A Newcastle-based renewables firm has secured a six-figure investment that its chief executive says puts the company on a footing for sustainable growth. CrowdedHouse Energy, which specialises in commercial solar technology, received funding from NPIF II – NEL Debt Finance, a fund managed by NEL Fund Managers as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II).
The company offers a comprehensive range of services covering design, consultancy, installation and ongoing maintenance for business clients. Its product line includes rooftop photovoltaics and a patented modular bifacial parking canopy system known as Helios Volt®, which was launched in 2022 and is designed to turn existing car parks into clean energy generators.
Investment drives manufacturing shift
The new funding has allowed CrowdedHouse to purchase equipment for its factory on Scotswood Road in Newcastle, creating additional production capabilities. By bringing fabrication in-house, the business says it has reduced its reliance on external suppliers, improved operational efficiency and shortened lead times for customers.
The move represents a significant strategic shift. Rather than sourcing components or sub-assemblies from third parties, CrowdedHouse can now control the manufacturing process directly. This gives the firm greater flexibility to respond to client demands and reduces the risk of delays caused by supply chain disruptions — a recurring challenge in the solar industry, where geopolitical events and global logistics bottlenecks can hold up projects. In-house production also allows the company to tailor equipment more precisely to customer specifications and maintain tighter quality standards throughout the build cycle. The benefits extend to cost predictability: with fewer intermediaries, the business can offer more stable pricing to commercial clients, many of whom are seeking to lock in lower energy costs against a backdrop of volatile electricity rates.
Richard Blackwell, chief executive and co-founder of CrowdedHouse Energy, said the investment had been pivotal. “NEL’s support has been outstanding, providing clear guidance, structure, and an outside perspective that has helped us make better decisions as we scale,” he said. “Beyond funding, NEL has strengthened our confidence to invest in key areas, improve operations, and continue delivering high-quality projects, putting us in a strong position for sustainable growth.”
Blackwell co-founded the company with his father, Douglas Blackwell, who brings more than 35 years of experience in the renewable energy sector. The firm’s wider mission is to help businesses and public bodies meet net-zero targets, with a particular focus on megawatt-scale urban microgrids.
Jane Siddle, investment executive at NEL Fund Managers, described the deal as a clear endorsement of the company’s vision. “Our investment is a clear endorsement of CHE’s vision and their steadfast dedication to advancing exceptional renewable energy projects,” she said. “CHE plays an instrumental role in driving the North East towards a sustainable, net zero future. We are genuinely delighted to support CHE as they further develop their manufacturing abilities and continue to introduce cutting-edge solutions in commercial solar technology.”
The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II, launched in March 2024, is a £660 million fund covering the whole of the North of England. It provides smaller loans of £25,000 to £100,000, debt finance of £25,000 to £2 million, and equity investment of up to £5 million. The fund is designed to tackle the funding gap between the North and South, increase the supply of early-stage finance for smaller businesses, drive sustainable economic growth and support innovation. As of May 2026, it has backed more than 400 businesses, facilitating nearly £275 million in investment and unlocking an additional £122.6 million from the private sector.
Sarah Newbould, senior investment manager at the British Business Bank, said CrowdedHouse Energy was the kind of business the fund was created to support. “Through the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II, we are proud to support businesses like CrowdHouse Energy that are aligned with the Government’s Industrial Strategy, creating highly-skilled jobs, driving regional economic growth and playing a vital role in the UK’s transition to a net zero economy.”
