The Renewables Podcast

Mark and Sam return for episode 2 of solar and storage 2024 wiht visits to Star chargers, Doncaster cables, Genius, Napit, Hamar, Waxman, DEKS, Klauke, SOlar port and more! Dont forget to subscribe to the channel

Mark and Sam return for episode 2 of solar and storage 2024 wiht visits to Star chargers, Doncaster cables, Genius, Napit, Hamar, Waxman, DEKS, Klauke, SOlar port and more! Dont forget to subscribe to the channel

Would you like to ask the author of the brilliant IET wiring matters article on outdoor consumer units a question? The article can be found here https://electrical.theiet.org/wiring-matters/years/2024/102-september-2024/external-consumer-units-for-electric-vehicles-in-a-domestic-environment/ This is a real problem for installers in both EV, PV and ASHP. So hopefully we can find a solution that is both safe and simple. Dont forget to subscribe and get involved in the comments.

Solar and Storage Show episode one, Sigenergy, Enphase, Power vault, GivEnery, Alpha stand run throughs with Mark and Sam. From the new Sigenergy commercial system and DC EV charging to Enphase gateway and the made in Britian Power Vault! We have a part 2 coming on this with further content from a few more stands!

Solar design 101 - We take a look at VOC ISC and much more discussing all the common problems that can catch you out. Especially if you are called Mark....We run through some of the challenges with PV design from sizing isolators, fuses, cables and panels to inverters!Along with sharing some of our mistakes and Sam takes us to regulation corner Joe Robinson style!

Sam and Mark answer your questions live on instagram. Be that from the live audience or pre sent in! This was so much fun and hopefully we were able to help. We will be doing this again soon so if you missed us this time watch out for the next one!

Damon, Sam and Mark discuss the role of MCS, the approach of installers and energy retailers and how that effects quality and efficiency of heat pumps and solar. Conversations like this are never easy as the default response from consumers can be that installers are bitter about "disruption" in the market place caused by energy retailers. When really it is people worried about job security after years of training and the costs around that eroded by those who claim to be all about net zero but appear not to care. Its easy for energy barons to make that case less so for an individual trying to keep a roof over their head and work in the best interests of consumers. Interested in feedback on this one!

What is the magic that makes heat pumps work? Damon Blakemore joins us to explain what COP, SCOP, heat loss and more means! Along with tips on how to prepare for a heat pump and find a good installer! Damon can be found here on twitter https://x.com/Damon_BPHR and here online http://blakemoreplumbingandheating.co.uk/ The league table of heat pump performance is here Huge thanks for his time on this one and in part two we get onto MCS, energy retailers, heat geek and more...

Sam and Mark get into the crippling challenges around price slashing at an installer level. With some tips for both installers and consumers of things to look out for and keep in mind. We have a massive opportunity for trades workers with the drive towards net zero. It would be a huge shame to waste that in terms of both quality and longevity but what do you think?

We get into a chat about MCS, what industry could do to support installers and consumers along with our views around pricing and the impact energy retailers have had on the market. This is one not to miss

Mark and Sam are joined by Jordan to talk about the journey into renewables, the growth challenges and lessons learned. Jordan also shares how he runs  @artisanelectrics  today and the objectives for the future. He has built one of the largest electrical content channels in the UK on YouTube with his awesome team.

Sarah Wallace from Waxman Energy joins us to share the difficulties in shipping equipment into the UK, the struggles with currency fluctuations and quality control. Sometimes as installers we get a distorted view on pricing so it was really interesting to hear Sarah explain how this all works. For details on Waxman energy see here https://www.waxmanenergy.co.uk/ and you can find Sarah here https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-wallace-511051bb/

Mike explains his route into the renewables sector via re-roofing his own house and a chance interaction with Sam! We get into Mikes background in web design, IT, finishing electrical training as adult and the inspiration first begun by his Granddad. I loved this one and hope you enjoy it as well. Check out our show sponsors here for all your renewables switchgear and loads more! bidirectional rcbos, type B single module rcbos, three phase rcbos and custom built equipment! https://proteusswitchgear.com/ You can find mike on LinkedIn and Instagram below, if you need help on an install he is your man! https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-stott-984543ab/ https://www.instagram.com/eastrenewables/

We catch up on the start to the podcast, what we have enjoyed, achieved, got right and wrong! We also have a reveal on a show sponsor... https://proteusswitchgear.com/ check them out for all your switchgear requirements and more! We have big plans going forward to make this as good as we can and do the show its service. Thanks to all for listening along and welcome to those new to the show!

We are joined by the Managing Director at Eco-Power Renewable Energy to talk about his journey from the army, via an apprenticeship to successful business owner. Its a powerful story mixed with the hidden struggles journeys like this can bring. What Aidan has achieved and continues to grow is both incredible and inspiring. This is one not to be missed. Aidan can be found here https://www.linkedin.com/in/aidanward1285/?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

We are joined by the Managing Director at Eco-Power Renewable Energy to talk about his journey from the army, via an apprenticeship to successful business owner. Its a powerful story mixed with the hidden struggles journeys like this can bring. What Aidan has achieved and continues to grow is both incredible and inspiring. This is one not to be missed. Aidan can be found here https://www.linkedin.com/in/aidanward1285/?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Sam takes us for a look around the  @installershow  2024 featuring interviews with trades people, Super Rod, NICEIC, ESF, EAL, ETT Sparksafe, Myenergi, CEF and lots lots more. Please forgive the audio at times, it is a very noisy environment and we are not quite the BBC as yet!

