NORTHERN IRELAND THERMAL TECHNOLOGY, LEADER IS FIRST IN EUROPE

OCTOBER 2003

Researchers at Thermomax, the Bangor-based pioneer of solar heating technology, have developed a unique solar simulator to enable it to stay ahead of competitors and reap the business benefits from government initiatives in the United Kingdom to promote the use of renewable energy.
The solar simulator is being used by Thermomax to demonstrate the performance of its products to customers and to test competitors’ equipment.

Thermomax, an R&D-led company, has also sought to maintain its market leading edge by becoming the first in Europe to gain the prestigious SolarKeymark Quality accreditation.
The company, a leader in the development of sophisticated vacuum panels for converting solar power to heat industrial and domestic water systems, gained accreditation following extensive testing of its industry leading Solamax and other solar collection systems by SPF in Rapperswil, Switzerland.

The accreditation has been achieved as the UK governments, as well as other European and international governments are implementing ‘Clear Skies’ initiatives to promote solar and other renewable energy sources. In the UK, the government is now offering significant cash rebates to encourage solar energy.
The SolayKeymark was introduced earlier in the year by the CEN (European Committee for Certification) Certification Board in Brussels to ensure that all solar systems complied with new and rigorous European quality standards.

Mrs Kathy McVeigh, Thermomax’s Commercial Manager, believes the new solar simulator and Solar Keymark accreditation as “important benefits for our global marketing activities”.

“They both indicate the quality, reliability and effectiveness of our range of products which are being used successfully in international markets, including many regions not known for sunny climates. The simulator is the result of an extensive R&D programme that is also focusing on other techniques to add significant value to our products."

“By continuously investing in R&D, with assistance from Invest Northern Ireland, we aim to maintain our lead over a growing number of competitors including those in China which are being subsidised by the Beijing government which see solar power as one answer to the nation’s huge energy problem."

“The Keymark for solar thermal products will assist users in selecting quality collectors and systems for a broad range of applications.”

The "Solar Keymark" is the result of a voluntary certification scheme supported by the European Solar Thermal Industry Federation of which Thermomax is a member.