By Matthew Legg Business editor

Last updated at 12:50, Wednesday, 06 June 2012

A CUMBRIAN energy firm has signed a deal with global electronics giant Samsung to spearhead its drive into the UK solar panel market.

Panel beater: Martin Cotterell, founder and chairman of Sundog Energy, which has taken on some of the most demanding solar projects in the UK

Sundog Energy, of Penrith, will distribute the South Korean company’s 250w solar panels through its Sundog Wholesale division.

Martino Lim, director of solar marketing for Samsung said: “We believe Samsung and Sundog are a perfect fit.

“We are both highly ethical companies and Sundog’s reputation for technical excellence means we can provide customers with a range of products and services that are second to none. We look forward to working with the Sundog team to maximise our footprint in the UK.”

Sarah Lennie, head of Sundog Wholesale, said: “We are delighted to be working with Samsung and as one of the most-respected wholesalers of solar PV in the UK, we have the established contacts and infrastructure to fully support them. The new panels fit well in our product range and will help meet the rising demand for high power, top brand panels from people who care about the environment.”

Sundog is one of the fastest-growing independent companies in the UK designing and installing systems which generate electricity from solar energy.

The company began life in the hamlet of Matterdale End before moving to the North Lakes Business Park.

Meteorologist Martin Cotterell, who is also a trained electrical engineer, set up the firm in 1995 after working for various environmental organisations in locations including the Antarctic.

The firm has taken on some of the most technically and aesthetically demanding projects in the UK including installing a major solar panel system on the glazed roof of London’s Kings Cross Station.

It achieved a world first last year after landing a contract to install solar panels on the roof of Bradford Cathedral, which is attempting to become the first in the world to produce its own energy.

First published at 11:27, Wednesday, 06 June 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk