Solar energy wholesaler HDM Solar has opened a new branch in Scotland, part of a wider expansion plan to build a network of distribution centers across the country.
The Yorkshire-based company said it will open a new 10,000 sq ft site in Livingston on May 8, including a sales office and a “large” warehouse to supply solar installers across Scotland and northern England.
The site will also feature an installer training center, called a “Renewable Training Center of Excellence,” which HDM said will offer solar installers free training directly from product manufacturers. It will include a roofing installation for installation training, which HDM says demonstrates its “continued commitment to the industry.”
The Livingston site is part of HDM Solar’s £10.2 million investment to establish 60 sites across the UK. Livingston will be the company’s fifth location when it opens.
“Livingston is the ideal platform for our first branch in Scotland,” said Adam Firth, CEO of HDM Group. “It’s another important step in building a national network that really supports installers. Everything we do is focused on putting the installer first, and that runs through every decision we make as a company.”
Residential solar installations are in a strong position across much of the UK, with new legislation making this mandatory solar energy on the roof of new construction in Wales And support for installations under the Warm Homes Plan.
Scotland has faced more challenges, following the abolition of the interest-free loan scheme for residential PV in 2023. In January, Solar Energy Scotland said that removing the loan scheme was a “big mistake” which had increased fuel poverty and significantly reduced Scotland’s share of all UK rooftop solar installations, from more than a quarter in 2020-21 to just over 10% by 2025.
