THREE years into a business at the forefront of energy-saving technology Ken Bird is experiencing some serious growth.

In its first year, SolarGen's turnover would put it in the category of hobby-business. But in its second, turnover leapt by a multiple of 15. One year after that it has grown again by a multiple of six.

The business now employs 14 people and the order book is full. Mr Bird admits that the business has gone through some of the stresses and strains of rapid growth "such as financial planning and finding good people - we've made mistakes." But like Star Trek it continues to boldly go where no outfit of its type has gone before.

SolarGen is based on Court Road Industrial Estate in Cwmbran, a site which gets Mr Bird's vote even though it's a long drive from his West Wales home in St Clears.

"I've moved around a lot in my life and I've decided I'm not moving any more, so I'm happy to make the daily drive to Cwmbran."

When we spoke he was driving through Wales to make a presentation to the Ministry of Defence which is the latest customer to be looking closely at SolarGen's renewable energy systems.

"The renewable energy market is roughly where the oil market was 75 years ago and it's poised for dramatic growth through drivers like the increasing cost of power, continuity of supply issues, corporate responsibility and tightening legislation on carbon dioxide emissions."

Mr Bird said local authorities are facing power increases of up to 45 per cent and some private companies may soon be paying 60 per cent more.

"Because of this, interest in energy is huge and when you add future issues about continuity of supply the idea of becoming more self-sufficient through micro generation is extremely attractive.

"On our own building we take energy from the sun, put it through a system on the roof and then use it to power our lighting."

On the business front SolarGen channels its energies in three directions: traffic and transport, lighting, and renewable energy.

SolarGen is as much about energy saving as energy generating.

"A main sign light using an LED instead of a conventional bulb can save 10 watts and it will only need changing every 10 years instead of every two. When you add up the number of signs across an authority's patch you can imagine the savings."

It has pitched for - and won - a number of public sector contracts. That's a bold move for a small firm as the public sector is not renowned for its ability to take quick decisions.

Mr Bird acknowledged the issue but said: "At least your money is safe. And the lighting engineers or traffic and transport planners that we talk to tend to be more corporate-focused than most public administrators."

His customers include Newport council and Scotland's Highlands and Islands authority.

In the private sector arena SolarGen's staff are celebrating becoming approved suppliers to British Airports Authority (BAA). This was achieved at a time when the authority is cutting down its suppliers list.

SolarGen has lit two car parks at Gatwick and is looking at other projects within the BAA estate including some at Heathrow.

Three years ago SolarGen had four products, two of which were applicable to the UK market. After some intensive research and development it now has 17. "We've spent a lot on R&D but it has put us into a world-leading position. No other company is operating on as broad a front as we are.

"In fact, someone flew over from Korea to see us recently because they're hoping to develop their business along SolarGen's lines."

Mr Bird enjoyed a circuitous route into the energy saving sector and is (fortunately for SolarGen) a businessman rather than an engineer.