Environmental FAQ
Who we are...
Solar Twin Ltd are a UK based manufacturer and installer of PV (solar electric) pumped solar water heating systems and Photovoltaics for electricity production since 1999.Solartwin is a patented flat plate solar water heating system. We supply Solartwin, plus any associated plumbing, support structures, design, renewable energy “know how” and installation services. as appropriate & excellent customer service.
Solartwin’s Zero Carbon design is both UK invented and manufactured. Its design maximises reliability, simplicity, environmental benefits and hot water delivery while minimising both capital and running costs. Solartwin can usually be retrofitted in less than a day with minimal disruption to the home.
In 2008, Solar Twin Ltd expanded into commercial sized solar PV installations. Over the past 9 years we have pioneered the use of PV in pumping and controls for the Solartwin solar water heating system, and installing PV on a large scale is a natural progression.
Accreditations & independent audits
In 1998, Solar Twin Ltd won a DTI Smart Award - for innovation. In 2003 it won a second time – for commercial success. The Solartwin technology has been awarded EU Solar Keymark after passing BS EN 12975 parts 1 & 2. The business is BS EN ISO 9001 and will shortly be ISO 14001 on Environmental management Systems. In 2005 & 2007 Solartwin was awarded best solar business and best buy (respectively) by Ethical Consumer Magazine in UK.
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Solar Keymark The Keymark for solar thermal products will assist users to select quality solar collectors and systems. This "Solar Keymark" is the result of a voluntary certification scheme supported by the Eurpean Solar Thermal Industry Federation. |
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Ethical Consumer: Best Buy Ethical Consumer magazine have awarded the Solartwin with it's Best Buy for 2007. Ethical Consumer's unique ethical scoring system rates the environmental, ethical and social record of the companies behind the products. Plus, the scoring system looks at the sustainability features of the product itself, giving consumers the overall, bigger ethical picture. |
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ISO 9001:2000 Solar Twin Ltd employ business practices which have been independently assessed and certified to ISO 9001:2000. |
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Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) Solar Twin Ltd is an approved installer under MCS, which sets minimum quality standards for customers eligible to claim funding via the Low Carbon Buildings Programme (LCBP). Not-for-profit organisations such as housing associations, local authorities and charities can claim up to 50% grants for their renewable energy projects, with 50-100% top up funds for some available via the Community Sustainable Energy Programme (CSEP) administered by BRE. The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) is an independent scheme that certifies microgeneration products and installers in accordance with consistent standards. It is designed to evaluate microgeneration products and installers against robust criteria providing greater protection for consumers. The MCS is the only certification scheme to cover all microgeneration products and services, and has support from the Department of Energy and Climate Change, industry and non-governmental groups as a prime method for making a substantial contribution to cutting the UK's dependency on fossil fuels and carbon dioxide emissions.
Our installer number is NIC 1019.
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Solar Twin Ltd is an approved supplier through:
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REAL Assurance Scheme Solar Twin Ltd is a full member of the REAL Assurance Scheme. The REAL Assurance Scheme has been set up by the Renewable Energy Association. It aims to guarantee a high quality experience for consumers wishing to buy or lease small generation units for their home, for a community building or for a small business. REAL membership is a sign that the supplier has agreed to abide by the high standards as set out in our Consumer Code. The REAL logo is a symbol of professional excellence. |
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Constructionline Solartwin have been independently assessed and are an approved contractor through Constructionline. Constructionline is a public private partnership between the Department of Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (formerly the DTI) and Capita Business Services. As a national online database, it is the UK's largest register for pre-qualified contractors and consultants. Its aim is to improve efficiencies for buyers and suppliers in the construction industry, specifically by reducing the duplication of work and administration relating to the process of pre-qualifying suppliers for construction contracts. |
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Construction Health and safety Assessment Scheme (CHAS) Solartwin are an approved contractor for Construction Health and safety Assessment Scheme (CHAS). Companies apply to join the scheme so everyone knows they meet acceptable standards of health and safety compliance. |
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Exor Solartwin have been audited and approved as a supplier through the Exor supply chain programme. Exors supply chain programme is specifically designed to enable organisations to best meet targets and obligations in the areas of efficiency, economic development, regeneration and procurement risk management in line with key Central Government initiatives. |
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One Planet Products “Listed by One Planet Products®, which is part of One Planet Living® a global initiative developed by BioRegional and WWF”. Solartwin’s flat plate solar thermal panel has gone through an environmental review involving both Solartwin and the product being assessed against the 10 One Planet Living principles. The product is now listed on the One Planet Products website of sustainable building products. One Planet Products®is a not-for-profit service managed as a Member led club. It enables Members to purchase and specify green construction products easily and affordably, helps them build knowledge in sustainability and to drive a green supply chain to meet their needs in a changing world. |
Trade Associations...
Solar Twin Ltd are proud members of:
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The Renewable Energy Association Solar Twin Ltd are proud members of The Renewable Energy Association which was established in 2001 to represent British renewable energy producers and promote the use of sustainable energy in the UK. The REA was called the Renewable Power Association until October 2005. |
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Micropower Council Solar Twin Ltd are proud members of the Micropower Council. Launched in April 2004, the Micropower Council includes all the large trade associations and a number of leading companies with interests in microgeneration, and acts as the industry’s main contact point for government, opinion formers, the press, and the public. |
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Association of Environmentally Conscious Builders (AECB) Solar Twin Ltd are proud members of the Association of Environmentally Conscious Builders (AECB). The objectives and aims of the AECB is to facilitate environmentally responsible practices within building. |
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The Sustainable Energy Association (SEA) The SEA is an industry association which has been set-up by industry members to represent the renewable energy sector across the island of Ireland" |
We are also extensively involved in the International Energy Task Group 39 on use of Polymers in solar thermal systems.
Coverage and who we supply...
Solar Twin Ltd operates nationally as a direct seller to owner occupiers and commercial customers. Solar Twin Ltd currently supply to B&Q where it is available through all major stores and web, and is the favoured supplier to many Registered Social Landlords & developers. Solartwin has an office in Portugal and our business plan includes expansion across the EU over next 12 months, and US in 2 years.
Mission...
- 1. To reduce global warming by becoming a major provider of the best solar water heating systems, while keeping our solar panels affordable..
- 2. To become recognised as the top solar company, the one which brought solar water heating from the green ghetto into the mainstream!"
Solar keymark certified
Micropower council
Renewable Energy Association
Association for Environment Conscious Building
