From rooftop PPAs to virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs), Shawton Energy is carving out a reputation as a nimble, fully integrated provider capable of delivering complex projects at pace.
“When we started, our early clients were already asking about funded solar projects, but in 2019 we were still explaining what a PPA was,” recalls Jamie Shaw (right), Shawton Energy’s Managing Director. Fast forward to 2025, and we’re fielding more tenders in a single year than in our first five combined.”
That rapid shift in demand coincided with a strategic decision to secure equity backing rather than rely on piecemeal project finance. Initial investment came from Iona Capital in 2021, later refinanced through Lazard Asset Management. “By choosing a 50% acquisition model, we kept control of capital, risk and liability,” says Jamie. “It meant we could bring legal, financial and technical expertise in-house, so when a client comes to us, we don’t have to involve multiple third parties. We can deliver a genuinely turnkey service.”
Proving the model
The approach quickly bore fruit. One of Shawton’s first major projects was at Burnley College, which was determined to decarbonise as part of its expansion plans. “The FD there was adamant he wanted a PPA,” says Shaw. “Because we had the funding, we could sit down and explain every aspect – legal, financial, technical – through seasoned professionals. That avoided the usual merry-go-round of external advisors.”
Installed in 2021, the Burnley College solar system has since saved the institution more than £400,000, largely thanks to volatile power prices during COVID. Early success stories helped Shawton build credibility with corporates such as Iceland and Valley Hydraulics, and opened the door to larger frameworks including the Co-op Group.
Speed and scale as differentiators
For Jamie, Shawton Energy’s competitive edge lies in agility. “We turned the Iceland opportunity around in around three months – from commercial validation to DNO approvals and planning. Larger competitors can take much longer to move projects forward,” he says.
That responsiveness is backed by a growing delivery team. The Shawton Group [or Shawton Energy?] now employs around 150 staff across engineering, project management and construction. “We’re not just a funder or developer – we manage installation and maintain assets to ensure they deliver the yields promised,” Jamie emphasises.
The company’s pipeline now spans both traditional rooftop solar for commercial and industrial clients, and front-of-the-meter solar farms structured as VPPAs. A recent 8.6MW scheme in South Wales, contracted to supply a large London corporate, marked Shawton Energy’s entry into the virtual PPA space. “One VPPA of that size is equivalent to the entire rooftop portfolio of a retailer like Iceland,” Jamie points out.
Expanding into VPPAs
As corporates with multi-site portfolios look for scalable green power solutions, Shawton Energy sees the VPPA model becoming a vital growth area. “A chain like KFC has over 1,000 UK locations, mostly franchises. A single solar farm could supply hundreds of them virtually,” explains Jamie. “The same applies to high-demand city centre buildings such as 22 Bishopsgate – their exposure to volatile energy markets makes long-term price stability essential.”
Shawton Energy typically recommends clients match 30–40% of their demand through a solar PPA, balancing risk and cost. “Some customers want 24/7 green power, but when they see the cost of battery-backed matching they baulk. We’re pragmatic – our role is to deliver meaningful decarbonisation and price certainty without over-engineering solutions,” says Shaw.
Tackling the SME market
While many funders chase megawatt-scale portfolios, Shawton has also carved out a niche with SMEs. “97% of UK businesses are SMEs, and if we ignore them, we’ll never reach net zero,” argues Jamie. The company has delivered projects as small as 50kW at Dunham Forest Golf Club, alongside multi-megawatt rollouts for corporates.
Complex sites – such as older hotels, listed buildings or asbestos-roofed properties – are another focus. “We’re good at the tough jobs because of our construction background. We can manage roof upgrades, warranties and retrofits, which others shy away from,” says Jamie.
Positioning for growth
Looking ahead, Shawton Energy is targeting annual growth of 120–150%, building both rooftop and VPPA portfolios. “A good year for us would be 20MW of rooftop and 20MW of virtual PPA capacity,” Jamie notes.
For investors, PPAs remain a proven, investment-grade route. “Solar is bankable today. Other technologies like hydrogen or small modular nuclear are still five years away from being investible,” Jamie argues. “If corporates want to hit ESG targets now, funded solar is the most effective path.
Conclusion: a turnkey partner with momentum
Jamie believes the time for funded solar has never been stronger. “It’s about resilience as much as decarbonisation,” he says. “With solar, you get both.”
In a crowded market, Shawton Energy aims to establish itself as a go-to partner for funded solar – whether that’s rooftop arrays or large-scale VPPAs.
As Jamie puts it: “Customers want trust and simplicity. We provide a compliant, fully managed process with one point of contact. That’s what sets us apart.”
For further information: hello@shawton.co.uk
