Renewable Energy Installer December/January 2017 | Page 36

SOLAR ASSISTED HEAT PUMP
Knowledge : Energy Storage
Top tips 1 Don ’ t try to sell storage like you sell solar PV . Don ’ t focus on ROI , but on energy independence , self-consumption , energy security . Early adopters tend to be ‘ green ’, savvy and like the idea of being an innovator . Don ’ t forget they also tend to love technology . Know your product offering and have apps to show off and demonstrate if you can . 2 Don ’ t try to offer every product on the market . You are better off working with one manufacturer at this stage . A couple at most . Know the offering inside out . 3 Seek help from your chosen manufacturer to prepare marketing mailshots to existing and previous customers . Perhaps an ‘ offer ’ or add-on for those that bought PV from you in the past . 4 Don ’ t expect huge volumes of sales yet . See this as positioning and experience gathering . Of course , you want and need to sell a product , and there is a big market there , even at an early adopter stage , but the flood will come later . 5 Be informed . Read the trade publications , attend seminars and events , join a trade association . The Renewable energy Association ( REA ) has a dedicated Energy Storage and Decentralised Energy sector group . Others are also active .
explained : “ We have been running regular accredited installer training courses and help installers gather deeper knowledge of our battery storage solutions . We believe a qualified installer will provide better service to customers and build up confidence to sell more of our product . “ We will have two UK offices , one in the South and one in the North to provide prompt technical support when an installer needs help on site . We will also have a testing facility and demonstrator systems in our office to test and repair storage units and this and this will help us quickly close up new potential technical issues .” Other manufacturers , such as Powervault , offer strong technical support but try to design a product that is simple and elegant , and easy to install , getting as close to ‘ plug and play ’ as possible and designing their solution to look like ( and be ) a household appliance , fitting in with dishwashers and washing machines . In short , all manufacturers are keen to speak to installers , those committed to the long term and prepared to work hard now , to build their profile , reference sites , expertise and experience . In return they are committed to providing technical and marketing support , and hand-holding while you find your feet , and I ’ m sure some price support too . Do research , reach out to them , engage them . We know that energy storage is going to be a significant market , at all scales . Get informed and get involved .
David Hunt was a director for eight years in a multi-technology renewable energy installer . Currently he is Managing Partner of one of the leading global executive search firms in the clean energy sector . He is also Chair of the Decentralised Energy Forum and a policy board member of the UK Renewable Energy Association ( REA ) and the Energy Storage Alliance
The only UK built and tested ErP A-rated , Thermodynamic MCS accredited Solar Assisted Heat Pumps
Our retro-fit LMTB IV and the BMTB , which also incorporates a hot water storage cylinder . Providing up to all of your hot water needs day AND night , all year !
Contact the team for more information

0844 967 1500 enquiries @ magicthermodynamicbox . com

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Heats water to 55 O C all year round Works in sun , wind , rain and at night
Outstanding thermal efficiency Significantly reduces carbon emissions
Robust aluminium panel
Panel can be mounted vertically or horizontally
Minimal maintenance
Suitable for domestic and commercial applications
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High Efficiency Fluids Thermox Low Temperature Rated Geothermal Antifreeze and Air Source Fluids use

Thermox DTX for Maximum C . O . P

HYDRATECH

Specialist Fluid Solutions
tel : 01792 586800 www . hydratech . co . uk www . renewableenergyinstaller . co . uk | 19