Friday 19th November

Following the disorganisation of Lawtech’s PM we have now run over programme.

The tenant moved in as planned as we had completed all the internal works and external with the exception of Lawtech.

The new gang of renderers came down last week and done a great job of the brick effect render.

There was however some additional works which we decided to complete ourselves. After all this time and the continual issues with Lawtech which included some snagging items which they wanted us to leave for 12 months, we were not happy with their attitude and also had to ask their Contracts Manager Dean to leave site as enough was enough. What we were told was a 2 week insulation and rendering program duration has actually ended up now being a 5 week program!

Ball Contractors then had some issues with Weber, as their rep had a very good affiliation with Lawtech. This was also not to be expected, as we are the Principle Contractors and our client is The Local Authority, not Lawtech.

We eventually got the materials we needed form Jewson and our own team of renderers completed the areas that needed and the brick effect render on all elevations match perfectly.

What is so annoying about this is that this high profile project can lead to so many other avenues, and we have felt that Lawtech are just using us as a hospital job and really don’t give a damn about this project.

FITS (Feed-In-Tariff) Clarity

The recent announcement from DECC provides some clarity about the way forward for the FIT scheme. There are some key points to note and I summarise those:
• The PV FIT starting rate for under 4kWp systems from April 1st 2012 will be 21p per kWh, subject to an inflation linked rise.
• Residential PV installs from April 1st must be to properties with an existing or new Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) grade D. An initial 12 month grace to achieve this level will be granted but it is a condition to qualify for the full FIT rate. Worth noting: there are about 8000 Domestic Energy Assessors in the UK typically providing these for a fee of around £60.00 - £100.00. Ball Contractors can arrange for an EPC to be carried out at your home.
• July 1st will see a further tariff reduction to between 16.5p and 13.9p per kWh. DECC will determine the actual rate on the level & capacity of PV installations deployed in March & April and will announce the rate giving 2 months’ notice. DECC’s intention has been for domestic PV installations to return around 4.5% on investment.
• The Government have reaffirmed their commitment to the Green Deal launch in October 2012, we expect further details as they take shape.

MCS Accredited through NAPIT

In May 2011, Ball Contractors became MCS Accredited through NAPIT. This certification enables us to supply and install Solar PV Systems and connect them to the Government’s Feed-In Tariff Scheme so that customers can earn cash from every kWh their system produces.

6 Monthly BSI

Our 6-monthly BSI Assessment took place during this first part of August. The Assessment was successful and we are continuing to work to our quality management system.

Site Meeting with Lawtech - 24th January 2011

Following all the issues we have had with Lawtech and numerous correspondences, Their MD, Mr Lawrence had agreed to meet me on site with our Clients Representative from Ashford Borough Council.

We had a meeting and Mr Lawrence and he apologised profusely for all the issues and finally agreed my figures for the work that they had undertaken plus the extra costs incurred for the over run and additional welfare facilities.

Solar Thermal System still needs fixing

More issues and we are now being told that these areas need solving by Thermal Reflections;

• The H.P (high pressure) switch that was linked out by Thermal Reflections is to be replaced with a new unit.
• We are also told that the main problem with all these systems is tuning.  This involves setting the expansion valve to give around 7°C of superheat. 
• The other problem is that you cannot commission this type of equipment when the temperature is below freezing. Although we initially commissioned the system at around 12*C with all the issues and alterations by Thermal Reflections and the low temperatures, it appears that the system can’t be re-commissioned until the temperatures rise. This is just ridiculous, as this could mean waiting for weeks, as we have snow still.   
  

  •  We’re now being told that the system need to have an additional item added, an in line electric boiler. This is not what the system was sold to the designers and I am not convinced. I am also unsure where they intend in fitting this, as the heat block is outside and plumbed direct into the existing heating system.

Ashford Borough Council have given Thermal Reflections one last chance and a deadline to resolve the huge problems with their system - I won’t hold my breath

Dear Stuart

Thank you for your email received this week explaining a way forward regarding the issues with the Energie System bought from you. I have now met today with my Client at Ashford Borough Council and discussed them with him.

Following your site survey on Friday 14^th January and your prepared solution with the issues, my Client has agreed to give you a further 2 weeks to have the system in Appledore fixed and fully operational at no cost to him. He expects the system to be fully functional by the close of play Friday 11^th February or it will have to be removed and all monies for the materials and both labour costs for the installation & removal incurred by Thermal Reflections.

Please contact me next week with the day you require to attend site, so that I can arrange access with the tenant.