Welcome to the installer’s guide to Flexi-Orb
If you’re operating in the renewable energy sector, then certification is a key consideration when growing your business. If you want to set your business apart as one that is dedicated to both quality installations and products, then certification is a way to give consumers confidence in the service you provide.
While certification is not mandatory, it is essential for some funded installation schemes and will increasingly become important as consumers become more aware of renewable technologies and new, uncertified installers enter the market.
This blog explores the key benefits of Flexi-Orb for installers, so you can make an informed decision on the right choice for your business.
But first, our most asked question…
What benefits does Flexi-Orb bring to my business that other certification schemes don’t?
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It’s not easy to be certified to our scheme. It’s a more intense assessment, so poorer quality installers will not be successful.
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Our primary focus is consumer protection, so our infrastructure is built to put them first.
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You will need to be a member of a Chartered Trading Standards Institute Approved Code – because this is the best way to protect both the consumer and the installer.
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Our Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Insurance Backed Guarantee (IBG) policies are designed to ensure consumers are protected – and they’re constantly developed.
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These points mean that Flexi-Orb Certified Installers have a great story for new customers – and we’ll help you market it.
Why did we launch Flexi-Orb as an alternative certification scheme?
Before The Flexi-Orb Scheme was launched, the industry only had one scheme owner. We believe that competition helps to better serve the market and drive-up standards whilst also giving installers, home-builders, councils, social housers, lenders and consumers, a choice about their certification scheme.
In doing so, we aim to attract installation companies who share our consumer-driven values, and who also want to evidence to their customers that they are working to the highest standards attainable.
What to expect from the Flexi-Orb installer scheme
#1 - A Simple and Transparent Application Process
The Flexi-Orb application process is straightforward and currently handled by two conformity assessment bodies (CABs): Blue Flame and Simply Certification, with more CABs being added to our database this year. Each CAB offers its own unique benefits, including pricing structures, making it easy to choose the one that suits your needs.
For transparency, Flexi-Orb provides a step-by-step guide on our website, along with downloadable assessment checklists. These checklists align with the IET Codes of Practice, ensuring complete clarity on what’s required. Plus, a dedicated technical team is available to help if you have any questions.
#2 - Assessment Process
We have clearly documented the Flexi-Orb Scheme assessment criteria on our website and you can download the assessment checklists any time by clicking the ‘Technical Annexes’ button.
These documents will help you prepare for assessment and are used by the assessor so that there is complete transparency and consistency of outcome.
Each technical item to be assessed correlates exactly with the relevant IET Code of Practice and is noted with the specific paragraph in the Code so that you can refer to it in more detail if required.
If any further information or discussion is needed, we have a technical team on hand who are ready to provide support, and you can contact them by calling us or visiting our website.
#3 - Quality Management System (QMS) Made Easy
Every certified installer is assessed on their Quality Management System (QMS) to ensure operational excellence. If you don’t already have a QMS in place, Flexi-Orb can provide advice on solutions provided by external partners. We currently have one scheme-ready integration platform, GreenPro Certification Support, with more to follow soon.
#4 - Dedicated Relationship Management
Every installer is assigned a dedicated relationship manager to provide ongoing support. Whether you need assistance with the portal, application snags, or technical queries, your relationship manager ensures you have the help you need.
Your relationship manager will be able to ensure that the right person in our team comes back to you promptly and takes full ownership of your case. Our relationship managers also have working relationships with our CABs and although they will not be in a position to influence them, they will monitor the progression of your certification application to ensure a smooth process for all parties.
#5 - Over 50kW Commercial & Industrial PV and Storage
Under our previous beta service, there was no limit to the size of system that could registered on the Flexi-Orb portal. This service became popular amongst installers looking to register installations over 50kW so that they could provide their commercial and industrial customers with a Flexi-Orb certificate enabling them to apply for a Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariff.
When we closed the beta service, we received sufficient enquiries and feedback to decide to start work on extending the scheme to include commercial and industrial installations in excess of 50kW.
We now have a Working Group dedicated to moving this forward with the aim of being able to offer certification for commercial and industrial installations over 50kW towards the end of 2025.
#6 - Support for SEG
#7 - Cost-Effective Registration
Flexi-Orb offers competitive pricing, with a fixed registration fee of £20 plus VAT per property. This fee applies regardless of the number of technologies installed, making it an affordable option compared to other schemes.
So, if you are installing several technologies at a property at the same time, it will still be £20 + VAT for the total registration and not a fee per technology. Depending on the number of installations you carry out, this can of course bring a huge cost saving for your business in comparison to other schemes.
#8 - Marketing Support to Grow Your Business
Flexi-Orb understands that brand recognition is key to gaining consumer trust. We provide marketing materials, including consumer brochures, to help you promote the scheme to potential customers.
By presenting Flexi-Orb’s benefits from a customer’s perspective, you can strengthen your sales pitch and win more business. Consumers are also welcome to call Flexi-Orb.
We’re already helping people with technical queries, scheme information, and wider industry support – leaving them very confident that they’ve chosen the right installer for their renewables installation.
Good to know
Installer Monitoring
Every customer registered with us is given the opportunity to rate and review you as their installer. This helps us monitor your installer’s customer satisfaction rating.
Not only does this process highlight areas for improvement in a safe and controlled way, but good reviews will boost your business, build your reputation and increase the likelihood of more leads. It also allows us to remove poor installers very quickly – protecting the integrity of the scheme for those who do it right.
Review Quotes
Should you require, Flexi-Orb can review quotes or performance estimates to confirm the figures that consumers have been given are accurate- meaning that they have more confidence in taking you on as an installer.
Customer Help & Advice
Whatever the query or concern, Flexi-Orb is always on hand and happy to offer help and guidance to your customers. This gives them confidence to buy through a Flexi-Orb certified installer.
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Every domestic customer registered on the Flexible Energy Register will have free access to a dispute resolution service, in the event of a complaint that cannot be resolved amicably between you and the customer.
What this means for you as an installer is that you are also backed by the protection, ensuring the best outcome for both parties.
Why choose Flexi-Orb?
Flexi-Orb is more than just a certification scheme – it’s a partner in your business success. From streamlined processes and cost savings to dedicated support and marketing resources, Flexi-Orb delivers unparalleled benefits for installers. By joining the scheme, you can enhance your reputation, increase efficiency, and unlock new business opportunities.
Ready to get started? Visit the Flexi-Orb website to explore the application process and take the first step toward becoming a certified installer.
