Newbie, some questions

[sellers]

Hi there, I'm Tom, 23, I'm a self employed electrician based in Blackpool.

I'm looking into getting into the proccess of installing PV systems.  My knowledge on this is very limited which is why I am here!

I am currently looking into becomming MCS accredited so that my potential customers can earn the feed in tarrif.   Obviously I need an installation to show to become accredited.  Now here comes the problems, I can't really gain any customers without being MCS accredited.  I may have managed to pursuade my parents to have a PV install at their home.  Wheres the best place to get my materials from.  Are there any courses I can go on to become more knowlegable.  Or is it as simple as Panels, inverter, meter, spur, etc.

Many Thanks

Tom

[Ted]

To become accredited you'll need to contact one of the MCS PV certification bodies such as NICEIC or NAPIT and go through their process to become MCS approved. It will probably be cheaper if you go with your existing Part P scheme.

See http://www.niceic.com/contractor/schemes/microgeneration
or   http://www.napit.org.uk/microgeneration.asp

You should also read the MCS installer standards:
http://www.microgenerationcertification.org/Benefits+and+MCS+Certification+Process/Installer+Certification/Installer+Standards

[sellers]

Thanks I've been having a look at some links on here and they are very useful.

Just don't know where the best place to find mcs approved pannels and equipment? 

[Ted]

Here is the list of all the MCS approved PV panels:

http://www.microgenerationcertification.org/Home+and+Business+Owners/Microgeneration+Products/Solar+Photovoltaic

MCS approved panels are available from Navitron.

[jerriais]

http://www.cat.org.uk/

You should look at this website, they do some good courses for renewable energy including solar.

[martin]

and of course....(pun!) - http://epogee.co.uk/