The Team

Robert Schrimpff

Co-Founder & CEO

Prior to setting up Solar for Schools, Robert led investments in renewable energy companies for 8 years. He co-founded Lumicity, a successful renewable project developer. Prior to that, Robert set up several internet businesses including hotels.com, focused on helping membership organisations and charities leverage the power of the web. Robert firmly believes that solar on roofs is the most sensible first big sustainable step to shedding our dependence on fossil fuels. Robert’s experience in web apps, solar power and renewable energy finance culminated in the founding of Solar for Schools, as a way of accelerating the adoption of solar on UK roofs. Robert holds an MBA from INSEAD.

Ann Flaherty

Co-Founder and UK Director

With over 10 years of solar experience on schools, Ann’s knowledge of the market in is unique. Ann’s developed solar on over 150 schools and is a founding director of the Solar for Schools CBS. With a degree from Imperial London and an MSc in Sustainable Development from the Centre for Environmental Studies she has a background in media and communications. Within renewables, Ann’s championed an opportunity for schools to incorporate renewable power into their energy mix. Ann’s based a stone’s throw from the Dartmoor National Park and when not working, she might be found walking on the moor with her dog, on a narrow boat, or on a beach on the North Cornwall coast.

Akshay Oliver

Financial Controller

Before joining us, Akshay worked in advertising, specifically with a key client Michelin, the premium French tyre company, new to the Indian market. Now based in the UK, Akshay is excited to contribute to India's energy sustainability goals and to raise awareness across the next generation in renewable energy. Something about your current role. Akshay studied in Loyola College, Chennai and IESEG School of Management in Lille, France. When not working from a spreadsheet, Akshay might be on his yoga mat, or at a music concert.

Alison Ashworth

Environmental Educator - university placement

Ally is an Environmental Science student at Lancaster University, working with our education team on a placement year. Her experience covers the environmental sector, including creating Cape Verde’s first green turtle database for the Darwin200 Project and a coordinating documentary series. Ally has spoken at the NorthWest Eco Sustainability Conference and has volunteered for the Wildlife Trust. She enjoys rowing and attending concerts.

Anna Hammond

Project Marketing Manager

Anna joined us in 2022 following a decade of communications experience across the renewables sector. Joining the then small charity SolarAid in 2008, sparked Anna’s passion in solar for its educational and social impact. Later, working with other ‘pico’ solar businesses in emerging markets took her to East Africa and India to live and work, visiting off-grid schools and communities which had benefited from solar. Based in Suffolk, Anna loves yoga, singing in her all-female group and adventuring with her young children.

Carryl Bentley

School Account & Office Manager

Carryl joined us in 2024, following over 20 years of administrative management roles. After Covid, and having been furloughed, Carryl took on a new challenge as Community Development Co-Ordinator at her local church where she worked within the community, giving out food parcels and setting up a community food shop in the church’s basement. Carryl’s role with us brings together her strong admin skills and her eagerness to make a real difference. When not working, Carryl might be found walking her Cockapoo, Muffin.

Charles Ahenda-Bengo

Project Development Manager

Charles joined us in summer 2023, having previously worked in energy, agriculture, and water with a Mechanical Engineering degree and an MSc in Sustainable Energy Systems. With over a decade of experience, he has worked on vast geothermal power plants in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, as well as will small-scale solar irrigation farms on Lake Victoria. Outside of work, Charles is busy dad of two young kids. He's an avid sports enthusiast, enjoying football, basketball, and the occasional touch rugby game with other local dads in his area.

Danielle Parker

Community Development Manager

Coming from an activist and educational background, Danielle joined the team in 2022. Prior to her 12 years of teaching in the UK and beyond, as far as South Korea and Ecuador. Danielle’s skill in bringing people together, collaborating with other educators and community groups, means she’s a brilliant person to build teams and make things happen. Based in Derby, Danielle enjoys exploring, hiking and finds her peace by practicing yoga, dancing, listening, dj-ing and travelling whenever she can.

