STA chief executive to step down

It has been a “real privilege to support the growth of a unique technology” says Barwell

The chief executive of Solar Trade Association (STA), Paul Barwell has announced he is stepping down from the role.

Barwell has been chief executive of the STA since 2012 and announced his decision to stand down to the trade body’s board earlier this summer.

The recruitment company Igloo3 is leading the search for his successor.

During Barwell’s tenure, the STA has achieved a number of key victories for the industry, including winning five per cent VAT for solar and new storage, defining operations and maintenance standards and establishing Solar Independence Day. 

Barwell said it was a “hard decision” to make and added it has been a “real privilege to support the growth of a unique and special technology”.

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with some brilliant colleagues, members and partners, which has meant we punch well above our weight,” said Barwell.

“But there is no doubt the solar industry has faced more challenges than it should given a track record of exceptional achievement.

“It is time for a change for me personally but I won’t be going far. I am pursuing some commercial interests that are very much embedded in the solar sector and I hope to remain a part of the STA’s extraordinary network as a member in due course.”

The chair of the STA Jonathan Selwyn said Barwell’s “superb strategic management of the association” and his ability to maintain membership levels “means that the STA is in its strongest financial position ever”.

“It has also meant the STA has moved successfully into new policy areas such as the storage space where it is already securing early policy wins,” said Selwyn. 

“We are now looking for a new chief executive to build on these achievements as solar and storage play an ever more important role at the heart of the UK’s energy transformation.”