Solar Water PLC

Sometimes it’s very difficult to get it across to people what we’re actually doing. The Kene team got the full grasp of it and could easily understand what I was trying to say.

Who was the client

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Solar Water are dedicated to pioneering an economical and carbon-neutral water desalination technology that leverages concentrating solar power (CSP) to address acute freshwater shortages in various regions. Their innovative dome-shaped desalination plants not only produce fresh water from seawater but also generate electricity through steam production. Recognised with the prestigious Rushlight Water Treatment Award in 2018 and seal of excellence from the European Commission, Solar Water’s technology represents a world-first in carbon-neutral hydro-infrastructure.

This is the best innovation since sliced bread. Can you imagine, if and when, we’ve replaced all the dirty desalination plants that we’re using today? The ocean will be cleaner. The sky will be cleaner. No more coral bleaching over CO2 and discharging brine back into the sea, increasing the salinity of seawater and killing the fish. It’s a win-win.

Navigating R&D tax credits with Kene

A previous R&D tax credit claim via their accountants sadly did not reflect the full amount of investment in R&D, so Solar Water wisely chose to engage Kene. The first interaction with our team consisted of a ‘Health check’ review of their previous claim, in which we highlighted a couple of area’s of opportunity to build a stronger, more robust technical narrative.

With enquiries becoming increasingly common in an increased effort by the government to reduce fraud and error within claims, it is essential businesses understand the boundaries of their R&D projects, the relevant legislation, and maintain detailed records – this is why working with a specialised advisor is crucial.

Kene were very thorough; asking the right questions to understanding the full scope of R&D that took place. I was pretty driven by the fact that they showed so much interest in the work we were doing from a technical perspective.

Our approach to R&D tax credits at Kene is collaborative; we speak directly to those with the technical know-how to understand the heart of the R&D efforts. This method ensures that we combine both the legislative requirements and the client’s technical activities. Without this detailed approach, a claim cannot be accurately quantified and valuable insights may be missed.

The work that Solar Water have done is hugely R&D intensive – from structural engineering testing of steel frames to exploring the use of mirrors for concentrating solar power. Our team, consisting of engineers, ran a technical workshop with the R&D leaders and competent professionals at Solar Water to ensure all R&D activities were accurately identified across the full scope of work. All interactions were made in person throughout the duration of the work; benefiting the client by fostering clear communication and immediate problem-solving.

We meticulously assessed each project, successful or not, and educated the team at Solar Water on the qualifying criteria during the cost-collection process to ensure the claim’s integrity and accuracy. Asking the right questions ensured nothing was missed, helping us to distil the full scope of the R&D into the technical report summarising the work carried out.

Exploring R&D tax credit benefits

Solar Water’s claim was submitted in a timely manner, providing them with a substantial six-figure cash boost to invest in the next stage of their fascinating desalination project. They have recognised first-hand the benefits of working with a specialist advisor to navigate the complex world of R&D tax credits, ensuring their hard work is rightfully rewarded. Furthermore, Solar Water have referred other businesses to Kene, so others can also benefit from our award-winning R&D tax advice.

We only have positive feedback from our experience with Kene. They have a fantastic team. We never stop innovating and know we can confidently look forward to future R&D tax rewards with their support.

R&D tax credits exist to encourage and support innovation by reducing the financial burden on companies investing in R&D. These incentives are designed to stimulate economic growth, enhance productivity, and foster technological advancements by allowing businesses to claim back a portion of their R&D expenditure. Innovative companies benefit from these tax credits by improving their cash flow, enabling them to reinvest in further innovation, accelerate development cycles, and gain a competitive edge in the market.

If we can just replace a fraction of the 16,000 desalination plants around the world, it will make a huge difference.

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