Survey reveals solar PV and heat pump market potential

A survey of homeowners has underlined the sheer size of the solar and heat pump opportunity for installers. Almost two thirds (60%) say they are planning to invest in solar panels. And more than a quarter (26%) say they have already considered a heat pump, with 39% saying they are familiar with heat pump technology. The poll, commissioned by City Plumbing and conducted by Censuswide, asked 2,011 homeowners across the UK how eco-conscious they were and what it would take for them to consider having renewables installed. The results make for positive reading for the industry. More than 1.3 million homes have solar panel installations, according to the latest MCS data, meaning 4.1% of the 29 million homes in the UK are currently generating electricity from solar panels. Of these properties, 35.1% were detached, 31.1% semi-detached, 20.1% terraced and the remaining 14% flats, apartments and other domestic dwellings, demonstrating the flexibility and wide appeal of the solution. The survey revealed: Almost two thirds of homeowners expect to install solar. More than a quarter, 26% say they have already considered installing a heat pump. The result also painted a picture of a country which cares about the environment: On average, people expect to install solar panels within the next five years and five months. 71% of homeowners are concerned about the environmental impact of traditional energy sources. Only 8% said they were unconcerned. 64% of people say self-sufficiency is important to them when it comes to energy storage in their home, with 19% saying it is really important. That figure rose to 80% of those aged 18-24 and 71% of those aged 25-34. 75% believe solar panels are a reliable source of energy. Hemal Morjaria, Managing Director of Energy Efficiency at City Plumbing, says, “These statistics really do underline the market potential for solar PV and heat pumps in the UK and the opportunity ahead for installers who transition their business to new technologies. “The opportunity to reduce energy bills remains a big driver for consumers and that’s something heat pumps and solar PV can help tackle when combined with battery storage. “This is a good time for installers, engineers and electricians to take up training in how to install renewables, which is why we’ve partnered with GTEC training to help them on their journey via our Energy Efficiency Centre.” When asked what would persuade more people to put up solar panels, the top answers were: Reducing energy bills (56%), rising to 67% for those aged 35-44 Government subsidies (32%) Generating my own energy (27%) Reducing carbon footprint (24%) And when they were asked what was putting them off, they said: High upfront costs (70%) Reliability and maintenance (24%) Lack of knowledge about solar panels (23%) Limited space (18%) Perceived ugliness of panels (13%) Hemal Morjaria adds, “Government support in providing subsidies to make renewables more affordable is part of the answer, but installers can play a big part in helping homeowners understand better the benefits too. “What’s most encouraging from this survey is the sheer size of the potential market if together we can get it right. The public is showing interest in both Solar PV and heat pumps and their knowledge is growing. All of us in the industry, including installers, can help to build that knowledge.”

Kempower introduces megawatt charging system for electric vehicles

Kempower has expanded its diverse, fast DC charging solutions offering as the company introduced its megawatt charging system to the market. Megawatt charging system (MCS) is a dedicated charging system for higher powers above 1MW, specified for electric truck charging. The new charging solution is based on the company’s existing technology, including Kempower’s high power satellite with MCS liquid cooled charging plug and two 600kW Kempower Power Units. The company starts deliveries of the new Kempower MCS in Europe during the first quarter of 2024. The total power of the first delivered Kempower MCS solution delivery will be 1.2MW. “We are a key part of the critical growth of the electrification of trucks and heavy duty transportation. Electric trucks are gaining traction as a sustainable alternative to traditional diesel trucks. Traditional heavy duty trucks account for more than 25% of the total CO₂ emissions from road transport. So, it’s clear that transitioning truck fleets to electric will have a major impact on climate change mitigation. An electric fleet also helps businesses get ahead of the competition by meeting sustainability demands,” says Jussi Vanhanen, Chief Market Officer of Kempower. “Electric trucks are typically charged with a DC fast charger either overnight, at a warehouse destination, or on-the-move along highways. Larger EVs need larger power sources. Our megawatt charging solution serves all those use cases: overnight, destination and on-the-move charging,” says Jussi. Trucks, buses and coaches are currently responsible for around 25% of CO₂ emissions from road transport in the EU and approximately 6% of the region’s total emissions. In the US, medium and heavy duty trucks account for about  29% of road transport’s total emissions – and approximately 7% of the country’s total – despite being less than 5% of the total vehicles on the road. Emissions are continuing to rise, primarily due to the growing amount of freight traffic on roads. Kempower expects the commercial vehicle DC charging market in Europe and North America to have 37% compound annual growth rate until 2030.