Jono and Thomas explain the recent issues some installers have experienced around communications with consumers. We also dig into the development of current and forthcoming products along with changes to help support the installer network. Thomas Newby is MD of Great Britain and Jonno Smith is Installer Scheme Manager at myenergi, huge thanks to both and the entire team at myenergi for the time and warm welcome.

Pete Hemming takes us through the history of Proteus and the changes renewables has brought upon the business over the last few years. Its fair to say Proteus are leading the switchgear game and others are playing catchup. We get into the bidirectional devices on offer and share a new and exciting product fresh to the market, if you like B type RCDs you will like this one! Massive thanks to Pete, Spencer and Taylor for getting this recorded and if anyone wants to visit the team get in touch! You can find Pete here https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-hemming-53926211b/

We get into the huge changes myenergi have gone through over the last few years from a small startup to regional powerhouse now expanding into a global market. Jordan sets out the difficulties in that both personally and more widely around the business. It is great to hear the good and bad along that journey and where myenergi are pushing hard now. For a small town like Grimsby and more widely in the Humber and Lincolnshire region I (Mark) can not state how important the emergence of companies like myenergi is to the region. Massive thanks to Jordan for taking the time to chat and working hard personally to resolve some of the difficulties electricians have had in recent times. We also have another episode with the myenergi technical team discussing RCD protection and product difficulties mixed with success!

Steve Humphreys explains island mode earthing, bidirectional devices and the role NAPIT plays in helping industry navigate changes both in the renewables space and beyond. We get into amendment 3 to BS 7671 and the recent PAS document along with a few other technical topics around system design, certification and coding! Thanks to Steve for taking the time to join us! Please dont forget to subscribe to the channel and thanks for the incredible support.

Steve Humphreys from NAPIT joins us to set out what role NAPIT play in the renewables industry. From MCS to training and wider member support, we get into the nitty gritty of what goes on. Along with honest discussion about the difficulties and challenges they/industry face. Having sat through a few of Steves presentations at tradeshows he is a power house of knowledge and enthusiasm.

Rob explains the true cost of his solar system and sets out his experience on payback. We discuss the key choices he made in selecting both a system an installer and how his use of the system has changed along with tariffs. Huge thanks to Ror for joining us and respect to Sam for fronting up with a customer of his to set this out. Hopefully this is useful to consumers considering a PV and battery storage system for home and also other installers out in industry. Robs install can be found here @DIYjourney1 https://www.youtube.com/@DIYJourney1

We get into the recent AMD3 draft for public comment of BS761 dispelling myths and answering key concerns direct from the IET and chair of the committee building these things. So was it really a manufacturer conspiracy? Money making scam? Pointless? Rushed? To late? Or was it just a group of hard working people trying to do the best they can for industry? Watch the video or listen to the podcast and from your own views! Huge thanks to Michael and Graham for travelling so far and taking the time to sit down and chat. Far more widely than the topics discussed I learned loads and am very grateful for the privilege of the time shared. Dont forget to get involved and share your comments on the DPC https://standardsdevelopment.bsigroup.com/projects/2024-01247 The BSI website does need some work but perhaps that will improve soon as well!

Lucy Dixon sets out the epic brands, equipment, CPD and celebs visiting Installershow 2024 at the NEC in Birmingham on the 25th-27th of June Register and come take in the awesome show here https://installer-2024-splash.reg.buzz/mark-allison We also discus #TRADESTALK and Installer futures. Brilliant overview of the growth the installer show has seen and what is to come! Join the 20k visitors and 600 exhibitors at this years event at  @installershow 

Massive Solar panel systems! We delve into the world of large scale solar PV with the superstar Josh Powell. Discussing financing, installation challenges, maintenance, funding, DNO/G99, safety and loads more. Sam and Mark were all ears to the valuable insight Josh shared and we hope you find it just as useful. You can find Josh on Linkedin here https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-lloyd-powell/

Mark, Sam and Dan discuss how they size solar PV and battery storage systems. Along with things to consider when integrating systems with heat pumps and electric vehicles. If you are a consumer unsure of the system size you need this is essential viewing! Sam is the owner of Oval Renewables with fantastic renewables experience. Dan is the owner of DMH renewables with equally awesome renewables experience. Mark is the renewables newbie but despite the youthful appearance has extensive experience of the wider electrical industry. All views shared are in the aim of helping other installers, consumers and anyone interested int the renewables industry. Please dont forget to subscribe and like the video!

Sam and Mark take a look through the recent PAS around battery storage in domestic homes. Covering the headline news around loft locations and outdoors! But we also explore some of the points around fire detection and how these battery systems both interlink and alert to issues. Next up we bring some guest in for a chat!

Mark and Sam introduce the brand new Renewables Podcast with a look at their experiences so far and what the plans are with the podcast itself! From 208 panel arrays to small domestic systems we want to talk about that and way more. Including but not limited to wind, hydro, hydrogen, heat pumps, energy costs, installer difficulties and success along with new innovation! We hope to continue to receive such strong support and look forward to sharing more soon. Next up the PAS!

Welcome to episode one of the solar power and battery storage podcast! Where we explore the base camp options for anyone considering solar and batteries in their home.

Covering array size, inverter size, battery size and many of the basic principles to help decide on what you need.

In future episodes we will discuss G99, G100, different battery technologies, the effects of clipping and loads more. Before we delve into specific products, brands and apps!

I am excited to get started, more soon.

Mark