Training & accreditatation of solar water heating systems

Completed

Renewable Energy Sources(Solar Energy, Solar heating and cooling (including daylighting))

Final stage Development and Demonstration

SOCIAL SCIENCES (Education)

Not Cross-cutting

Mr D Brewer
IT Power Ltd

3

Carbon Trust

01 September 2003

30 August 2004

12 months

£86,227

South East

Mr D Brewer, IT Power Ltd

Project Contact, Institute for Sustainable Power . Europe (ISPQ).
Project Contact, Filsol Solar Ltd
Project Contact, Solar Trade Association

To devise a course of recognised and auditable quality, providing theoretical and practical training to potential installers of solar water heating systems. This is key to the standing of the industry at a time when the number of installers needed is increasing.

Tapping into renewable energy resources is key to the UK Government's attempts to meet its CO2 reduction targets. One readily available technology which harnesses the sun's energy is solar water heating for domestic and commercial use. Solar water heating systems require competent installers to ensure desired system efficiencies are achieved. However, at present there is a shortage of knowledgeable and suitably qualified installers to carry out these installations. This has resulted insome poorly installed systems which have damaged confidence in solar water heating. A key problem is that solar water heating is not a major component of nationally recognised vocational qualifications. Courses that do exist have varying content and adopt different teaching approaches. The quality of these courses is also difficult to assess for prospective students and potential customers. IT Power Ltd, in collaboration with partners, is addressing these shortcomings. By devising a course through a recognised certification scheme in the plumbing and heating industry, a consistency in subjects taught is ensured. Moreover, by striking a careful balance between theory and practice, installers are given the experience vital for the proper installation of these systems. The course is being devised with the option for accreditation through ISPQEurope. This organisation is involved in the development of standards for the installation of renewable energy systems. In this way the course will enjoy a greater standing in the industry. This proposed course is timely. Under the Clear Skies scheme, up to 3500 grants are available for solar water heating systems installed by registered installers. The provision of suitably qualified installers through this course will ensure that the greatest benefit will result from this scheme

01/01/07