HiKOKI launches the NT1850DFJXZ Cordless Brad Nailer

HiKOKI Power Tools has launched the NT1850DFJXZ Cordless Brad Nailer for professionals in the construction industry. This 18V Compact 18 Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer allows users to easily move around the jobsite without hoses or compressors and can get an outstanding 1,650 nails per charge with the included 3.0Ah compact battery. The NT1850DFJXZ Cordless Brad Nailer delivers a driving speed of up to three nails per second, saving valuable time and increasing productivity and yet it is 30% more compact and 31% lighter than the previous model (the NT1850DE). The new nailer employs a unique air spring drive system that uses compressed air to drive each nail, resulting in zero ramp up time, increased driving speed, and recoil that feels like a pneumatic nailer. Combine its pneumatic-like feel with the convenience and power of the 18V or MultiVolt battery and this powerful Nailer works all day long, driving 16-50mm nails up to one to 1.25mm (0.131”) in diameter. It also features a brushless motor, low battery indicator, selective actuation, a tool-less jam release for quick and easy clearance of jammed nails and dry fire lock out to prevent firing without nails present, tool-less depth adjustment, variable position belt hook and an LED light. The toolless nailing depth control allows for easy adjustment, ensuring consistent and accurate results every time, and this Nailer also offers selectable firing modes, allowing professionals to easily choose between sequential or bump fire mode for the highest accuracy and fastest work progress. With a steady and reliable nailing performance, even at cold temperatures and high altitudes, professionals can work with confidence in any environment. The tool's LED light illuminates dark workspaces, making it easy to work in low-light conditions. The NT1850DFJXZ Cordless Brad Nailer is covered by HiKOKI’s three year heavy duty warranty, which can be extended to five years once registered on the HiKOKI website, within four weeks of purchase. *Terms and conditions apply.

Knightsbridge reaches new highs with LED industrial lighting

Knightsbridge has announced its new Potentia LED high bay range which provides an ideal solution for industrial applications requiring versatility, flexibility, durability, control and performance. The high bays, which come in two sizes, incorporate tri-wattage and dual-CCT functions along with other innovative features to deliver long-life and powerful illumination. The high bays feature a selectable CCT switch, allowing users to adjust the colour temperature between 4000K and 5000K according to preference, and offer wattages of either 100W, 120W and 150W or 150W, 180W and 200W depending on model. Suitable for the toughest industrial environments, Potentia are rated to IK08, making them resilient in the face of impacts, and also IP65, ensuring resistance against dust and water ingress. This makes them well-suited for installations in challenging indoor or outdoor settings where protection against moisture and debris is crucial. Effective control is crucial to lighting performance, and Potentia offers a choice of approaches. First, built-in 0-10V dimming capability comes as standard, while the high bays are supplied with polycarbonate diffusers, ensuring even light distribution that makes them ideal for environments where cleanliness and hygiene are of importance. Second, a programmable microwave sensor is available, which enables the user to set various parameters such as brightness, sensitivity, hold time, standby time and standby dimming. The sensor can be paired with a remote control, giving the ability to control settings to ensure adequate illumination while maintaining energy efficiency. Finally, when used with an addressable Digital Addressable Lightning Interface (DALI) control system, the DALI module allows the installer to assign an address and a control group to the fixture, this address and control group allows for grouping of fixtures into zones. Other accessories available include a 60o lens modifier, which reduces the beam angle from 90o  to 60o – important for high-ceiling installations, a smaller beam angle is required – and surface mounting brackets which allow for flush mounting, and so increase the number of applications for which Potentia is suited. With a five-year warranty and cutting-edge LED technology, Potentia is built to last, boasting an L90B10 rating of 50,000 hours, guaranteeing longevity and consistent performance.

Lighthouse brings free workforce wellbeing portal for all in construction

The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity has partnered with CITB and Samaritans to create a wellbeing support tool, as part of the industry wide initiative called 'Make It Visible'. The Make It Visible campaign and portal aims to make welfare and wellbeing support visible on every construction site, helping to reduce the stigma around the subject and increase awareness of the support pathways available. Having secured over £400,000 in funding from CITB, the #MakeItVisible portal was created earlier this year to support the initiative. The portal provides a wide range of resources, covering themes of emotional, physical, and financial wellbeing. It aims to help individuals recognise when they’re struggling and how to cope with the challenges they’re facing. For each area, there is an extensive list of organisations that can provide further in-depth advice and support. Research shows that stress, depression, or anxiety accounts for 27% of all work-related illness in construction. Tragically, the charity also reveals that two construction workers in the UK take their own lives each day. The charity’s mission is to ensure that no construction worker or their family feels alone in a crisis, and that they get the support they need before it’s too late. The Make It Visible campaign also has a taskforce of people who are dedicated to visiting construction companies, builders’ merchants, hire centres, and sites across the UK and Ireland to get the conversation started and raise awareness of the free resources. The team has spoken to almost 30,000 people and visited almost 500 sites since the on site tours started in February last year. The portal is currently encouraging visitors to take part in the world’s biggest mental health check-in, One Million Lives. This free tool has been developed by mental health professionals to help users assess their current state of mind and better understand the complexities of mental health.

