The renewable energy installations market is expanding rapidly as more consumers and businesses recognise the importance of sustainable energy solutions. However, with this growth comes the need for robust standards that ensure both consumers and installation companies benefit from reliable, high-quality products and services.
The government has pledged to become carbon net zero by 2050 and is currently falling short of these targets. This, coupled with their commitment to rooftop solar, potentially creates the risk a return to the solar ‘gold rush’- with poorly skilled renewable energy installation companies seeing an opportunity to install energy efficient measures without any real consumer assurances.
Our Energy Performance Validation Scheme (EPVS) and Flexi-Orb installation certification scheme are two key initiatives that are playing a vital role in driving up standards in this sector.
How is EPVS playing a role in driving up standards?
EPVS is a validation standard that ensures that the processes used by installers to provide consumers with accurate design and performance estimates for renewable products are completed to industry standard methodology and have been clearly communicated.
We set up EPVS to protect consumers from receiving incorrect performance estimates, running cost estimates and incentive income or grant quotes.
Each EPVS member goes through a rigorous onboarding process and has to satisfy that all documentation provided to consumers meets regulatory standards and other best practice protocols. EPVS then continuously monitors members to ensure they are giving consumers accurate performance estimates and monetary savings.
In a market where promises of energy savings and efficiency are largely unregulated, EPVS provides a much-needed layer of verification.
For consumers, this means that when they invest in renewable energy products like solar panels, batteries or heat pumps, they can trust that the performance claims associated with these products are not exaggerated or misleading.
EPVS certification acts as a seal of approval, indicating that a company’s claims have been evidenced, checked and validated.
For installation companies, EPVS certification is a mark of credibility, professionalism and quality. It shows that a company is committed to delivering on its promises and is willing to undergo independent scrutiny to prove it. This not only boosts consumer confidence but also encourages companies to maintain high standards of accuracy and integrity in their marketing and sales practices.
Flexi-Orb, the new certification standard for energy-efficient measures
Flexi-Orb (Flexible Energy Oversight Registration Body), is a separate scheme, but complements the work of EPVS by focusing on the quality and compliance of energy-efficient installations, namely solar photovoltaics, battery storage and electric vehicle charging within the residential market.
Flexi-Orb is dedicated to ensuring that all aspects of renewable energy installations — from safety to customer satisfaction — are conducted to the highest standards.
Our new certification is considered the gold standard for installation companies, ensuring they adhere to best practices and comply with industry standards. This is essential in a market where the quality of installation can significantly impact the performance and longevity of renewable energy systems.
Through our exacting certification standard, Flexi-Orb is driving up the overall quality of installations across the industry, making for better business between installers and consumers.
But perhaps the most important way that Flexi-Orb helps to drive up standards is our commitment to consumer protection.
Consumer codes and insurance backed guarantees
Flexi-Orb certification stipulates that all installation companies have a consumer code that meets the requirements of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute.
Installers must adhere to the code, meaning they must conduct their business within the code’s rules. If they don’t, the codes are there to support the consumer to ensure a fair resolution – and this is always provided free of charge.
The codes also mandate that every installation must carry an insurance backed guarantee1.
An insurance backed guarantee (IBG) mirrors the guarantee that an installer provides to a consumer and in the event that an installer ceases to trade, a consumer can claim against the insurance.
Dispute resolution
Flexi-Orb certification also comes with access to dispute resolution services, providing a clear pathway for consumers to raise concerns or complaints about their installations. This service is particularly valuable in an industry where technical complexities can sometimes lead to misunderstandings or disagreements and has been fraught with mis-selling issues. By acting as a neutral party, Flexi-Orb ensures that disputes are resolved fairly and efficiently, further enhancing consumer trust and satisfaction.
Driving up standards and confidence
By ensuring the accuracy of performance claims and consumer protection, EPVS and Flexi-Orb are creating a more trustworthy and reliable marketplace.
For consumers, this means greater confidence in their investments and the longevity of their products. They can trust that the renewable energy products they purchase will perform as expected and that any issues will be handled with care and professionalism. This confidence is absolutely crucial in encouraging more people to adopt renewable energy solutions, which in turn supports the broader goal of reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability.
For installation companies, EPVS and Flexi-Orb offer a pathway to differentiation in a competitive market. Companies that achieve EPVS or Flexi-Orb certification carry a hallmark of quality.
This not only helps attract more customers but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement within the industry. As more companies strive to meet these high standards, the overall quality of installations improves, benefitting the entire market and ultimately getting the UK closer to carbon net zero in a safe and compliant way. A win for consumers, installation companies and the planet, we would say!
For more information about Flexi-Orb or EPVS, please visit flexi-orb.com and epvs.co.uk.
