What Is Flexi-Orb Certification?

Homeowners seeking to benefit from the governments Smart Export Guarantee Scheme need to ensure their renewable energy system is installed and commissioned by a certified engineer. Until recently, consumers could only rely on products and installers certified under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS).

But that changed in November 2019, with the launch of a new scheme which aims to give consumers more choice and better protection. Developed by The Flexible Oversight Registration Body, Flexi-Orb certification is a more comprehensive standard which covers the entire product lifecycle from development to installation and decommissioning.

Who Is Flexi-Orb?

The Flexible Oversight Registration Body (Flexi-Orb) is an independent body which aims to improve safety and deliver oversight in the UK renewables sector.

The scheme gives buyers confidence that the renewable energy products they install, are safe and perform as advertised. Consumers also have peace of mind that their chosen installer has the skills required to both design and install renewable technology in line with current building regulations and environmental standards.

To become Flexi-Orb certified, installers must prove they are capable of designing and installing renewables systems in line with the standard. They must also commit to on-going auditing, including the inspection of previous installations to ensure standards remain consistent.

What products does Flexi-Orb cover?

The certification covers a wide range of renewable energy products suitable for both domestic and commercial use.

Products include:

• Micro wind turbines
• Solar PV panels
• Solar Thermal panels
• Solar batteries
• Eco-friendly energy efficient boilers
• Combined Heat & Power (CHP) systems
• Energy storage devices (solar batteries)
• EV charging points
• Ground source heat pumps
• Air source heat pumps
• Solar inverters
• Infrared heating
• Voltage optimisers

Benefits of using a Flexi-Orb certified installer?

The biggest benefit of using a Flexi-Orb certified installer is that homeowners will qualify for the government’s Smart Export Guarantee Scheme. But there are several other benefits including:

• Peace of mind that the system has been installed following building safety regulations.
• Access to an insurance backed guarantee which provides protection should your installer cease trading.
• Flexi-Orb will also act as a mediator should there be a disagreement between you and the installer.
• The knowledge that the system installer has been audited and previous installations have been inspected to ensure they continue to meet standards.
• Homeowners also receive a net zero-carbon homes rating certificate.

Flexi-Orb also helps to protect consumers by operating the Flexible Energy Register which maintains a record of properties which have installed renewable technology in line with the standard. There’s also the option for consumers to share opinion and to provide feedback on their installation.

This data is shared with the UK Fire Service to help them locate products which have been identified for recall, repair or decommissioning.

For more information about Flexi-Orb and the accreditations they provide check out their website here.