North East commercial solar specialist AR Power has been shortlisted in the Contractor of the Year category at the prestigious Solar & Storage Live Awards 2026, recognising the company’s continued growth and commitment to delivering high-quality renewable energy projects across the UK.
The national awards celebrate excellence across the solar and energy storage industry, recognising organisations that demonstrate technical expertise, innovation and outstanding customer service.
AR Power has been shortlisted following the successful delivery of a major commercial solar installation for the Percy Hedley Foundation, one of the North East’s leading disability charities, supporting individuals with complex learning difficulties, disabilities and additional communication needs.
The multi-site project saw AR Power design and install solar PV systems across the Foundation’s specialist education, care and residential facilities, helping the charity reduce both its energy costs and environmental impact while supporting its wider sustainability and ESG ambitions.
The installation is expected to save more than 51,000kg of CO₂ emissions every year, alongside delivering approximately £43,000 in first-year energy savings, allowing more funding to be directed towards the Foundation’s vital services.
For AR Power, however, the project represented much more than the installation of solar panels.
Working within live operational environments where vulnerable individuals, staff and visitors remained on site throughout the works required meticulous planning, close collaboration and an uncompromising commitment to health and safety. Detailed risk assessments, carefully planned installation schedules and continuous communication ensured the project was delivered safely, efficiently and with minimal disruption.
The recognition comes during a period of significant growth for AR Power, as more organisations across the UK look to invest in commercial solar to reduce rising energy costs, improve sustainability credentials and future-proof their operations.
With businesses increasingly seeking trusted renewable energy partners, AR Power has continued to expand its portfolio, delivering tailored commercial solar solutions across a wide range of sectors including manufacturing, engineering, education, healthcare and the charitable sector.
Unlike many contractors, AR Power delivers projects through its dedicated in-house commercial, technical and operational teams, enabling customers to benefit from a consistent, collaborative approach from the initial feasibility study through to installation, commissioning and ongoing aftercare. This commitment to quality, accountability and customer service has become a defining feature of the business and one of the reasons clients continue to return for future projects.
Chris Balmer, Managing Director of AR Power, said, “Being shortlisted for Contractor of the Year is a fantastic achievement for the whole team and recognition of the hard work, expertise and passion that goes into every project we deliver.
As demand for commercial solar continues to grow, we’ve remained focused on delivering the highest standards of quality, safety and customer service, while helping businesses and organisations reduce their energy costs and meet their sustainability goals.
The Percy Hedley Foundation project perfectly demonstrates what we’re all about, working collaboratively with our clients, understanding their unique requirements and delivering solutions that make a genuine long-term difference. To be recognised on a national stage alongside some of the industry’s leading contractors is something we’re extremely proud of.”
Being named a finalist in the Solar & Storage Live Awards reflects not only the quality of AR Power’s work but also the company’s wider mission to help organisations transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy while delivering measurable commercial benefits.
As demand for commercial solar continues to accelerate, AR Power remains committed to raising standards across the renewable energy sector, delivering technically excellent projects that create lasting environmental, financial and social impact for its customers.
The winners of the Solar & Storage Live Awards 2026 will be announced later this year, with AR Power hoping to bring the national Contractor of the Year title back to the North East.
