The way forward

With its innovative solutions, SGS Energy is empowering businesses and homeowners to embrace a more sustainable and energy-independent future

SGS Energy is at the heart of the renewable energy revolution. Founded in 2010 as Sun God Solar, this Kent-based business has transformed over the past 15 years from a small, solar-focused firm into a dynamic one-stop shop for renewable energy solutions. Today, it offers a comprehensive range of services, including solar PV systems, heat pumps, EV chargers and energy storage.

Under the leadership of managing director Jonathan Howes (pictured above), SGS Energy has expanded from a modest six-person operation to a thriving team of 25, firmly establishing itself as a front-runner in the renewable energy industry. The company remains committed to empowering businesses and homeowners to take control of their energy needs, paving the way for a sustainable future.

Jonathan’s journey began with hands-on experience. Starting his career as a gas and heating engineer, he gained early exposure to sustainable technologies like solar thermal systems during his apprenticeship. This experience ignited a passion for renewable energy, eventually leading him to the helm of SGS Energy. “In 2007/2008, when the government announced that boilers would be banned for new builds by 2016, I knew renewables were the way forward,” he says.

Jonathan joined SGS Energy in 2013. Initially buying into the company for its accreditation, he later involved his brother Matt in 2015 to expand into heat pumps. By 2020, the original director had stepped down, and Jonathan and Matt assumed full control of the business.

As managing director, Jonathan fosters a culture of teamwork and innovation at SGS Energy by valuing collaboration and leveraging his team’s diverse skill sets. He explains: “I’m very much an ideas person, but I take on the opinions and ideas of my team to achieve our business goals.” This open approach has helped SGS grow from strength to strength, maintaining high standards of communication and service throughout its operations.

SGS Energy’s success is rooted in a personalised approach to energy solutions. “We focus on bespoke systems tailored to our customers’ needs, helping them achieve energy independence,” says Jonathan. By offering tailored solutions, the company helps businesses and homeowners lower energy costs, gain resilience and reduce their carbon footprints. The benefits go beyond cost savings – commercial clients gain greater resilience, with renewable energy systems supporting critical operations and providing an uninterrupted power supply.

In an ever-evolving renewable energy industry, innovation is key to staying ahead. SGS Energy has embraced cutting-edge technologies like battery storage systems to maximise the efficiency of solar PV installations. These systems allow customers to store excess solar energy and even buy and sell energy, providing new levels of flexibility and efficiency.

One particularly exciting development for Jonathan is SGS Energy’s involvement in trials for a 0% emissions boiler, an alternative to traditional heating systems. “Being part of initiatives like this keeps us at the forefront of the industry,” he notes. The company has also been expanding its expertise in mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) systems, which reuse discarded hot air from kitchens and bathrooms to reduce energy waste in new builds.

SGS Energy’s stand at a recent event

SGS Energy’s newly launched showroom is another innovation milestone. Designed as an education hub, it helps schools, architects and engineers understand the latest renewable technologies and how they can be integrated into projects. “Integration is essential – renewable technologies coming together to create a seamless energy system is the future,” states Jonathan. “Utility companies are already creating tariffs to support customers on this journey.”

SGS Energy’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond business operations. The company is deeply rooted in the local community, offering education initiatives, supporting sports clubs and creating jobs as it grows. Jonathan describes these contributions as some of the most rewarding aspects of SGS Energy’s work: “We sponsor local sports clubs and offer learning opportunities for schools, with our new showroom allowing students and community members to learn about renewable energy directly from our engineers.”So, what’s next? Jonathan envisions continued growth and evolution for SGS Energy. A key milestone for 2025 is the launch of its insulation arm, aimed at helping clients reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency. “It’s an exciting development and aligns perfectly with our goal of being the go-to renewable energy company in the South East,” he says.

The next five years are set to bring further expansion and innovation, with Jonathan aiming to enhance SGS Energy’s position as a leader in the renewable energy sector. The company’s mission remains clear: to provide integrated solutions that support customers on their journey to energy independence while driving forward the transition to a more sustainable future. “We want to continue being the one-stop shop for everything – from insulation to heating, to energy generation. It’s about supporting our clients every step of the way.”

With ambitious plans on the horizon, SGS Energy is poised to remain a key player in the renewable energy sector for years to come. Jonathan sums it up best: “Renewables are the way forward. We’re here to lead the way, empower our customers and make a lasting difference – for the environment, for businesses and for our communities.”

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