Devinder Mangat

Sales Project Lead

Devinder joined us in late 2023, coming from a background in sales, where he gained his experience at both multinational companies and start-ups. He has led on numerous sales campaigns across various markets, focusing on business development. It wasn’t until his most recent role within education technology that his interest within the education sector grew leading him finding Solar for Schools. Prior to this, Devinder completed a degree in International Business. In his spare time, Dev enjoys going to the gym, travelling and is a massive football fan.

Georgia Gallimore

Head of Development

Georgia joined us in April 2022, and prior to that was in Berlin where she developed a new music school, providing support to students and staff, and managing administrative and logistics across the college. Back the UK, Georgia’s role here combines her passions for education and sustainable development. Georgia’s based in Cornwall and spends much of her free time at the beach, swimming or doing a beach clean. She also volunteers at a food waste charity, delivering surplus food to rural communities.

Matthew Diggins

Web Developer

Nicola Bryan

Asset Manager

Nicola joined Solar for Schools in late 2022, bringing with her a wealth of experience of Project Management and Facilities Management, particularly within the Ministry of Defence and the Defence Infrastructure Organisation. Nicola is based in the heart of North Yorkshire, surrounded by the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. It’s not surprising therefore that Nicola has a passion for the outdoors, including walking, running and camping with her family.

Richard Turner

Strategic Partnership Manager

Richard joined us in 2023, having previously worked as a strategic management consultant in sustainable development, where he partnered with the World Bank and P4G. Having recently completed a first-class honours degree in Philosophy and Politics and an MSc in Sustainable Development from the University of Manchester, Richard also has experience in project management from Barnabus Homeless Shelter. At 18, Richard led an outreach program in Ghana, sparking his passion for change.

Robert Goss

Chief Operations Officer

Robert joined us in 2023, following 14 years in the solar business. The first five of those years was as MD of German company, Conergy, which developed and built 200MW in the UK, growing from just Robert to a team of 55 in 4 years. Latterly, Robert was co-owner of Solar Electric in Ireland covering domestic, commercial and industrial. In 2023 he sold that business and returned to Buckinghamshire. Robert is married with two grown up children.

Robyn Winton

Head of Sales Operations

Robyn joined us in 2023, bringing 10 years of experience in the energy sector to her role as Head of Sales. Robyn honed her skills at a leading Energy Consultancy firm, where she guided businesses towards environmentally-conscious energy solutions. A proud member of the Institute of Directors, Robyn's passion for driving positive change led her to Solar for Schools, where she champions the adoption of solar in schools, empowering future generations with the knowledge and tools to create a greener, more sustainable world.

Ryan Wibberley

Operations Engineer

Sanchi Singh

Climate Fundraising Strategist

Sanchi joined us 2023 following 6 years of experience in management consulting, digital marketing and policy research including working on a Materials and Circular Economy (CE) platform and working with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. In 2020, Sanchi started her own podcast, Amplify, platforming grassroots climate solutions in India and the rest of the Global South. Sanchi holds a double MSc in Political Science and Public Policy from UCL. When not at her desk, she can be found improving her pottery skills, dancing, or travelling.

Shannon Jackson

UK Schools and Partnerships Project Manager

As an early member of the team: Shannon joined in 2019 as a project lead in the UK. Driven by the importance of scaled community energy, Shannon’s been part of some of our foundational projects, and now leads on our UK partnerships, working with community energy groups across the country. Shannon lives in one of the UK’s oldest housing co-ops, based in the city of Leeds, West Yorkshire, and absolutely loves it.

