Engineer spotlight: Tony on experience, learning and life at SGU

By Darren Lewis | 1-10-25

Tony brings five decades of engineering know-how and a fresh passion for solar

After nearly five decades as an engineer, Tony could have easily settled into retirement. Instead, he chose to take on a new challenge at Solar Group. With a career spanning everything from mechanical and electrical systems to high-voltage solar, Tony brings experience, perspective, and a hands-on approach that continues to make him a valued part of the team. His story is a reminder that learning never stops and that passion for problem-solving doesn’t fade with age.

1.     What originally brought you to SGU, and what has kept you here these past three years?

After 35 years in the parking industry and with three months left until retirement, my previous company asked me to carry on working, even if it meant part time. But I felt I had nothing else to achieve — until Darren asked me to join Solar Group. This has brought new challenges which I relish, and although I’m past retirement age I still feel I have something to give to the company.

2.     What do you enjoy most about your role day-to-day?

I like working outside and working alone or part of a team. I've been an engineer for nearly 50 years and repairing things has been my life 

3.     What has been your proudest moment or achievement since joining?

My biggest achievement I think, and hope is being an asset to the company even at my age.

4.     If you could swap roles with anyone in the company for a day, who would it be and why?

I wouldn’t swap roles with anybody as we all have our own individual skills. I know what I can and can’t do, and the company works best that way.

5.     Outside of work, what do you love to spend your time doing?

Outside of work my favourite thing is to socialise with my family. Beyond that I enjoy eating out, taking the caravan to the coast to relax, and holidays in the sun.

6. What’s one lesson or skill you’ve picked up at SGU that surprised you?

One lesson I’ve learnt since joining is that you’re never too old to learn. As an engineer for most of my adult life I’ve worked on mechanical, electrical, electronic and IT systems, but working in solar has brought new challenges with much higher voltage systems than I’ve ever worked on before.

7.     If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting out here, what would it be?

My one piece of advice would be to apply logic and common sense, as that’s 95% of anything you do — at least, that’s how I’ve got by all these years.

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Ready to Make the Switch?

If you're looking for a reliable, experienced O&M partner to take over the management of your solar farms in the next year, look no further than Solar Group Utilities. Contact us today for a free consultation and let our team show you how we can optimise your solar portfolio performance and deliver exceptional value.

With over 20 years in the UK solar O&M market, Solar Group Utilities is a trusted and established leader in the industry. Our proven track record speaks for itself: we have a well-deserved reputation for successful project execution and exceptional service delivery.

Darren Lewis

Managing Director

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Darren is responsible for all operational aspects of our service provision. This includes site survey, workflow, training and the assessment, onboarding and development of our contract partners. With 20 Years in Electrical Installation and PV, there is a huge amount of industry change that he has been an integral part of and his approach is that every day brings a new opportunity for further process improvement.