Have you heard of building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) solar panels? 

 

Products are now available that are designed to seamlessly integrate with the existing structure and design of a building. They are easy to install, making them ideal for your home, public buildings, offices and commercial properties. 

The energy price cap is now set at £2,500 from 1st October and further increases are expected in January 2023. 

 

The government’s plan to promote increased use of renewable energy in our homes by subsidising heat pump installations is being questioned. 

 

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) provides grants to encourage installation of low carbon heating systems such as heat pumps. The scheme covers some of the initial cost of installing low carbon heating and is open to domestic and small non-domestic properties in England and Wales. 

We recently took a trip into Central London to isolate power ready for soil test drilling works. 

 

It’s important to do this when you are carrying out work that involves digging or disturbing the ground. If you come across buried cables there’s a risk that someone could be injured or die due to electric shock, or electrical arcs that could lead to explosions and burns, even if protective clothing is worn. 

One emergency call recently was due to an irrigation system failure at Overstone Park Golf Course. 

 

In the recent hot weather that could have been a pretty serious problem. 

 

Thanks to our troubleshooting skills the issue was diagnosed and repaired with new parts in a couple of hours, so there was a tank full of water ready to use the next day. 

Electric vehicle (EV) sales in the UK are increasing quickly and are already ahead of targets set by the Climate Change Committee. 

 

It’s expected that there will be 400,000 new EVs in the UK by the end of 2022. 

 

Although it’s estimated that four out of 10 drivers don’t have access to dedicated off-street parking this still means the majority of new EV owners could charge them at home. 

 

The MSE team has secured the contract for a lighting installation project with a local logistics company. 

 

We will be completing a full sensor controlled LED refit for their newly-acquired warehouse in Northampton. This will allow them to maximise energy efficiency and it is estimated to give them a return on their investment in just 2.5 years. 

 

Also included is the installation of a new emergency lighting system suitable for their new racking layout. 

Updates to the Requirements for Electrical Installations known as the Wiring Regulations have been issued and can be used immediately. 

 

The current version (BS 7671:2018+A1:2020) will be withdrawn on 27 September 2022. 

 

While both documents are still valid, electrical work, inspection and testing must meet the requirements of whichever version is used. They can’t be combined. 

If you’re thinking about choosing a plug-in hybrid or all-electric car here are some things to think about when you’re considering charging at home. 

 

You will certainly have a convenient and cost-effective way to charge your car which will prove much cheaper than petrol or diesel, especially now we are facing much higher fuel prices. As more people buy electric cars off-road charging for an electric vehicle (EV) could also increase the value of your home. 

People working in construction have been involved in the highest number of cable damage incidents in London, the South East and East of England during the past year. 

 

Prioritising electrical safety in the sector could significantly reduce the risks of injury and save the time and cost of delays when electrical cabling and equipment is damaged. 

 

In 2021 builders were involved in 23% of incidents where members of the public came into contact with electricity cables, which is more than any other trade.