The renewable energy sector continues to boom with Flexi-Orb
As the renewable energy sector continues to boom, ensuring your business stands out with top-tier certifications is more important than ever. Flexi-Orb, the UKAS-accredited certification scheme, is designed to revolutionise the standards for Solar PV, Electrical Energy Storage Systems, and EV Charge Points.
Here at Brighter Compliance, we are passionate about supporting business in implementing certifications that make a real impact and add value.
What is Flexi-Orb?
Flexi-Orb is a newly established certification scheme and set of standards designed for installers to demonstrate high-quality business practices and installations. This UKAS-accredited scheme encompasses three key areas: EV chargers, Solar PV, and Battery Storage, setting it apart from other schemes like MCS, which is not UKAS accredited and does not cover EV chargers.
Flexi-Orb focuses significantly on the business processes, aiming to drive down risks at both the business and installation levels by identifying performance issues and promoting best practices.
We were delighted to read this week that a local certification body is to be the first in the UK to run this scheme.
Simply Certification has recently been awarded the accreditation which will allow them to offer the new Flexi-Orb certification scheme ensuring that any installations of Solar PV, Electrical Energy Storage Systems and Electric Vehicle Charge Points are completed to a good standard.
How is Flexi-Orb different from MCS?
- Scope: Flexi-Orb covers EV chargers, Solar PV, and Battery Storage, whereas MCS does not include EV chargers and has a more limited business process focus.
- Accreditation: Flexi-Orb is UKAS accredited, adding a level of formal recognition to its standards.
- Assessment Approach: Flexi-Orb employs two types of assessors: Lead Auditors for business processes and Technical Assessors for technology installations, ensuring comprehensive evaluations. MCS uses only Technical Assessors focused on technology installation.
- Cost Structure: Although Flexi-Orb’s initial costs are higher, the ongoing costs for lodging an installation are lower than MCS, making Flexi-Orb more cost-effective as the volume of installations increases.
Here are our top reasons for investing in Flexi-Orb:
Enhanced Business Processes
Unlike other certification schemes, Flexi-Orb places a strong emphasis on assessing and improving your business processes. This holistic approach not only ensures top-notch installations but also drives continuous improvement within your organisation. By aligning with proven standards such as ISO 9001, Flexi-Orb helps you identify best practices, reduce risks, and enhance overall performance.
Need more information on ISO 9001? Explore a previous article of walking readers through ISO 9001 certification consultants and how to get started here.
Boost Consumer Confidence
Flexi-Orb certification shows customers that your installations meet the highest quality standards. This not only enhances consumer trust but also provides them with the reassurance that they are dealing with professionals who adhere to stringent industry protocols. In an era where consumers are more informed and selective, this mark of quality can be a decisive factor.
Comprehensive Coverage
Flexi-Orb uniquely covers a broad spectrum of renewable technologies, including EV Charge Points, which are not included in other schemes like MCS. This comprehensive coverage allows your business to cater to the growing demand for diverse renewable energy solutions, positioning you as a versatile and forward-thinking provider.
Cost-Effective
While the initial certification costs for Flexi-Orb may be higher, the ongoing costs per installation are significantly lower compared to other schemes. This means as your volume of installations increases, Flexi-Orb becomes more cost-effective, offering substantial savings in the long run. It’s an investment that pays off as your business grows.
We can support businesses exploring funding applications to finance certification. Check out NBSL, funding from the Sunderland Business Support Fund (SBSF) and our article on how this fund could help your business here.
Stay Ahead of Regulatory Changes
With Flexi-Orb’s UKAS accreditation, your business will be at the forefront of compliance with evolving regulatory standards. This proactive stance not only minimises legal risks but also showcases your commitment to maintaining high industry standards, further bolstering your reputation.
Our professional consultants are well versed in UK legislation and can guide your business through any requirements to ensure certification. We also have an intuitive portal that houses an up-to-date legal register that is live.
Why choose Flexi-Orb?
Flexi-Orb is intended to be a mark of quality for both business infrastructure and technical installations. The scheme aims to:
- Enhance business performance by focusing on process improvements.
- Reduce risks associated with installations through thorough business assessments.
- Support continuous improvement and high standards across the organisation, aligning with proven frameworks like ISO 9001.
Flexi-Orb or MCS?
The decision between Flexi-Orb and MCS depends on the installer’s needs and priorities:
- Number of installations: Consider the volume of installations to determine cost-effectiveness.
- Assessment focus: Flexi-Orb offers a value-based assessment with a strong emphasis on business processes, suitable for those looking to enhance their business practices.
- Cost considerations: Compare the initial certification costs and ongoing lodgment fees to decide the most economically viable option.
Consultation and Support
Brighter Compliance serves as a consultant and support for Flexi-Orb, assisting installers in navigating the certification process and ensuring they meet the high standards required by the scheme. This support can help businesses understand the nuances of Flexi-Orb and make informed decisions about certification.
We also have a range of portals to support installers in maintaining their management system in an intuitive way that supports certification.
For more information on Flexi-Orb and how we can help send us a message.
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