Thank You for Being Part of Our Story
Celebrating 50 years is not just about honouring our history, it is about recognising the people who help build it. To every employee, partner, distributor and customer, past and present: thank you. Your support, trust and collaboration shape who we are today.
This year marks a remarkable milestone in the Solar Solve journey, celebrating 50 years of innovation, commitment and trust. What began as a small family business in Sunderland, has grown into an internationally recognised leader in products that manage natural light disruption in the marine, aviation and construction industries.
Recently, we had the privilege of celebrating this achievement alongside our employees, long-standing partners, and members of the Lightfoot family who are the founders who built the values and resilience that continue to guide us today. It was an evening filled with stories, laughter and pride for how far we have come. The photos from the celebration appear throughout this blog as a tribute to the people behind our success.
How It All Began: A Clear Vision in 1975
Solar Solve’s story began in November 1975, when John and Lilian Lightfoot opened a small retail shop in Sunderland, trading as Northern Window Blind Co. Their vision was simple yet ambitious: to create high-quality, dependable blinds and serve customers with honesty, care and craftsmanship.
The early years were shaped by perseverance. The business grew from a modest retail shop into a small manufacturing operation, powered by the Lightfoots’ dedication and the belief that every customer deserved the best service possible.
Everything changed when a new opportunity arrived with an order from Sunderland Shipbuilders to supply anti-glare roller blinds for the wheelhouse of the Johanna Oldendorff. John, a qualified marine engineer, immediately recognised the potential. With technical precision and relentless effort, he and the small team developed what has become the company’s defining innovation:
SOLASOLV® anti-glare screens, later trademarked as SOLASAFE® and SOLAROLA®.
This moment marked a major turning point for Solar Solve. The marine industry became Solar Solve’s home, and the company began the journey toward becoming a global leader.
Defining moments that have shaped our journey
Product Innovations & Industry Firsts
From those early anti-glare screens came a legacy of world-first innovations, technical refinements and robust Type Approvals that set industry standards today. Solar Solve stands as one of the leading global names in navigation safety products, trusted by shipbuilders, navies and fleets around the world.
A Growing Global Footprint
As UK shipbuilding declined in the 1980s, Solar Solve looked outward. By the early 1990s, the company exported worldwide and established its reputation as a global leader. This created the foundation for our long-standing relationships with customers across Europe, Japan, the USA, South America and the Middle East.
Expansion to Modern Facilities
- 1993: We relocated to St Hilda Industrial Estate, South Shields, a pivotal step as demand grew.
• 2006: A purpose-built site at Port of Tyne increased output by 30% and signalled our manufacturing strength.
• 2015: We moved into our current South Shields headquarters, now home to a talented and dedicated team.
A New Era of Ownership and Opportunity (2021–2025)
Following decades of family leadership, John Lightfoot stepped back from the business in 2021.
In 2023, Solar Solve was proudly acquired by Rivertrace Ltd, led by Executive Chairman Mike Coomber, with Martin Saunders (Managing Director) and Andy Hansen (Finance Director) guiding the business into its next chapter.
With significant investment in systems, processes and stock, Solar Solve strengthened its operations and accelerated product innovation. In 2025, Solar Solve acquired the UK distributorship rights for Ziptrak®, the first major new product in over 15 years, opening new markets and expanding our portfolio beyond traditional marine solutions.
The People Behind the Legacy
No 50-year journey happens alone. Solar Solve’s reputation continues to be built on the hard work and loyalty of its people, many of whom have been with the company for decades.
A special acknowledgement goes to members of the Lightfoot family, who shaped the early vision, worked hands-on through challenging years, and established the culture of care, resilience and customer commitment that remains our foundation today. Their contribution continues to influence the values we live each day at Solar Solve.
Our partners, distributors and long-standing customers also play a vital role. Many have been with Solar Solve for 10, 20, even 30+ years, which is a testament to the trust, quality and reliability that defines our relationships.
A Vision for the Next 10–50 Years
Reflecting on this milestone, Managing Director Martin Saunders shares this outlook for the future:
“When we acquired Solar Solve, legacy was a key word. Rivertrace and Solar Solve have over 90 years’ experience in the marine industry. We wanted to continue the legacy with our people, partners, suppliers and customers.
Looking forward, Solar Solve continue to innovate and enter new markets, capitalising on the experience and expertise of the team. We are excited about the future, taking Solar Solve to the next level of growth and extending the legacy of the company and all associated to it”
What’s Next for Solar Solve?
Innovation at the Core
We will continue to invest in product development, expanding both our marine solutions and our growing Ziptrak offering across new markets.
A Sustainable Future
We remain committed to improving energy efficiency, reducing waste and building solutions that support safer, healthier and more sustainable operations for our customers.
Digital Evolution
We will continue to enhance digital tools, streamline customer journeys, strengthen distributor support and increase global responsiveness.
Continued Global Growth
As we build on our 50-year heritage, new partnerships, new regions and new applications guide the next stage of Solar Solve’s expansion.
Here’s to the next chapter, with the same spirit of innovation, dedication and service that begins back in 1975.
Solar Solve – 50 Years of Clear Vision.
Learn more about Solar Solve’s full range of SOLASOLV® and ROLASOLV® solutions here:
👉 Solar Roller Screens | Anti-Glare Shades by Solar Solve
Speak to our team to find your regional Partner:
👉 Contact Us – Solasolv
