The document celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Solar Trade Association (STA) and summarizes its role in empowering the UK solar industry since 1978. It features quotes from several long-time STA members and solar industry leaders reflecting on the growth of solar in the UK from the early days to its increasing prominence today. They note that while educational efforts continue, solar has now been fully integrated in the industry and will continue its exponential growth in the next decade through the STA's work in shaping supportive policy and driving the market.

1. #STA40
We’re proud to be celebrating
Empowering the UK solar industry since 1978

3. #STA40Solar from the 70’s and 80’s

5. #STA40
“When I joined this illustrious bunch of solarites we were only talking “solar water heating”, not
even “solar thermal”. There were about 5 of us and our board meetings were casual very pleasant
get togethers sharing ideas and how to promote our technology as a whole. “People need to be
educated” was the motto. Very little has changed…. We are still hammering the educational
message. Now we are doing it in a more powerful manner backed by some awesome companies.
PV gradually crept into our DNA and we have now been totally reformed. We all see the benefits of
PV and the occasional thermal applications are taken care of in our stride. We will keep drumming,
the next decade will be unbelievably solar.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY US.”
George Goudsmit,
Managing Director of AES Solar & Long-term STA Member

6. #STA40AES Solar

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“I have always seen the STA as the “face” of the solar
industry. It has supported solar companies like us from the
early days when we all had beards and scratchy jumpers, the
STA still represents us now and will be the driving force behind
solar and energy storage in the shiny new future when we all
drive EV’s and monitor our energy on our smartphones.”
Paul Hutchens,
Managing Director of Eco2Solar

10. #STA40Solar in Nepal

11. #STA40AES Solar

12. #STA40Sungift Energy

14. #STA40Forster Group

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“During my time as chair of the STA solar in the UK grew from a couple of hundred companies to
thousands and from tens of thousands of systems installed to millions. It was quite a ride and
became known sort of affectionately as the “solarcoaster”.
It’s a testament to the hardwork and dedication of many STA members and the staff team that we
are now regularly seeing solar peaking at 25% of the total power on the grid for chucks of the day.
This has been hard won progress, in spite of many obstacles, barriers and battles on the way. We
fought for the FiT and the RHI and have used them to transform solar in the UK. Many members
will remember when a 10kW system seemed a big deal – and it’s a sign of our progress that this
now seems so small. Of course there are still battles to fight, but the holy grail of subsidy free solar
and battery storage looms ever closer and everyone involved in the STA knows they have played a
part in getting us there”
Howard Johns, STA Former Chair

16. #STA40AES Solar

18. #STA40AES Solar

19. #STA40Sungift Energy

20. #STA40AES Solar – Eigg

22. #STA40AES Solar

24. #STA40STA 1st ever storage event

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“The Solar Trade Association is essential for driving forward the
policy agenda for both solar and storage in the UK. It's great to
celebrate their amazing achievements for the industry as solar
continues to break records in the UK. At WWF we expect to see
solar grow to 40GW in 2030 and look forward to working with the
great team at the STA to achieve this and more.”
Isabella O’Dowd,
Climate & Energy Specialist, WWF-UK

28. #STA40Forster Group

29. #STA40Sungift Energy

30. #STA40Forster Group

32. #STA40US President Jimmy Carter put solar on the Whitehouse in 1979

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“Foresight, as one of most active solar and storage investors, and manager
of the UK’s largest listed solar investment company – the 674MW Foresight
Solar Fund Limited, is delighted to have worked with the STA to help shape
the development of our industry and we look forward to supporting the
evolution of the industry towards an ever more efficient renewable and
energy storage system.”
Katherine Vinnicombe,
Senior Investment Manager, Foresight Group

35. #STA40Foresight Group

36. #STA40Viridian Solar

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38. #STA40Viridian Solar

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40. #STA40Viridian Solar

41. #STA40Solar Independence Day 2017

43. #STA40Solarcentury

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“One thing is certain, we will overcome the barriers facing the industry at
all scales. The market disruption is only just starting. How we transmit, buy
& sell electricity will be unrecognisable. Demand will grow massively for
transport and heat; don’t let anyone tell you we are in the wrong business!
Seasonality is the challenge waiting to be met, and it will be – the prize is so
great. The horse and cart went in 20 years. In reality we are still near the
beginning of a similar exponential transition.”
Peter Randall,
Managing Director, Solar Kingdom

45. #STA40Forster Group

46. #STA40Solarcentury

48. #STA40Emtec Energy

50. #STA40Emtec Energy

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“How appropriate to be celebrating the success of solar following this amazing UK summer
heatwave! Record generation of electricity and heat using the power of the sun from Cornwall
to Scotland. Bring on another 40 years, we are ready!
Over the next 5-10 years, rampant EV growth will ensure solar and storage takes the baton to
fill the generation gap left by traditional power stations. All new homes will incorporate solar
as the interests of residents, house builders and regulators become aligned. Low cost, flexible,
decentralised energy is proven to reduce consumer bills. What was termed ‘disruptive’ is now
seen as normal as sophistic aggregation models are used to balance the network. The STA
continues to play a pivotal role empowering these key stakeholders to transform the power
markets.”
Paul Barwell, STA Former CEO

53. #STA40Caplor Energy on Solar Independence Day 2016