The increased demand for PV, as a result of the new Green Deal, has seen solar panel installer BSOLAR re-launch its training arm, the Energy Foundation, to offer qualifications for energy assessors working in the sector.
Peter Bladen (pictured), managing director of BSOLAR, said, “Previously to BSOLAR, I’d been working for five years training energy assessors and with the advent of the Green Deal there is now a huge demand for this training again.”
The Green Deal will begin in October and will allow homeowners to take out interest-free loans to pay for green technology, to make their home more efficient. These loans will then be paid off by the savings they make on their energy bills.
According to Bladen, Energy Performance Certificates will be a vital part of the Green Deal and installers have to have training in this area. Any green technology installation in a home will first require the property to be assessed for an EPC, so those working in the industry have to have the EPC training and accreditation.
He said, “From October, installers, be it solar panel installers or those putting in cavity wall insulation or any other form of technology will need to first conduct an Energy Performance Certificate of the property in order to be part of the Green Deal programme. EPC training is essentially vital if you want to work in the industry.”
The Energy Foundation is offering courses around the country in domestic and non-domestic EPCs and specific training for solar PV installers. All courses include ABBE registration, assessment and exams.
Bladen concluded, “The courses are proving extremely popular, with firms often preferring to be taught by tutors like ourselves who work in the industry as well as being qualified trainers.”
