May 8, 2015: EH Smith Builders Merchants, one of the largest independent builders’ merchants in the UK, is adding modules from Vikram Solar to its product portfolio. Based in the Midlands with over 90 years of expertise in the construction sector and 7 years in solar, EH Smith now wishes to expand its range of components for commercial rooftops by including tariff-free modules from the Indian manufacturer. It will be stocking modules of the Eldora Ultima series, targeting a total volume of 20 MWp over the next 12 months.
EH Smith has a specific focus in adding Vikram Solar modules to its supply range: “Anyone who wants to fully exploit the potential offered by sustainable, energy efficient and low carbon construction will have to consider photovoltaic solutions as integral part. This is why we want to offer all our customers the right solar modules for their projects. The Eldora Ultima series is particularly meant for developers/installers who are looking for modules with an excellent price-performance ratio without compromising on the quality. Vikram Solar modules also fit in well with our claim of offering the most up to date ‘green’ products available on the market,” says Andy Oram from EH Smith.
EH Smith and Vikram Solar share a similar history. Coming from a heritage business, both companies are still family-owned and are run by senior management who have spent more than 10 years in the respective companies. The emphasis and philosophy of both companies is to provide long-term sustainable customer solutions rather than to generate short-term gains.
Vikram Solar already distributes its product in 32 countries and this collaboration represents a further expansion of its network of partners. It is also a logical step for the module manufacturer in developing its commercial rooftops business. Davide Marro, Head of Business Development Europe at Vikram Solar explains: “Our solar panels have passed numerous quality audits and performance tests in the past to qualify for large-scale solar farms in the UK and to satisfy investors. We are extremely happy that the same quality products are now offered by EH Smith for customers who operate on commercial rooftops. A photovoltaic installation should form an integral component in every building. This would enable access to previously unused areas for generating distributed energy. It is therefore a logical step forward that a leading builders’ merchant such as EH Smith is expanding its portfolio of solar products for the residential as well as the commercial segment. EH Smith will be the first point of contact for installers. Located in the heart of the UK with more than 90 years of experience in the construction sector, it is best placed to tap into the rapidly growing PV market for commercial rooftops.”
About Vikram Solar
Tier 1 module manufacturer Vikram Solar is headquartered in Kolkata, India, with offices in North America, Europe, Japan and Africa. The company is part of the 40-year old Vikram Group. Since 2009, Vikram Solar has been manufacturing mono-crystalline and poly-crystalline modules with outputs ranging from 5 Wp to 315 Wp at its production facilities in Falta’s Special Economic Zone in West Bengal. The company also offers a comprehensive selection of services, from project development to installing and maintaining solar power plants.
