Our Founder

Professor Arthur Williamson

Our founder and chief technical consultant is Emeritus Professor Arthur Williamson.
Professor Williamson and his colleagues established Thermocell in 1982 to commercialise the flat sheet evacuated solar panel they had developed, and which forms the basis of today’s Thermocell system.

Professor Williamson continued as our managing Director until 2006, when he retired from day to day management of Thermocell. Professor Williamson continues to teach part-time and supervise research students Professor Williamson is a Fellow of both the New Zealand Institute of Chemistry and the Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand. In 1996 he was awarded the Graham Stevens Award for outstanding contributions to solar energy in New Zealand and he was chairman of the Solar Industries Association between 1997 and 2000.

Since 2001 he has been a member of committee CS028 Solar Water Heaters of Standards Australia.
Professor Williamson has published approximately 120 peer reviewed papers in international scientific and engineering journals and two books, “Introduction to Nonelectrolyte solutions”, Oliver and Boyd, London (1967) and “Domestic Hot Water options and Solutions”, CAE University of Canterbury (2001).

Professor Williamson’s research interests include the thermodynamics of mixtures, the P-V-T properties of gases, industrial energy recovery, domestic energy optimization and solar energy recovery.

Our Directors

Robin McNeill

Our chairman is Robin McNeill. Robin is a chartered professional engineer and has worked on solar energy systems since 1981. He has been a director of Thermocell since 1992. Robin is a member of the Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand and a senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers. Robin has particular interests in remote and rural telecommunications networks.

NIck Williamson

Nick Williamson has had a hands-on involvement with Thermocell since 1992. Nick has a thorough understanding of all aspects of the solar energy industry and is a one time chairman of Solar Industries Association. Nick also looks after our photo-voltaic division.

Our Staff

Geoff Paynter- General Manager

Linda Duxfield-Solar WaterHeating Sales and Design Manager

Nick Williamson- Manufacturing processes,Solar Electric Design ,Production

Dion Earl- Production Supervisor  system fabrication

Simon Smith -Production