Once you are sure that renewable energy systems are right for you, it is vital that you choose the right installer as you will be making a signifi cant investment in your home and certain criteria have to be met. Here are some important recommendations from the Energy Saving Trust.
The Right CHOICE
ACCREDITATION As befi ts any important investment in your home, the Energy Saving Trust (EST) strongly recommend that you choose a renewable energy system and installer that are certifi ed by an appropriate body to give you confi dence in the quality of your installation and the level of customer care. Moreover, in order to receive payments through either the Feed-in-Tariff or Renew- able Heat Incentive you must use an installer and system with current accreditation from the Microgen- eration Certifi cation Scheme (MCS) or for solar water systems by the Solar Keymark. Check out the Links box on this page for useful websites that will guide you in the right direction.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT SUPPLIER
OR SYSTEM When choosing your installer or system, the EST recommend that we watch out for high pressure sales techniques such as high prices heavily discounted to get you to sign on the day or bogus monitoring scheme discounts. The good news is that all MCS-certifi ed installers agree to a code of conduct that bans high-pressure selling techniques – it is well worth visiting the REAL Assurance website for more guidance on the REAL Assurance Scheme. When comparing quotes from installers or suppliers, make sure they provide a detailed breakdown of the specifi cation and costs of their proposed systems. They should also be able to:
✔ explain how they have calculated the size of the system to be appropriate for your needs
✔ supply clear, easy to understand information and operating instructions
✔ explain what you will need to do to maintain your system
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✔ provide an estimate of how much heat or electric- ity will be generated by any proposed systems, and what proportion this is of your current needs
✔ explain how they have calculated any Feed-in Tariff or Renewable Heat Incentive payments that you may receive.
Get at least three installers to specify and cost some potential options for you.
EST CHECKLIST WHEN
CHOOSING YOUR SUPPLIER Pick a supplier with experience. Ask them how long they have been in business, and how long they have been installing systems similar to the one you are considering.
Choose a local installer where possible. Ask for a list of references and local installations and check them. Check any professional credentials you are shown with the organisation that issued them. Many competent and experienced installers do not have relevant professional qualifi cations, so ask if they are a member of a trade organisation - if so, ask the association about its membership criteria. Be aware that uncertifi ed installers will not be able to provide a system eligible for Feed-in Tariff or Renewable Heat Incentive payments.
EST CHECKLIST WHEN
CHOOSING YOUR SYSTEM Get lots of information on system options and potential problems so that you can talk confi dently to installers. Ask for:
✔ recent manuals and brochures ✔ any background information and test data. Ask about what happens once the system is installed.
Get details of: ✔ after-installation services offered
✔ warranties – all installers should provide a minimum one-year warranty on the installation
✔ what is covered by warranties and for what length of time after installation.
QUOTATIONS AND SIGNING UP The cheapest quote may not necessarily be the most appropriate for you – comparing on cost alone is not recommended. Check quotations for detail and ensure they are on company headed paper. Be sure to check the system will be eligible for Feed-in-Tariffs or Renewable Heat Incentive payments and you know exactly what is included in the price – for example prices should include cover for the safe removal and disposal of any existing equipment; is the price of any drilling or trenching included? Finally, before you sign or pay a deposit you really should read the REAL Assurance guidance at the REAL website. Renewable Energy Systems can be good investments and by following the advice available you can confi dently choose the right supplier and system that suits you, your family and your home.
USEFUL LINKS
www.energysavingtrust.org.uk
www.realassurance.org.uk www.microgenerationcertifi
cation.org www.estif.org
Survival Home
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