In the first of three articles looking at how to maximise return from a PV investment, Brian Smithers, Business Development Director at Rexel, discusses why training for installers is crucial.
Last year was a watershed year for the PV installation market. Analyst house IMS research found that despite a relatively weak start to the year, global installations rose by 24 percent from 2010 – up to 24GW from 19GW. For the UK, much of this growth was caused by a surge in demand brought about by proposed governmental cuts to feed-in tariffs, with home-owners wanting to capitalise before the rates were lowered.
With the future of feed-in tariffs still to be decided, it’s more important than ever that installers ensure PV projects deliver the maximum benefit. Only by producing the best possible yield will the solar industry ensure a bright future, whatever happens with solar subsidies moving forward.
Exactly how successful home owners will be in maximising the benefits of solar power can vary. The gulf between a good and a bad installation is vast, and can dramatically affect the efficiency of the panels, and as a result how much power is generated. Quality training is incredibly important in helping installers to avoid some of the potential pitfalls encountered in the installation process.
The installer will be responsible for providing advice and guidance on all the key areas of the project: which panels and inverter to use as well as the size of the installation and where to place it for best effect. It naturally follows that if the installer does not have a sufficient knowledge of his or her subject area, then a weak installation is far more likely.
An installer has to work closely with the home-owner to ensure that the installation meets their needs exactly. For example, even tiny details – such as where the inverter is placed – can have a big impact long-term on the value of the house. Therefore the installer needs to choose a suitable place, whether that is a loft, garage or utility room, and make sure that that the cabling is discreet. The solar panels should complement the existing architecture as much as possible.
It is here that certification plays a key role. If the industry is to continue to grow, all credible installers should be MCS certified. The MCS is an internationally-recognised quality assurance scheme which proves that an installer has met rigorous training standards. The certification was designed in association with representatives from product manufacturers and installers themselves, and works as a mark of competency that the installer can deliver a PV project to the highest of standards.
In the words of Elizabeth II, “It's all to do with the training: you can do a lot if you're properly trained.”
A fully trained installer will have all the necessary technical knowledge, including SAP calculations, G83/1 Grid connection requirements, AC & DC electrical theory and basic roofing structures & integrity issues.
They will also have practical knowledge of how an installation works in practice, for example hands-on PV panel mounting. Perhaps most crucially, an installer should also be able to provide support for the customer on paperwork, test forms, financial incentives and ongoing system maintenance.
The second part of this blog will be printed in the upcoming edition of Solar Business Focus UK. You can sign up for your free copy here.
Solar installer training is of vital importance to the UK's solar industry, explains Rexel's Brian Smithers.
