Flexi-Orb (Flexible Energy Oversight Registration Body) was established by parent company Certi-fi three years ago in a bid to drive up installation standards for the benefit of domestic consumers and to increase the number of certified installers in the domestic renewable installations market, increasing confidence in the whole of the low carbon market.
The company has been running a beta service and announced this month that it has appointed its first UKAS-accredited certification body, Simply Certification, to offer the scheme to installers. Blue Flame Certification has also been accredited ahead of the launch, and more certification bodies are expected to partner before the end of the year.
Several companies have already gained certification through the new scheme, including one of the UK’s largest solar panel installation companies, Project Solar.
Improving the quality of PV, electrical storage systems and EV charge points
The scheme focuses heavily on evidencing the quality of installation across Solar PV (photovoltaics), Electrical Energy Storage Systems (EESS), and Electric Vehicle Charge Points (EVCP). This scheme is the first in the UK to offer certification for EV charging, which, it is hoped, will increase the quality of installations of domestic charging points across the UK.
Flexi-Orb stipulates that products installed must meet its product standards policies, ensuring that both product and installations are fit for purpose. In addition, it’s the first renewable installation scheme recognised by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) to ISO 17067:2013 – the international standard for conformity assessment.
The company formally launched the scheme at the UK’s biggest installer show in late June 24 and has already had a strong influx of applications across all measures.
The scheme includes a rigorous assessment which stipulates that installers must be part of a Chartered Consumer Code- and all installations are covered with an insurance-backed guarantee. The assessment process includes an on-site assessment and up to five additional on-site assessments annually to ensure they remain compliant.
Grower demand for safe installation of renewable energy systems
David Lindsay, Managing Director of Certi-fi Schemes says: “We are delighted to launch this scheme alongside Simply Certification and Blue Flame. Its requirements will help drive up standards across domestic renewable installations and, critically, include EV charging so that consumers can choose an installer with confidence.
Our journey to UKAS recognition was, quite rightly, extremely challenging, and we want to reflect that high expectation in our scheme standards. As well as competent on-site assessment, we believe in the importance of back-office support, so our scheme promotes separate, specialist assessors for each.
We have spent considerable time putting together a scheme that helps installers evidence the quality of their work, whilst offering the highest levels of consumer protection.
Also see: New checklist for safer solar roofing work
As the country increases its move towards net zero, the demand for the safe installation of renewable systems will intensify. We expect our entry into the market to increase the capacity to support quality assessment and ongoing surveillance, improving consumer confidence. Feedback and uptake so far has been way above expectation, and with a new government promising a revolution in rooftop solar it’s an exciting time to be able to support the industry.”
Offer more options to the end user
Alexandra Gates, Managing Director of Simply Certification says:“It’s fantastic to be at the forefront of this new certification scheme and be the first certification body to certify installers to it. The introduction of Flexi-Orb will allow existing installers to offer more options to the end user and allow new entrants to the market the option of choosing which scheme best suits their needs. We are also the first to offer an EVCP scheme in the UK, which is really exciting.
Also interesting: Video: Presenting the BBK Group from Trelleborg, Sweden
We anticipate lots of interest and are working behind the scenes to ensure that all customers enjoy the quality of service that they have come to expect from Simply Certification. Having a diverse portfolio of offerings is key to ensuring that the UK energy efficiency market is prepared for net zero. It’s a transformative time for the industry.”
Significant enhancement in industry standards
Tom Armstrong, Managing Director of Project Solar says: “Being at the forefront of advancements in renewable energy is important for us. We are particularly proud of achieving one of the first Flexi-Orb certifications, as it signifies a high standard of quality. With over 25 solar installation teams, maintaining these standards is not only beneficial for our business but also assures consumers of our reliability. The Flexi-Orb scheme represents a significant enhancement in industry standards.”
The UK Government's Carbon Net Zero target aims to reduce the country's greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050, by which time all buildings in the UK must be energy rating (EPC) C or above.
The Flexi-Orb scheme is currently accepting new applicants through Simply Certification and Blue Flame Certification. (hcn)