Scolmore and Niglon settle long-standing legal dispute

Scolmore has announced that it has settled a long-running dispute with Niglon, which dates back to 2020. Scolmore says that the settlement represents a very significant victory for the company. Scolmore says it took a stand because it wanted to send a clear message to the industry that Scolmore will always pursue any infringer, wherever they operate. Intellectual property is one of Scolmore’s most prized assets. The dispute arose after Scolmore became aware of claims that Niglon had been making regarding its MEDIAN products in comparison to Scolmore’s MODE products. Scolmore subsequently sued Niglon for the infringement of Scolmore’s registered trade marks and for passing off its own goods as those of Scolmore. Following the settlement of the lengthy legal case, Niglon has paid substantial damages and costs to Scolmore and has apologised, with undertakings having been given by Niglon to the court to not repeat the infringements. In a statement about the settlement which has been published by Niglon, the company accepted that its actions had amounted to trade mark infringement and passing off, which it said it regretted and it further stated that it will not in future make any comparisons of the quality, source or origin of its products with Scolmore’s products. Niglon also confirmed that it agrees that its products are not made in the same factory or by use of the same moulds as those of Scolmore. Managing Director of Scolmore, Kevin Beech, says, “Whilst both parties are understandably pleased that we have now reached a settlement, Scolmore will always defend and protect its reputation, as it has in this case. Niglon’s products are not the same as, or equivalent to, Scolmore’s products. We also needed to make it clear that Niglon’s products are unequivocally not made in the same factory as Scolmore’s products.” Kevin continues, “At Scolmore we pride ourselves on many things when it comes to our products including innovative designs, quality materials and rigorous testing. "We have been working closely with a small number of select overseas factories for many years now and have built up a mutually respectful relationship with them. We have invested in these factories to ensure they have the best equipment, technologies and people in place to manufacture our products to the highest standards. All our products are designed in-house in Tamworth, Staffordshire, by our specialist teams. Our partner factories work closely with the designers to work the designs up to samples and then finished products ready for market. We make regular trips to the premises and have regulated systems and procedures in place to ensure that they operate to our exacting standards. “These factories operate on an exclusive basis with Scolmore, only producing products for our group of companies. Wholesalers and contractors rely on this assurance and this proof of the origin of the products that are being supplied to them by Scolmore.”

C&P Engineering Services – 50th year celebrations in Swansea

C&P Engineering Services has been delighted to hold their 50th anniversary celebrations at the Manor Park Hotel in Clydach, Swansea. This event marked a golden milestone in the company’s historic development. The dinner celebrations were attended by over 140 staff, family members, and former employees of the company. During the evening they were all entertained by a live band, a number of awards and presentations. Paul Bunyan, Managing Director, comments, "This was a fantastic night and a great opportunity to celebrate 50 years of being in business, by inviting current and past staff who’ve enabled the company to grow and thrive into the highly successful company it is today." During the evening Paul presented several 'long service' awards to existing and former staff to thank them for their outstanding performance, commitment, loyalty, and dedication to the organisation over the past 50 years. What started as a modest venture by one of the company’s founders, Colin Bunyan has blossomed into a UK and International entity. C&P Engineering’s unwavering commitment to growth, quality, and customer satisfaction has fuelled its expansion, allowing it to serve a diverse range of industries. The company’s journey in 1973 began with a vision to provide instrumentation and electrical engineering services to the power, oil and gas, petrochemical, chemical, and manufacturing sectors to name but a few. In 2023 it and now stands at the forefront of its services and has become an expert in 'Hazardous Area Design and Inspection' as a testament to that vision. The remarkable journey from a small start-up to an industry leader is a story of vision, perseverance, and unwavering dedication. As it steps into its next half-century, the company is poised to continue shaping the industrial instrumentation and electrical landscape and setting new benchmarks for excellence within that industry. The celebration was a great opportunity to reflect on the company’s history and accomplishments, whilst also looking ahead to a bright future with Paul’s three sons being actively involved in the business. Their direct involvement in the company ensures the development and progression of C&P Engineering Services into the future.

