Training courses for installers of small-scale renewable energy systems in buildings

Duration: 2010 – 2013 ● Client: European Commission (IEE) ● WIP Role: Coordination, Market uptake, Communication and Dissemination

The rise of fossil fuel prices, and with it the rise of heating and electricity prices, and the increasing awareness related to the consequences of climate change, are driving citizen to ask for the installation of renewable energy systems in their own houses. The high renewable energy market growth rates experienced in recent years have resulted in an increasing demand for competent specialists able to install faultless and efficient renewable energy systems. The objective of the Install+RES project is to establish large scale institutionalized training courses for the qualification of trainers and the certification of installers of small-scale renewable energy systems (biomass, solar, PV and heat pumps) in buildings. The target groups are installers (with working experience as plumbers, roofers or electricians) and trainers (i.e. teachers, engineers and professors).

The training courses for trainers will take place in Germany during the first project period and will be offered in German and English languages to the project partners and also to third parties. The courses will be performed in several European countries (Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, Poland and Slovenia) in languages of the participating country (Bulgarian, Greek, Italian, Polish, and Slovenian).

The Install+RES training courses are based on a well-balanced relationship between theory and practice as the training courses mainly take place in demonstration facilities and laboratories, where practical work is performed. The qualification as an installer will encompass developed practical skills and a profound understanding of the theoretical backgrounds, ecological and economical aspects and rational use of small-scale renewable energy systems in buildings. Through the completion of the course with an exam leading to a certification or qualification, the Install+RES project will invest in the sustainability of renewable energy system installations all across Europe and will lead to a highly qualified and skilled workforce.

The partners in the Install+RES project consortium are:

• WIP – Renewable Energies, Germany (Coordinator)
• BZS, Bildungszentrum für Solartechnik der Landeshauptstadt München, Germany
• ALP Dillingen, Academy for teacher In-Service Training and Staff Development, Germany
• AIE, European Association of Electrical Contractors, Belgium
• VHSE, Vocational High School of Electronics "John Atanasov", Bulgaria
• CRES, Centre for Renewable Energies, Greece
• SCV, School Centre Velenje, Slovenia
• Cracow University of Technology, Poland
• ASSISTAL, Italian Association of Plant Builders, Italy
• FIEC, European Construction Industry Federation, Belgium

The Install+RES project is supported by the European Commission under the Intelligent Energy for Europe Programme.