Simon Hardingham

Chief Technology Officer

Simon started his first business with Robert Schrimpff straight out of university; a system-provider technology which initially focused on hotel search and bookings. The business created the hotels.com website before shifting to corporate communications sites for PLC’s and, more recently, provided customised applications for the non-profit sector. Simon developed the software and systems to support the business, and then later ran the business for 26 years until it was acquired in 2019. Simon joined us in 2022 to help the business continue to develop and manage the integrated tools – a vital part of our business. When not at his desk, he might be found on a tractor or bailing hay in Suffolk, where he has a farm.

Tom Cardale

Technical and Asset Manager UK

Tom joined us in 2020 to lead project development, asset management and data communications across 6MW worth of UK solar systems. Tom’s BSc in Engineering gave him a strong interest in renewables, taking him around the world, training local teams. Tom loves engaging young people in sustainable development and renewable energy. When not on a roof, Tom’s probably driving around Suffolk, in his Land Rover, or under the bonnet of a classic car.

Wendy Litherland

Head of Education

Having been involved almost since the start, Wendy formally joined us in 2024. She has twenty-five years’ science teaching experience, largely focusing on working in sustainability, and leading the award-winning Eco Group, established in 2007. Wendy’s been central in working with our schools and developing the mobile app. Since 2011, Wendy’s also project managed the Sustainability Learning Conference; the largest and longest-running of its kind. When not motivating children or explaining kW h, she still enjoys netball, daily runs with her dogs or pottering in the polytunnel.

Yaren Oguz

Legal Assistant

Yaren joined the team in autumn 2023, where she works with the Legal Team as a Paralegal. In her previous role as a research assistant, she collaborated with the West Midlands Combined Authority and Birmingham Law School, focusing on net-zero initiatives and the role of local mobility policies. She has participated in various pro-bono projects, including research on sustainable transport. She is currently pursuing an LLM in Environmental and Energy Law. Outside work, Yaren enjoys playing tennis and oil painting.

Ardesh Sarangam

Planning Project Manager

Ardesh joined our team in the beginning of 2022. He finished his engineering in 2020, after which he ventured into the field of solar with an internship. Shortly after, he wanted to pursue a Masters in Art Conservation degree as it piqued his interest and is passionate about art. He was not able to pursue his passion but at the start of 2022 he got the opportunity to work with our company. Ardesh used to volunteer with an NGO teaching underprivileged kids so he was thrilled to be a part of an organisation which not only installs solar panels but also educates young minds to build a sustainable future.

Deva Palanisamy

Software Development Engineer

Deva has 14+ years of experience in software application development. His main goal is to create software with the user in mind, creating applications with a usable and intuitive user interface experience. He is constantly striving to learn new technologies and looking for ways to improve himself in this rapidly changing industry.. He loves learning new programming languages and software best practices. Deva’s hobbies are photography, cooking and programming.

Doss Denilson J

Junior Solar designer

Doss’s interest in science and physics led him to pursue a Bachelors degree in Electrical and Electronics from VOC College of Engineering, Tuticorin. During this time, Doss developed a real interest in renewable energy, namely solar and his career path was formed starting with a Master's in Solar from Anna University in Chennai. Before joining us, Doss put his learning to use at One Place Solar, a company creating solar permit designs for US clients.

Fredrick Xavier

Project Developer

After two years of working in the oil Industry as a field engineer, Freddie realised how much harm conventional sources of energy caused to the environment. He was intrigued by the Solar for Schools model as India needs sustainable energies, specifically in the educational space, as they are the movers of the future. He has a B.E. Mechanical Engineering degree in SRM Engineering, India and provides Design, Technical and O&M support in Solar for Schools.

Himanshu Sharma

Solar PV Designer

Himanshu joined us in 2024, as a skilled solar professional with a Masters in Solar Energy Engineering from Dalarna University, Sweden. With 7 years of hands-on experience in solar projects across both India and Sweden, he has become well-versed in the intricacies of the solar industry. He currently works for us as a Design Engineer assisting the UK Team. Outside of work, Himanshu loves to travel and try out foods from around the world, exploring new places.

