Renewable specialist, Rexel UK helped drive a charity appeal to bring solar power to a hospital at Uganda at the Solar Power Portal Awards.
The awards, which took place on 13 October as part of the Solar Energy UK exhibition at Birmingham’s NEC, proved a platform to drum up awareness of a partnership between Henley Media Group and UK charity, Kamuli Friends to bring solar power to a hospital in Uganda.
As the lead sponsor of the event, Rexel not only funded one of the 25 solar panels needed for the project but helped to rally the industry together to fund the project – helping to raise far more the initial target.
Jerry Hamilton, business development director of Renewables and Energy Solutions for Rexel Northern Europe, said: “There is no question about it; solar technology is a key force in combating the energy crisis not just here in the UK but globally. We are therefore delighted to be a part of this fantastic cause, donating towards bringing solar power to a hospital in Uganda – which will ultimately provide clean, reliable and efficient power to the much needed healthcare facility and, ultimately, help to save lives.
“The Solar Power Portal Awards was a great opportunity to encourage others in the industry to donate to this worthy cause and I’d like to personally thank everyone who got involved and helped us to far exceed our fundraising target – it will help the hospital to secure a sustainable future, generating the power that it needs to keep on saving lives.”
In its sixth year, the Solar Power Portal Awards aim to create a marker of the brightest and best that UK solar has to offer. As such, the awards focused on all areas of the solar industry, recognising and commending good practice, professionalism, quality, safety and innovation.
Hamilton added: “We’re delighted to be the lead sponsor of this year’s awards, which has once again allowed us to get together and recognise the growing maturity in the solar industry, while celebrating those who have helped the UK solar market develop into the largest in Europe.
“The awards act as a catalyst to show higher visibility within the industry and ultimately acknowledge the great work that has been achieved to reduce use of fossil fuels and increase use of green renewables.”
For anyone seeking to donate to the Ugandan hospital appeal, further info can be found at: www.pv-tech.org/editors_blog/life_saving_solar_join_our_ugandan_hospital_appeal