Power up your tools with Makita's latest range

Makita has launched a new redemption promotion for its XGT Power Source Kit range. Running until the 31 December 2023, end users can claim a free 40VMax XGT 2.5Ah battery when they purchase a selected XGT Power Source Kit. Power source kits are an ideal way for end users to start or expand a cordless system of XGT 40VMax tools. There are six qualifying Power Source Kits available in total as part of Makita’s latest promotion: Four kits with two batteries (2.5Ah, 4.0Ah, 5.0Ah, and 8.0Ah options) and fast charger, and two kits with four batteries (5.0Ah and 8.0Ah options) and a twin-port fast charger. All are supplied in a robust Makpac carry case. Purchasing a Makita Power Source Kit enables you to select your preferred battery options, and then select your XGT tools from a wide range of body only models as a cost-effective option. The Power Source Kit and body only products enables customers to build their own kit of XGT products specific to their job requirements. With a high number of XGT models also available in Makpac cases, you can simply connect the Makpac tool cases to your Power Source Kits for improved storage and safe transport. The latest promotion allows end users to claim a free BL4025 2.5Ah XGT Battery (retail value of over £100) with qualifying XGT Power Source Kits. This Li-ion battery is a powerful general use battery with an LED charge level indicator for use with its range of 40VMax and 80VMax XGT tools. The heavy duty battery can be charged in just 28min with a rapid charger, for optimum performance and productivity on site. Makita’s latest redemption will run until the 31 December 2023. Customers who purchase any qualifying XGT Power Source Kit from an authorised dealer between 1 October 2023 and 31 December 2023, must register their purchase online via the redemption promotion website within 28 days of purchase to claim their free product (see website for full terms & conditions and qualifying criteria). Customers will receive their free 2.5Ah (BL4025) 40VMax XGT Battery on successful application.

Conquer the cold with Carhartt’s flannel shirt range

In the cooler weather, keeping warm on site takes top priority. Enter the cosy world of Carhartt’s soft, insulating cotton flannel shirts – a timeless addition to your work wardrobe, perfect for layering during the colder months. The Carhartt Rugged Flex n Relaxed Fit Midweight Flannel Long-Sleeve Plaid Shirt (105945) is a must-have for those who demand comfort, durability and style. It incorporates Rugged Flex technology, giving an unbeatable range of motion, while its midweight cotton construction strikes the perfect balance between softness and rugged durability, ensuring it stands up to the demands of daily wear and tear. Available in four distinct colours (sea pine, red ochre, malt, chestnut), it has ample pockets, adjustable cuffs and triple-stitch main seams for added sturdiness. When the mercury dips, reach for the Relaxed Fit Heavyweight Flannel Sherpa-Lined Shirt Jac (105939). Available in chive, brown, navy and red ochre, this shirt is made from 100% cotton for a soft touch, complemented by a plush sherpa lining which provides an extra layer of warmth. Featuring two front welt pockets, an interior chest pocket for essentials and two chest pockets with secure snap closures, this relaxed fit has plenty of practical storage. With its snap front closure and extended drop tail hem, it easily layers over garments or stands alone for a warm, comfortable and smart look. Another great flannel to add to your wardrobe is the Rugged Flex Relaxed Fit Flannel Fleece Lined Hooded Shirt Jac (105938). Designed with built-in flex for on-site mobility, this features a gentle fleece lining for added cosiness. Its relaxed fit allows for easy layering, while the attached three-piece hood with adjustable drawcord offers personalised coverage. With two chest pockets and two front hand warmer pockets, it combines practicality with comfort. Available in three classic colours: Carhartt Brown, Black, and Dark Brown. Don’t freeze out on site this autumn and winter – step into warmth and comfort with Carhartt’s new flannel collection.

Recolight launches game-changing platform to reduce waste

Recolight has launched Reuse Hub which is a new digital marketplace for lighting. It is an online platform that will facilitate the donation of new and used lighting products and equipment. Currently, there are considerable volumes of new and used lighting products that are needlessly recycled when they could be reused. Some are in very good condition before removal, and therefore, a lot of the value and embedded carbon is lost if they are recycled. Many manufacturers hold unsold stock, surplus new lighting taking up valuable warehouse space. Recolight want to make it as easy as possible for companies to hand over surplus and used products to third-parties, who can put them to good use. The Recolight Reuse Hub allows donors of such products to link up with potential companies that could use the donated products. A reuse hub for lighting The Reuse Hub is the first of its kind for the donation, reuse, and remanufacture of lighting products.  Donors can offer both unused, unsold lighting stock and used but reusable lighting equipment that may be suitable for remanufacturing, including those from CAT A and fit outs. Any type of organisation can sign up, including manufacturers, remanufacturers, specifiers, end users, charities, and more. Even those lighting producers that are not yet members of the Recolight compliance scheme may participate. Companies can register as donors, recipients, or both. The Reuse Hub is currently free of charge for both donors and recipients. It includes a template agreement between both parties, that clearly limits the liability of donors, to de-risk the process.