Solar Thermal Domestic Hot Water - Installer & Designer Course

The course has been produced to enable experienced heating engineers to benefit from the marked increase in sales of Solar Hot Water Systems and the entry in to the market of many of the leading heating manufacturers. Solar Thermal Systems are by far the best selling renewable technology in the UK and are set to play an important part in the Governments CO reduction targets. The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) for domestic systems is to be introduced in October 2012 to offer funding for Solar Thermal Systems with an interim Renewable Heat Premium Payment set to bridge the gap until this is introduced. For commercial installation the RHI scheme starts in August 2011. All funding is only available to installers registered under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) run by Gemserve.

 

To become an accredited installer the engineer will need to be able to demonstrate technical competence and show sufficiently robust quality systems and procedures. An installation will also be required to made available for inspection, although this need not be a customers and could be the installers own property. Attending the Logic Certification is by far the best way for an installer to gain the knowledge and understanding required to start installing Solar Thermal Systems. This is a natural development for the heating market and should be considered by any heating engineer. More information on Solar Thermal Systems can be found on the Solar Trade Association website.

 

Introduction

The purpose of the assessment/course is to give an entry level qualification for experienced domestic heating installers or plumbers, wishing to extend their work scope into solar heating. For those who are not involved in the actual installation of the STHW systems a designer course is available, see below.

 

Target candidates - Installers

Experienced Heating and Plumbing Installers who want to expand their knowledge and skills to include installation of Solar Thermal Hot Water Systems

Target candidates - Designers

This option is for those who will be involved in the STHW supply chain but not actually carrying out the installation, certification and commissioning of the STHW systems i.e. site managers, surveyors and designers etc. It is not necessary to hold the plumbing qualifications as required for the installer course, but some basic plumbing knowledge is required.

 

Scope

The training and assessment package will cover the predominant North European fluid filled, indirect solar water heating systems. The course does not cover all possible variants of this subject and in any case, manufacturer’s support and guidance should always be sought when fitting equipment.

 

The course covers the following main types of system and collector types

 

  • Fully filled sealed system
  • Drain Back system
  • Flat plate collector
  • Evacuated tube collector
  • Direct Flow evacuated tube collector

Pre-requisites to training & assessment for the Installer course

It will be essential that the candidate will be experienced in the installation of domestic cold and hot water systems and will hold a G3 certificate in Unvented Hot Water Systems. It is also essential that the trainee holds one recognised competency in a conventional fuel i.e. gas, oil or solid fuel; or for those in the plumbing field an NVQ level 2 or equivalent plumbing qualification and/or experience. Experience in basic electrical practice would also be desirable. A basic knowledge of the WRSA Water (fittings) Regulations is also desirable.

 

Noted exclusion from training & assessment

This course is not intended to cover roof or access work in detail but does cover the legislative requirements, risk assessment requirements and working at height requirement. Where ever practical we would recommend the use of an experienced roofer to install the collectors (see Euro Active Roofer scheme run by the National Federation of Roofing Contractors ) although collectors will require connection at roof level by a plumber, so those wishing to carry this work out should be comfortable and experienced working at height.

 

Areas to be covered:

  • Regulations and Standards
  • Collector Types
  • Solar Heated Storage Types (storage cylinders)
  • Solar Primary System Types
  • Basic System Design & Integration
  • External & Internal Site Survey
  • Installation Methods & Materials
  • Filling & Commissioning
  • Servicing & Fault Finding

 

Delivery and Assessment 

The course is delivered within 2-3 days and will include both a written and practical assessment for the Installer course. For the designer course the candidate will undertake the written exam and design exercise only.