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Certas Energy acquires solar installer to switch on UK commercial rooftop potential

Certas Energy, the UK’s leading fuel and lubricants distributor and part of DCC plc, has taken another major stride on its mission to empower businesses with their energy transition journey, following the acquisition of the UK’s leading installer of B2B solar energy systems, Centreco.  

Renewables acquisition is a major step forward for the fuel distributor on its energy transition.

Based in Chorley in the North West of England, Centreco is a specialist provider of commercial solar energy systems to businesses across the UK. Over the past decade, the company has grown rapidly, gaining significant success in the commercial rooftop sector.

The acquisition of Centreco not only accelerates Certas Energy’s renewable energy ambitions and capabilities but signals a significant milestone on its roadmap to a lower carbon future. 

Supporting energy evolution

Steve Little, managing director of Certas Energy, said: “This acquisition represents a major milestone for both Certas Energy and Centreco.

“As demand for self-generated solar energy systems continues to grow, powered by energy security concerns, electricity cost mitigation, and environmental legislation, Certas Energy and Centreco will be perfectly poised to meet this need. Together, we can help customers to optimise and evolve their energy mix. 

“We are delighted to welcome the Centreco team on board and have no doubt that their technical skills, business development and operational capabilities will further enhance our expanding range of renewable solutions and elevate Certas Energy’s position as the energy partner of choice.” 

Centreco is the first specialist commercial solar provider to join Certas Energy’s growing portfolio of renewable energy solutions and services within its Energy Solutions Renewables Division. It will play an integral role in Certas Energy’s renewables offering, providing a complete turnkey solution to switch on the UK’s commercial solar potential. 

Centreco’s systems deliver immediate energy cost savings, offer protection from electricity price inflation, and minimise the environmental impact of client operations. Its customer base primarily consists of medium to large scale B2B businesses, including industrial, manufacturing and commercial companies. 

Focusing on the B2B rooftop market, Centreco’s 85-strong team of committed and experienced employees oversee every aspect of the solar project, from design and approvals to installation and project management. 

Expanding customer base

Adrian Dunleavy, Chairman of Centreco, said: “Thanks to the efforts of all our staff, Centreco has positioned itself as a market leader in the commercial solar energy systems market. We are a high growth, entrepreneurial company with an ambition to help UK businesses reach their environmental sustainability goals and reduce their energy costs. 

“We have been successful in building a strong platform from which to develop Centreco at pace. We’re excited to welcome a new chapter which will combine our compelling renewables proposition and in-house capabilities with a highly reputable and market leading energy brand.

“Being part of Certas Energy offers the opportunity to bring our solar energy offering to a wider customer base and to new markets with the strength of an established industry player behind us.” 

Driving meaningful change

Certas Energy’s acquisition pipeline is a core part of its strategy to become a leader in the UK’s renewable energy installed services space. The partnership with Centreco closely follows the acquisition of Hafod Renewable Energy, one of the UK’s fastest growing renewable energy businesses, as well as the purchase of Freedom Heat Pumps, one of the UK’s leading distributors of air source and ground source heat pump equipment.

“As a business, we have our sights firmly set on bringing together the UK’s energy powerhouses to drive meaningful change and ensure our customers’ journey to lower carbon operations is as smooth and seamless as possible,” added Steve. “By expanding our portfolio, growing our renewables division and harnessing industry-leading expertise, we are confident that we can achieve and exceed this ambition.”

Photo shows: L-R Jon Williams, Managing Director of Centreco, Steve Little, Managing Director of Certas Energy, and Adrian Dunleavy, Chairman of Centreco