For I Want Energy, turning 18 was an opportunity to reflect on how Tasmania’s renewable energy industry has evolved, recognise the people who have been part of its journey and celebrate the community that has supported the locally owned business for nearly two decades.
I Want Energy was established to help Tasmanian households and businesses access renewable energy solutions supported by local knowledge and service.
Founder and Managing Director Rob Manson had worked in electrical wholesaling and contracting before recognising the changing direction of the energy industry. As renewable energy technology became more widely available, Rob established I Want Energy with a focus on system design, installation and practical advice for Tasmanian customers.
In 2008, the company joined the Clean Energy Council, reflecting its early involvement in Australia’s growing renewable energy industry. I Want Energy is also a Standard Member of the Smart Energy Council, continuing its connection with the broader renewable energy industry.
As Tasmania’s renewable energy sector developed, so did the business.
Rob later served as President of the Tasmanian Renewable Energy Alliance, advocating for renewable energy across the state. I Want Energy also became involved in work beyond residential solar, contributing to government projects and renewable energy solutions for Tasmania’s remote and off-grid island communities.
Today, I Want Energy has grown from a one-person operation into a Tasmanian team spanning design, installation, sales, technical services and customer support. The company reports that it has completed more than 9,000 installations across the state.
Despite that growth, maintaining a strong local presence remains central to the business.
“We want every Tasmanian customer to feel like they received a fair deal from a company that will still be here in another 18 years’ time,” Rob said. “That’s still the goal.”
A birthday that felt more like a reunion
In August, I Want Energy opened the doors of its Moonah showroom to customers, employees, families, suppliers and industry partners to celebrate its 18th birthday.
Rob Manson and Deborah Manson, Owners of I Want Energy celebrating the 18th birthday.
More than 100 people attended, including long-standing customers, former employees, current staff and members of Tasmania’s renewable energy community.
For the company, the event became an opportunity to reconnect with people who had contributed to its development over the years. Customers shared their experiences with the team and spoke about how their energy systems had supported their households, including during power outages.
The event also brought together representatives from several renewable energy businesses, including Sungrow, AIKO, Tesla, FranklinWH and Sigenergy, with team members travelling from mainland Australia to participate.
Visitors attended educational sessions exploring developments across the renewable energy industry and emerging energy technologies. The sessions generated questions and discussion about how energy systems are changing and what these developments could mean for Tasmanian households and businesses.
Local radio station Triple M also broadcast from the showroom, with Rob and General Manager Alex Johnstone joining the program during the morning.
Alex, who has been with I Want Energy for almost nine years, said the event provided an opportunity to reflect on the company’s growth. Having joined the business in sales before moving through sales management and into his current role, he has seen the company develop alongside Tasmania’s growing uptake of renewable energy.
For the wider team, seeing customers, former colleagues, industry partners and community members come together made the 18-year milestone particularly meaningful.
Looking to the next chapter
Renewable energy technology has changed considerably since I Want Energy began in 2008, but the company says its focus remains on helping Tasmanians better understand and manage how they generate, store and use energy.
The continued integration of solar, battery storage, electric vehicle charging and energy-management technology is expected to play an increasingly important role in Tasmania’s energy future.
I Want Energy plans to continue supporting local employment, accredited installers, community initiatives and renewable energy programs while helping households and businesses take greater control of their energy use.
Reaching 18 years represents an important business milestone for I Want Energy. More importantly, the anniversary provided an opportunity to recognise the customers, employees, industry partners and community members who have been part of its journey across Tasmania.
Media Contact
Sudi Shrestha
Marketing Assistant
sudi@iwantenergy.com.au
https://www.iwantenergy.com.au/
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