside existing solar installations. The system uses many of the same installation principles already familiar to solar contractors, including rooftop mounting systems,
inverter integration and electrical connections. The main difference is speed. Delivered fully assembled, XEVA can be installed in around 90 minutes, allowing installers to add wind generation to a project with minimal additional time on site. "Solar installers have spent years developing the
expertise needed to work safely on rooftops and connect renewable systems into buildings," said Jimish Patel, Founder of AirPlus Renewables. "As simpler solar products become increasingly accessible to consumers, installers have an opportunity to use that expertise across a broader range of renewable technologies. We wanted to build a product that complements those skills rather than replaces them. If you already install commercial solar, much of the process will feel familiar." Unlike traditional micro wind turbines, which
often struggle in built-up areas, XEVA has been developed using AirPlus'
EDGEWIND Tech to capture both turbulent and
non-turbulent airflow. This allows it to generate power in many of the same environments where rooftop solar is already being deployed, including commercial buildings, industrial sites and public- sector estates. For installers, this creates an opportunity to
diversify as the solar market itself evolves. Plug-in products may make basic solar generation accessible to more households without professional installation, but commercial and more complex renewable projects will continue to require specialist expertise. Adding wind gives installers another way to
apply those skills and increase the value of the projects they deliver. Solar remains a key part of the renewables mix, while wind can provide additional generation during the winter months, overnight and in poor light conditions, creating a more balanced renewable energy mix. The modular nature of XEVA also makes it easy
to scale. Installers can specify a single unit or multiple systems depending on the customer's available space and energy requirements, providing flexibility across a wide range of projects. XEVA allows commercial solar installers to
increase project value without fundamentally changing the way they work. AirPlus Renewables is currently seeking
capable installation partners ahead of the commercial rollout of XEVA. By working with established MCS accredited solar installers, the company aims to make local wind generation as accessible as rooftop solar has become over the last decade, giving installers another way to support customers on their journey towards greater energy independence.
www.airplusrenewables.com
electricalengineeringmagazine.co.uk ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING • SEPTEMBER 2026 5
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