Muhammad Usman

Software Development Engineer

Usman is a self-motivated Web Development professional with 7+ years experience. His main goal is to convert user requirements to software. He has excellent troubleshooting, bug resolutions abilities, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. He is a good team player and having experience in multi-culture working environments. He is constantly striving to learn new technologies and looking for ways to improve himself in this rapidly changing industry. He loves learning new programming languages and software best practices

Kartik Oak

DE Support

Kartik joined us in 2023, after finishing his BA in German Studies from Mumbai University in 2022. Little did he know that his ability to speak German, combined with his experience in the field of linguistics, would lead him to taking up arms against climate change. As a former employee of AXA, and working in architecture, Kartik currently supports the German team. In his spare time, Kartik keeps himself very fit, enjoys video-gaming and reading books. His favourite authors are J.R.R Tolkein, Roald Dahl and Ruskin Bond.

Priya Prabhakar

IN Accountant

Priya studied M.Com in Ethiraj college Chennai. She has ten years experience in Accounts & Administration and has been with Solar for Schools since 2020. When not working, Priya enjoys cooking and spending time with her kids.

Rahul Ramesh

Solar PV designer

Rahul joined us in 2023. He has an M.Tech degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of South Florida, USA where his interest for renewables was sparked. Rahul worked at a Solar Energy EPC based in India as a designer for over 3 years, as well as being involved in multiple Electric Vehicle infrastructure projects. Outside of work, Rahul is passionate about football and fitness, and can be found riding his motorcycle along the beautiful Chennai coastline or playing with his cats.

Sarath Kumar

Asset Management - Projects

During his school days, Sarath helped his uncle to fix electrical appliances in his rice mill. This sparked an interest in pursuing electricity as a career. He continued completing his Diploma, acquiring practical knowledge and then completed his bachelors in Electrical and Electronics Engineering. Latterly, Sarath worked in the solar industry as an engineer, commissioning a 1.5 MWp in a prestigious government building in Chennai. Sarath has worked on almost 22 MW worth of solar projects across India.

Shakthi Naarayanan R

Software Development Engineer

Shakthi is a versatile self-taught software developer with over two years of experience in web development. He is an enthusiastic learner, constantly exploring new JavaScript technologies and libraries and he has a great enthusiasm for learning new programming languages and staying up to date with the latest software development practices. He has a keen interest in political affairs as a hobby. Additionally, he enjoys watching suspense thriller movies.

Vignesh Gopalakrishnan

Software Architect

Vignesh is designing & developing resilient and fault-tolerant applications for over a decade now. He is a dev-ops engineer responsible for managing all cloud-based applications. He is also a tech lead who manages an agile team. He is striving hard to keep himself updated with the bleeding edge technologies. He loves to swim and cycle & cook food during weekends.

Rainer Schmid

Country Manager Germany

Rainer has over 30 years in Microsoft as a Director responsible for managing a global team of 300 developers. Working with Solar for Schools, Rainer heads up our German operations. He has developed an automated processes to cut costs for solar developers by simplifying solar design and development of solar projects, to streamline data analysis, asset (operations and maintenance) management, financial accountability and the impacts of the solar projects as CTO.

David Gibson

German Director

David joined us in January 2024 following over 10 years of experience in building businesses. David’s goal is to take our German operations to the next level, having managed solar projects over the last 5 years. David feels at home in Cologne, where he was born and raised, and where he’s happy to be based following many years of living overseas. David finds his balance by playing basketball and loves spending time with his son Noa, even if it’s just an ice cream in the park.

Aaron Schwägerl

Project Engineer

Aaron joined the German team of Solar for in February 2024, focusing initially on our front-end solar system monitoring interface, and officially joined us full time in June. He studied Mechatronics and Automation Engineering at Siemens, where he gained valuable experience in Service R&D and Field Engineering. Aaron's diverse background also includes work in carpentry, fuel cells, and the educational sector. In his free time, he enjoys nature sports and camping.