About us

We distribute simulation software & survey tools for photovoltaic, solar thermal and heat pump design, as well as chimney calculation & climate database software.

Home About Us

The Solar Design Company Team

The Solar Design Company was founded in 1993 by Chris Laughton. He remains today as the Managing Director trading under a limited company, based in mid-Wales.


Managing Director: Chris Laughton

Chris Laughton

Chris is a well-known author and lecturer in the solar thermal and photovoltaic industries and trainer in solar simulation software. He is a Fellow (FCIPHE) of The Chartered Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering and previous Chair of the National Standards Committee for Solar Heating at BSI. He regularly represented UK at attends CEN/CENLEC & ISO technical meetings around the world. He has sat on the MCS steering group and working groups and has been a MCS inspector. He has previously worked with the Berlin-based Renewable Energy Academy (RENAC) in the Middle-East and has been leader of the Centre for Alternative Technology's Graduate School of the Environment (GSE) solar and wood-heating courses. Recently he has given public talks for the Institute of Directors and commercial events around the country. He is an enthusiastic singer in his spare time.

Sales & Finance: Gwen Haylock

Gwen Haylock

Gwen has an MSc in Environmental Management and a BSc Hons in Biology from Aberystwyth University. She was awarded a scholarship with RSK Group PLC, an Environmental Consultancy firm based in Chester, and was given the Director's Prize for academic achievement. Since graduation she has also worked in land surveying for MW Surveys in Pembrokeshire. Gwen is responsible for co-ordinating sales and customer-liaison activities and managing specialised projects. She is a very keen outdoor and indoor gardener in her free time.

Sales: Amy Walton

Amy Walton

Amy has a BSc Hons in Criminology and Psychological Studies. After graduating she created her own business that supported children and adults to discover new skills to cope with anxiety and depression by using different techniques. She also completed other short courses specific to anxiety to further her studies. She moved to Wales, with her family, in January 2022. In her spare time she enjoys going for walks in the mountains and watching comedy shows.