'Every project matters': Northern Ireland renewable energy specialist marks three years of growth with £12m turnover and 750 renewable project
Since Neville Bell acquired the business from Harvey Group, Solmatix has increased turnover by 91%, created 14 additional jobs and delivered more than 750 renewable energy installations across the UK and Ireland
Northern Ireland renewable energy specialist Solmatix is marking three years since Neville Bell acquired the business from Harvey Group, with the company having delivered more than 750 renewable energy installations across the UK and Ireland during that time.
The projects have a combined solar capacity of approximately 39 megawatts, as Solmatix has continued to grow since returning to independent ownership in September 2023.
The company has increased its turnover by 91% over the past three years, reaching £12 million in its most recent financial year to August 31, 2025. It has also created 14 additional jobs during that period.
The anniversary on September 5 marks a significant personal and professional milestone for managing director Neville Bell, whose decision to acquire the business marked the beginning of a new chapter for Solmatix.
With roots in Northern Ireland and projects across the UK and Ireland, Solmatix designs, installs, services and maintains renewable energy systems for businesses, homeowners and public sector organisations.
Its work helps customers generate their own electricity, reduce reliance on purchased energy and support longer-term sustainability goals.
Reflecting on the anniversary, Neville said: “Ownership of Solmatix was a significant decision, both personally and professionally. It came from a belief in the business, the people behind it and what we could achieve together.”
“Three years on, what makes me proudest is the commitment I see from our team. Whether they are designing a system, working on site, or supporting a customer after installation, their knowledge and care are what give people confidence in Solmatix and for me it is all about the Solmatix experience.
“Running a business brings challenges, and these past three years have been no exception. But seeing a project come together, a customer return or a colleague develop reminds me why I made that commitment.”
Solmatix work spans commercial premises, manufacturing facilities, education, agriculture, healthcare, housing, and residential properties. Its approach combines technical design with an understanding of how each customer uses electricity, helping ensure systems are suited to their premises and operational requirements.
Among the projects delivered since September 2023 is NI Water, North Down Ards, where Solmatix installed 3,328No. 645Watt PV Panels = 2,146.56 kWp Solar PV system for long standing client NI Water. The installation is forecast to generate more than 2 million kWhrs of electricity annually, meeting approximately 23.2% of the site’s annual electricity requirements.
The company’s appointment to the West Mercia Energy Supply and Installation of Solar PV Framework provides a further route to supporting public sector organisations in Great Britain. The framework gives eligible organisations access to pre-qualified contractors for solar projects, supporting procurement and the delivery of renewable energy installations.
Neville said the company’s ambitions are rooted in building lasting customer relationships and maintaining quality as the business develops: “The progress we have made gives us a strong foundation, but growth must be supported by the right people, the right systems, and a consistent standard of delivery.
“Customers want a clear understanding of what renewable energy can do for them. They want to know what is suitable for their property, how it will work alongside their electricity use and what support they can expect afterwards.
“Our responsibility is to make those conversations practical and straightforward, then deliver hassle free on what we have agreed. Every project matters, whether it is a home installation or a larger commercial system.”
As Solmatix looks ahead, its priorities include developing relationships across the UK and Ireland and signature projects across the world helping customers understand the role that solar generation and battery storage can play in their energy plans.
He added: “There is a real opportunity to help more businesses and households take greater control of their energy. For us, that means providing sound advice, designing systems around actual needs and being there for customers beyond the installation.”
“I am grateful to our customers, suppliers and partners for their trust and support, and especially to our Team for everything they contribute.”
“This anniversary is a moment to recognise that shared effort. There is still plenty I want us to achieve, and I am looking forward to building the next chapter together.”
Solmatix was founded originally in 2008 by the Bell family