UK Firms Unite to Support Ukrainian Resilience with Sustainable Energy

Two Clevedon-based businesses are proving that sustainability and solidarity can go hand in hand. SolarSense, one of the UK’s leading commercial solar energy consultancies, has partnered with AUMA Actuators Ltd to deliver 300 recycled solar panels to Ukraine, offering a critical power source to rural communities amid ongoing war.

The effort is not just a humanitarian gesture. It reflects a growing recognition of the role that renewable energy can play in conflict zones, particularly where conventional energy infrastructure has been severely compromised. With Russia’s continued attacks on Ukraine’s grid, decentralised and resilient energy alternatives are increasingly vital.

A Sustainable Mission with Strategic Impact

The solar panels, which have been replaced during AUMA’s recent solar upgrade, are fully operational and capable of generating between 200 and 250 watts each. These are now en route to Ukrainian farms, homesteads, and households most affected by the war.

“The panels are in perfect working order and will provide an energy output of between 200-250 watts,” said Ashley Wood, Chief Executive of SolarSense. “They will play a vital role in helping rural communities in Ukraine keep the food production lines moving to support the war effort.”

Transported by road, the panels are destined for regions where diesel generators are often expensive, unreliable, or unavailable. By redirecting solar panels that might otherwise have ended up in landfill, the mission merges two imperatives: clean energy and circular economy thinking.

“With other conflicts happening in the world, it’s important to keep the war in the Ukraine front of mind and we’re delighted to do our bit in providing a secure energy source,” Wood added. “It’s well documented that Russia has targeted energy infrastructure to effectively disable Ukraine so other sources of energy are key.”

A Circular Economy Model with Global Resonance

This initiative underscores how the renewable energy industry can contribute to humanitarian resilience while embracing circular economy principles. Rather than disposing of solar panels when upgrading systems, companies like AUMA and SolarSense are repurposing technology that still has years of operational life.

Colin Borrows, Head of UK Sales at AUMA Actuators Ltd, shared the company’s motivation: “We’re pleased to help out in this way and would urge other businesses to do the same. It’s a win-win for us – we’ve found the best ‘home’ possible for them, and it allows us to get even more energy out of our new upgraded solar panels which will help us reduce our energy costs even further in the future.”

While photovoltaic waste is still a relatively small problem compared to other e-waste streams, projections show that discarded solar panels could reach 78 million tonnes globally by 2050, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). By creating new pathways for reuse, SolarSense’s project offers a glimpse into how commercial sustainability efforts can extend beyond a company’s own footprint.

Partners on the Ground

The distribution of the panels is being managed by Ukraine Focus, a Washington DC-based humanitarian group working directly with Ukrainian authorities. The organisation has played a key role in identifying locations where the donated panels can provide maximum impact.

In addition to farms and rural infrastructure, the panels will be installed in homes belonging to disabled veterans and families of war casualties, helping ensure that basic needs like heating and lighting are met even in the face of energy blackouts.

Brock Bierman, President and Chief Executive of Ukraine Focus, highlighted the strategic value of the donation: “We are delighted with the support from SolarSense and its partners. Wars today are not just fought on the battlefields but involve disabling nationally significant infrastructure. The supply of solar panels will help rural communities maintain production of food for the frontline.”

An Open Call for Industry Support

While the initial shipment of 300 panels marks a strong beginning, SolarSense is already planning future contributions and is calling on other businesses to follow suit.

“If you are a business and looking to upgrade your solar panels to a higher wattage, do get in touch as we can help you recycle your existing PV at a lower cost than the market rate, helping to avoid panels unnecessarily going to landfill, and all for an unbelievable cause,” said Wood.

This approach also reflects a wider shift in the sustainability sector: from single-point emissions reduction toward systems thinking, where product life cycles, geopolitical contexts, and social equity are all part of the strategy.

Solar Aid in a Time of War

Energy security is often taken for granted in stable economies, but in Ukraine, where millions have experienced blackouts and fuel shortages, renewable solutions are becoming lifelines.

As Europe grapples with the twin pressures of climate goals and geopolitical instability, initiatives like the SolarSense-AUMA partnership offer a tangible example of what practical sustainability can look like under extreme circumstances.

Their message is clear: clean energy isn’t just about emissions targets. It’s about resilience, equity, and, in times like these, survival.