OVO Solar & Heating is one of the UK’s first dedicated renewable energy franchise networks, giving independent trade businesses a way to scale without giving up what makes them good: local knowledge, local relationships, and full ownership of their business. For installers looking to grow beyond what they can achieve alone, the model offers the backing of a national brand without losing their identity.
The network spans 16+ regional franchise partners covering over 90% of mainland UK, delivering solar PV, battery storage, air source heat pumps and air conditioning. Every partner retains full local ownership and customer relationships, while gaining access to OVO’s brand equity, buying power and technology from day one. Every partner also operates to a single, uncompromised standard, holding MCS accreditation as a minimum alongside membership of an electrical Competent Person’s Scheme, with a 10-year workmanship warranty offered as standard on every installation.
This is backed by robust support built for installers, not just sales teams. New partners complete a two-week technical and commercial onboarding programme to get trading fast, followed by ongoing coaching from a dedicated Franchise Operating Partner who understands the trade. An in-house tech team automates admin such as proposals, commissioning and procurement, freeing up time for installations, while centralised marketing generates high-intent, pre-qualified leads straight into each partner’s pipeline.
The results speak for themselves: a 4.9-star Trustpilot rating, an industry-leading NPS and zero franchise partner exits in the network’s first full year. Partners have reported job volumes tripling or more since joining, driven by steady lead flow and protection from the margin pressure that typically forces small installers into price wars.
It is a genuine network, not just a franchise in name. Regular regional meetings and peer-to-peer forums mean franchisees share best practice, local insight and resource during peak periods, collaboration rather than competition. Many partners are also active in their local communities, from a two-year shirt and fan zone sponsorship of Truro City FC to grassroots sports sponsorships elsewhere in the network, reflecting a business built on local presence rather than a head-office model. This approach is shaped by strategic guidance from a consultant with 25+ years’ experience across the UK’s largest and most established franchisors.
Looking ahead, the network is growing deliberately rather than quickly: closing the remaining gap in UK coverage, expanding the product range through supplier partnerships, and adding lower-cost entry points to open up new customer segments for partners already in the network. For a trade business ready to scale with real backing, not red tape, OVO Solar & Heating offers a proven model built for growth.
What OVO Solar & Heating partners say
“Prior to joining OVO, we were doing around 5/6 jobs per month… Now we’re doing around 20 and looking to get to 30 quite soon. They’ve given us stability and we’re looking to expand our workforce.”
Greg, Owner, Next Generation Renewable Energy powered by OVO
“Before OVO came along, it was pretty much a full-time job for one person: procurement and pricing, it was a long, difficult journey. We were losing jobs predominantly on price because we were a small player… It was a race to the bottom. However, having OVO behind us with the big brand name and their buying power, it’s made us more competitive in the market.”
Ryan, OVO Thames West
“Any time we’ve got issues with technology, they’ve got a whole tech team to help us. If we need help with sales, their sales guys can come out and help our team… once you sit down, do the numbers and realise what’s available, it’s a no-brainer.”
Mark, Managing Director, Greenhome powered by OVO