Minister of State for Energy Malcolm Wicks' call for us to adopt a 'go green' new year's resolution and the news that fuel prices have risen yet again is encouraging us all to explore alternative ways to run our homes. As a result, Potterton's Sales Director, Clyde Brown, reports that the company has seen a dramatic increase in the number of enquiries regarding its solar domestic hot water system from heating and plumbing engineers as well as homeowners.
Currently, in order for homeowners to be eligible for a BERR (Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform) Low Carbon Buildings Grant towards the cost of installing a solar thermal hot water system, they must first obtain a quote from a certified installer for the installation of a certified microgeneration product.
Installers that have embraced the new technologies, invested in training and received the appropriate accreditation can take full advantage of these profitable opportunities and take their business to a higher level. They can use this new-found knowledge to gain credibility with their customers and demonstrate their competence by offering sound advice on appropriate products for the installation and information on the different grants, including local energy efficiency grants, which may be available.
Consequently, the demand for training courses, particularly those which lead to a nationally recognised qualification, is very high. After attending a course, many installers carry out their first installation on their own home to put their newly acquired skills into practice. This gives them first hand information to pass on to their customers, both in terms of what the installation will entail, how the system operates and the cost savings that can be achieved.
Potterton offers two solar training courses at its fully equipped training centres, run by trainers that are qualified to the latest regulations and standards.
The first course is a one day solar appreciation course, designed to give an overview of all aspects relating to the installation and commissioning of solar water heating systems.
The second course is a two day Logic accredited solar course aimed at experienced domestic heating installers and plumbers wishing to extend their businesses to include solar heating.
The course begins with an introduction to solar and the different types of systems and collectors most commonly used in the UK. These include fully filled sealed systems and drain back systems; flat plate, evacuated tube and direct flow evacuated tube collectors.
Installers are shown how to assess the site for suitability, looking at the orientations and angle of inclination of the roof, and shading factors such as trees and chimneys that may affect the success of the installation. Importantly, the learn how to specify the system according to the household's needs.
The course covers the legislation and risk assessment associated with working at height. Although it is not intended to cover roof work in detail, candidates are shown how to fit collectors on different roof types, including normal profile tiles, flat tiles and slates.
In a practical, hands-on environment they are taught how to connect the pump station to the collector, fit the expansion vessel and install the cylinder. Then they are shown how to fill and flush the system with the glycol solar mixture, vent it and commission it.
A crucial part of the course is learning how to set the correct flow rate for the system to ensure its optimum performance. Installers are then given advice on how to instruct the customer on the most efficient way of running the system and its maintenance requirements. Concentrating on getting this right will reduce the possibility of call-backs and ensure greater customer satisfaction.
In order to receive their accreditation, installers need to join the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (formerly the UK Microgeneration Certification Scheme). For this they will need to demonstrate that they have successfully completed the Logic Certification Solar Thermal Domestic Hot Water Course, that they comply with quality and systems standards (including health and safety, public liability insurance etc) and have a correctly installed system inspected. For more information visit www.logiccertification.com
Potterton's new solar package makes it easy for installers and their customers to make the move into using solar energy to provide domestic hot water. The easy-to-install system has been designed to provide a reliable solution that will deliver long term carbon dioxide and fuel cost savings.
Potterton Solar contains all the components needed for either in-roof or on-roof solar installations, including flat plate collectors, solar controller, expansion vessel, anti-freeze solution, thermostatic blending valve for the domestic hot water and hydraulic pump station.
For more information on Potterton Solar or the solar training courses, please visit www.potterton.co.uk or call 0844 871 1560.
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For media information, please contact:
Jocelynne Rowan, PR Officer, Potterton
T: 01926 478291 M: 07825 602043 F: 01772 646449
E: jocelynne.rowan@baxigroup.com
