The Prosperous Future and Business Opportunities for Electrical Contractors

Giuliano Digilio

ECA Head of Technical Services

London – 22 June 2010

UK Solar PV Conference

About the ECA

•  The UK’s leading trade association representing the interests of electrotechnical contractors

•  Formed in 1901, the ECA has over 3,000 member companies

•  Collectively, ECA member companies: •  Generate an annual turnover of £5.5 billion •  Employ some 30,000 people and support 8,000 apprentices

in training •  Undertake the greater part of all the recorded electrical

installation work in the UK.

Scope of Presentation

• Electrical contractors’ perspective, challenges and opportunities • Promotion of new PV technology • Planning issues • Design issues • Installation issues • Inspection, testing and commissioning • Training and up-skilling • Technical support and guidance

Photovoltaics create many Challenges & Opportunities

The electrical contractor has been blessed with a flood of new technology which introduces challenges and

opportunities. One of these new technologies is photovoltaic systems.

What is a Solar PV System?

•  Solar PV systems convert light energy into renewable electricity.

•  The electricity generated is fed straight into the electrical installation of the building and is used to power electrical services and appliances.

•  Solar PV systems should not be confused with solar hot water (or solar thermal) systems which provide hot water.

Benefits to Clients

•  Climate change / sustainable agendas •  Renewable energy •  Legislation •  Planning pressures •  Available grants •  Feed-in tariffs •  Energy cost savings •  Pay-back is improving

There are many good reasons why electrical contractors should promote

the use of solar PV systems:

•  Easily fitted to most buildings – retrofit or new build •  Reliable and practically maintenance-free •  PV modules typically offer a 25-year performance

warranty (life expectancy is 50 years) •  Clients benefit from generous capital grants •  Clients benefit from cheaper energy costs •  Meets climate change and sustainability agendas

Promotion of PV Technology

• Electrical contractors must better promote their skills and services

•  Understand the technology •  Core skills for electrical installations •  Training and up-skilling •  Guidance and technical support •  Marketing skills and support

Design Team Member

Early involvement of the electrical contractor and better coordination of

sub-contractors is essential to ensure good compliant installations.

Planning Issues

•  Planning application •  National Building Regulations •  EU legislation/directives •  Liaise with Building Control and Fire Officer •  Health and safety risk assessment (CDM & FSO in UK) •  Utility requirements •  Available grant / funding •  Type of system connection

Design Issues

•  Competent designer (electrical engineer) •  Interface with architect and structural engineer •  Orientation, pitch, shading and space planning •  Designer’s risk assessment •  System sizing •  Grid connected / off-grid system •  Feed-in tariff •  Structural support / fixing system •  National standards and legislation •  Switchgear •  Lightning protection

Installation Issues

•  Competent operatives/management •  Installation programme •  Interface with main contractor •  Early builder’s work information •  Sub-contract package interface •  Site-based risk assessment •  Damage, protection and theft •  Lightning protection and earthing •  Grid connection and interface with utility company •  National standards and legislation •  Inspection, testing and commissioning

Commissioning • All electrical installations including

PV systems should be inspected, tested and commissioned by a competent person and the relative certification/documentation should be issued in accordance with national standards and legislation.

• Operation and maintenance documentation must be provided by the installer for the person that ordered the work.

National Standards and Legislation

BS 7671 Wiring Regulations Building Regulations Industry Guide

Conclusion

• Electrical contractors do have the core skills, but they will need to up-skill and include PV system solutions within their scope in the future.

• Electrical contractors will need technical support and guidance from the PV equipment manufacturers, suppliers and their association.

•  If electrical contractors do not embrace the opportunities offered to them by PV systems and other new technologies in the future, others will.

• Early involvement and good coordination is essential.

Thank you for your attention

Giuliano Digilio

ECA Head of Technical Services

www.eca.co.uk