Howard Johns is the founder and MD of Southern Solar Ltd, and has been involved in the installation of solar hot water systems and PV systems for over ten years. He has a degree in Energy and Environmental technology and is also a qualified plumber.  He has lead the growth of Southern Solar to a business with six offices and a team of 55.

Howard is also chairman of the Solar Trade Association (STA), and has been actively involved in lobbying Government to try to improve conditions for the industry. The STA represents over 200 solar energy companies in the UK. In this role Howard sat on the Heat and Hot Water Taskforce advising ministers on renewable heat.

Three years ago Howard founded OVESCo a pioneering local energy co-op project in his home town of Lewes, which is working to launch a locally-owned renewable energy power station.