Leading South West Law firm advise on partnership between solar panel supplier and social housing company

Ashfords LLP has advised renewable energy technology specialist LCX Solar Limited on its agreement to supply North Somerset's housing association, Alliance Homes, with solar photovoltaic panels. Under the terms of the framework agreement, which will run for two years with a possible extension of one year, LCX will also supply other contracting authorities with panels for up to 75,000 roofs.

Alliance Homes is initially investing £10 million in installing 1,200 solar PV panels on its properties - and it is estimated that contracts with other authorities may be worth up to £440 million. "

LCX is a consortium comprising of British company Low Carbon Exchange Limited and international companies Aleo Solar Deutschland GmbH and Tigo Energy Inc. Ashfords was involved in preparing the documentation bringing the joint venture together, as well as on the terms of the framework agreement, the flow-down sub-contracts and other project documents.

LCX director Kevin Childs said: "With the LCX Solar consortium partners spanning 3 countries and time zones, as well as two languages to contend with, Ashfords had to literally go that extra mile to close the deal. They were excellent mediators throughout, what were complex negotiations.  

“Needless to say” continues Kevin Childs “we are extremely excited about our framework agreement with Alliance Homes – the roll out of the solar photovoltaic project has already begun with immediate and positive results for Alliance and their tenants.

George Wilkinson, a Partner in Ashfords LLP's Corporate and Commercial Team, said: "Solar PV is a rapidly growing industry and the potential for projects such as this is enormous. At Ashfords, we have significant experience advising on renewable energy projects, and the team here has very much enjoyed working with LCX and its German, US and British joint venturers to take this project to a successful first stage."
 
George Wilkinson led the team, with support from Victoria Ferguson and Chris Yeo in the Corporate and Commercial Team, Mark Northey and Ruth Murray in Projects and Mark Manning in Construction.