05.
Navigating Growth in the BESS Market.
In conversation with Ian Plenderleith, Finance Director at AlphaESS UK
Hi Ian – to kick things off, could you tell us about your background and how you came to work at AlphaESS UK?
Absolutely. I’ve worked in the utilities and energy sector for many years across various leadership roles. My background includes experience as both CEO and Finance Director in different organisations, so I’ve had exposure to a broad range of operational and strategic challenges over the years.
I joined AlphaESS UK just over three years ago, and it's been an excellent and rewarding experience. I work under Mark Hale, who leads the AlphaESS business in the UK, and it’s been great to be part of a company that’s at the forefront of the transition to clean energy. We’re a growing team, passionate about helping people and businesses shift to smarter, more sustainable energy solutions.
In your role as Finance Director, what does this involve on a day-to-day level?
At its core of my role is the responsibility for overseeing all of the financial and administrative aspects of our UK operations. But the role goes beyond just numbers—I’m also closely involved in stock management and fulfilment, plus streamlining our processes and procedures to ensure we grow our business efficiently. My role often includes liaising with our colleagues in China and Germany to manage the flow of products into the UK and ensure they reach our customers efficiently.
Although there’s quite a bit of coordination involved to ensure everything runs smoothly, from procurement to delivery, I enjoy the diversity of the role. It’s crucial to navigate organisational growth that we continue to maintain the high level of product and customer service standards we’ve set and meet customer expectations as we grow.
What trends you’re seeing right now in the UK BESS market from your perspective, Ian?
The market has definitely been through a few phases in recent years. We saw a huge surge in demand in 2023, largely driven by the energy crisis that followed the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The rise in gas prices and the corresponding spike in electricity bills really pushed people to look at alternative solutions like solar and storage.
But that momentum didn't continue, the industry experienced a dip in 2024. Some of that was due to market saturation in certain segments, and some of it was just a general slowdown as people adjusted to the initial rush.
What’s encouraging and exciting, however, is that in 2025 we’re seeing signs of a strong rebound, this time based around the fundamental strengths of our products rather than geopolitical issues. Electricity prices remain relatively high, but at the same time, the cost of solar panels and battery systems has come down significantly, making the overall investment case for BESS much more attractive, especially for homeowners seeking energy independence and SMEs looking to gain control over their energy usage.
Have you noticed more competition entering the space too?
Yes, the market has opened up significantly, with new entrants bringing fresh ideas and product offerings to the table, particularly in the home energy storage segment. At AlphaESS UK, we’re driven by market competition, it pushes us to continue to innovate and be ahead of the curve. Discussing the marketplace with colleagues and customers, there’s a resounding agreement that it’s rewarding to work in a sector where each new product and innovation enables customers to source more of the energy from renewable sources whilst reducing their energy bills.
And where does AlphaESS UK fit into all of this? How would you describe the company’s position in the market?
Quite simply, we’re very well positioned. One of AlphaESS UK’s key strengths is the breadth of our product range. We have solutions starting at 3kWh for small residential applications, scaling all the way up to megawatt-hour systems suitable for commercial and industrial applications.
Our extensive range gives us the flexibility to serve a wide variety of customers. Whether someone wants to add battery storage to their home solar setup or a business has a desire to stabilise energy costs and reduce reliance on the grid, we can offer a solution that fits.
We also have a strong network of partners and a growing reputation in the UK for both product performance and customer support. We’re really proud of this and continue to invest in it.
Looking ahead, what do you think the future holds for AlphaESS UK?
While I can’t divulge financial specifics, we have ambitious, but structured plans to grow our market share over the coming years. The combination of improvements in the quality of battery storage products, falling technology costs, increasing awareness of renewable energy, and growing pressure on the grid means there’s real momentum behind battery storage.
We’re seeing that reflected in our customer base and in our brand’s visibility. More and more installers, businesses, and homeowners are recognising AlphaESS UK as a trusted name in the space, and that’s exactly where we want to be.
We’re continuing to build on that, bringing new products to market and strengthening our presence across the UK. Our natural environment provides us with many different sources of renewable energy, and with the continuous advancements in battery technology, homes and businesses will be able to store and use more renewable energy, something I’m sure everyone will welcome. It’s an exciting time in the industry and I’m delighted to be a part of this, and to be at AlphaESS UK.
If you’re interested in working with us or want to learn more about our installer hub, call 0330 043 2610 or complete our quick enquiry form at Become Approved Installer for AlphaESS UK
