North Notts College Launch New Solar Panel Course
North Nottinghamshire College has launched a new course which is required for companies installing and maintaining solar panels in the UK and is now just one of a handful of providers in the East Midlands and South Yorkshire to support the growing renewable energy sector with specially-designed training.
The three-day course is aimed at qualified electricians and Domestic Installers who are looking to develop their skills in the installation of solar panels on domestic properties, and leads to them being recognised under the industry’s Microgeneration Certification Schemes.
Lecturer Russell Fields explained that the course was run to suit individual companies at the College’s Shireoaks Construction Skills Centre.
“With recent changes in the price that householders receive for energy generated through solar panels on their properties, this equipment is steadily coming down in price and is therefore becoming far more attractive to more people who want to make a positive contribution to protecting the environment, whilst they benefit from selling energy back to the National Grid.
“The solar panel installation industry continues to grow and is closely regulated through the Microgeneration Certification Schemes to ensure that technicians have the right training in this new technology.
“We were approached initially by South Electrical in Harworth who required this training as part of their business expansion and, having researched the market and identified the lack of training providers in this area, the College invested in new resources and facilities at the Shireoaks Centre to offer practical training in this qualification.”
Three employees from South Electrical were the first to complete the training at North Nottinghamshire College.
Managing Director Richard South explained: “We have been established since 1968 and have a workforce of 58 people including 15 apprentices who complete their apprenticeship through North Notts College.
“We are planning to expand our work in solar panel installation both for domestic and commercial properties and needed the qualifications and certification to be able to achieve this. So we were delighted when the College made the commitment and investment to support the industry.
“Despite the changes in tariffs, renewable energy is definitely the way forward and I am delighted that we were able to source the training nearby for our team to be able to expand into this market.”
The course, Domestic Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems, includes the technology behind the systems, the design, installation and commissioning of solar panels, how to undertake routine service, as well as maintenance and fault finding.
For more information about the course at NNC, please contact 01909 504760/504759
