QualiCert WP2 Deliverable 2 - European Commission...competencies required, the entry requirements, and the content of examinations. Many educational providers use the task analyses

QUALICERT Common quality certification & accreditation for installers of

small-scale renewable energy systems

Project IEE/08/479/SI2.528546

Work Package 2:

Assessment of existing accreditation and training schemes

Deliverable D2.2: List of existing quality schemes outside Europe

Qualicert – Review of existing quality schemes outside Europe page 2

INDEX 1 INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................................... 3

2 INVESTIGATION ISO/IEC 17024................................................................................................................. 3

3 INVESTIGATION “ON LINE” ....................................................................................................................... 6

3.1 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA........................................................................................................... 6

3.2 CANADA.......................................................................................................................................... 12

3.3 SOUTH AFRICA................................................................................................................................ 14

3.4 JAPAN ............................................................................................................................................. 17

3.5 CHINA ............................................................................................................................................. 23

3.6 AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND ................................................................................................... 26

3.7 RUSSIA............................................................................................................................................ 31

3.8 OTHER INVESTIGATED COUNTRIES ................................................................................................ 32


1 INTRODUCTION The research activity carried out by CEPAS started on September 14, 2009 and it

developed as follows:

1. investigation on the state of the art within the framework of independent third

party certification bodies of personnel operating in conformity with ISO/IEC 17024

standard,

2. investigation “on line” of any other kind of certification and qualification for

installers of small-scale renewable energy installations.

2 INVESTIGATION ISO/IEC 17024 The first point has been developed through the following phases.

The first phase was the identification of countries and organizations to be contacted in

order to verify the existence of a system of certification/ qualification for installers of

small-scale renewable energy systems.

This activity of choosing the sample to be examined took into particular account the

countries considered potentially interested in starting and developing certification

schemes in the sector of renewable energy systems.

The second phase consisted in identifying, for each country of the sample, the

certification bodies of personnel to be contacted for submitting them the

questionnaire, in order to explore the possible existence of certification scheme in the

sector of renewable energy and, when present, also the existence of procedures for

the issue, renewal and verification.

As the instructions established with ENEA, in the agreement of the September 10,

2009 (ref. prot. ENEA/2009/47062/SIC-UDA-PMI), the selection of certification bodies

has taken place within the "international system of accreditation / qualification of the

professionals" which, as noted, is governed by the International Standard ISO / IEC

17024 "Conformity Assessment – General Requirements for bodies operating

certification of persons"; therefore, the contact certification bodies were chosen

among those which operate in accordance with that standard: they issue an


independent third party certification and they’re inserted in a international, recognized

and shared framework.

Then, has been determined the method for distributing the research questionnaire: "in

presence" and "online".

The questionnaires have been presented to the contact person and then administered

at the following meetings: Rome (September 24-25, 2009), Vancouver (October 12,

2009) and Paris (October 21, 2009). Besides, the questionnaire have been sent to

other organizations, by electronic mail (“online”).

The research has been realized by Mr. Giancarlo Colferai (President of CEPAS and IPC

– International Personnel Certification Association), with the collaboration of Mrs. Rosa

Anna Favorito and Mrs. Emanuela Piga.

The sample of countries/organizations contacted is represented in the following Table

1:

TABLE 1

Country Organization Contact person

Australia RABQSA International Mr. Peter Holtmann

Austria QUALITY AUSTRIA Mrs. Anni Koubek

Popular Republic of China

CCAA - China Certification &Accreditation Association

Mr. Qiang Li

Popular Republic of China

CNCA - Certification & Accreditation Administration of the P.R.China (governmental organization)

Mr. Zhao Zheng

Germany DGQ - Deutsche Gesellschaft für Qualitat

Dr. Wolfgang Kaerkes

Japan JRCA - Japanese Registration of Certified Auditors, Japanese Standards Association

Mr. Michihiro Takata

India NRBPT - National Registration Board for Personnel and Training

Mr. Vipin Sahni

Norway QMCe - Quality Management Certification

Mr. Marit Paus Finsnes

New Zealand RABQSA International Mr. Peter Holtmann

Russia Russian Register Certification Association

Mr. Pavel Stepanov


Chinese Taipei

ACB - Quality Management and Environmental Management Auditors Certification Board Chinese Society for Quality

Mr. Chi Ming Kuan

Turkey TQNet - Quality, Certification Services & IT

Mr. Osman Vural

USA RABQSA International Mr. Peter Holtmann

The representatives of China, Japan and Russia said that in their countries there are

no certification schemes for installers of small-scale renewable energy systems.

However, the Russian representative expressed particular interest in certification

schemes related to renewable energy, requiring more information for the purposes of

future implementation in his country.

The situation is different in Australia, USA and New Zealand which, to date, have no

certification schemes in this sector, but this activity is scheduled for the future.

To point out the interest of Turkish and Norwegian representatives that, though in

their respective countries there are not active certification schemes in this sector yet,

demonstrate a willingness to consult their own national accreditation bodies in order

to obtain information.

Below, a summary of the state of the art as results of the answer to the

questionnaire:

TABLE 2

Country

Scheme of

Renewable Energy

Systems

Level of Interest to

develop this Scheme in

the future

• Australia

• New Zealand

• USA Not active

High; activation of a

certification scheme

planned for the future

• Norway

• Russia

• Turkey

Not active High; contacts provided by accreditation bodies

• Popular Republic of China

• Japan

• Chinese Taipei

Not active Low

• Austria

• Germany

• India

Not answered


3 INVESTIGATION “ON LINE” After investigating on the state of the art within the framework of independent third

party certification bodies of personnel, operating in conformity with ISO/IEC 17024

standard, CEPAS decided to complete the work carrying out a further investigation

“on line” on the possible existence, in the most industrialized countries, of any other

kind of certification and qualification for installers of small-scale renewable energy

installations.

The attention has been put on the following countries: United States of America,

Canada, South Africa, Japan, China, Australia, New Zealand, Russia and other

important countries from Africa, Asia and South America.

The results have been particularly interesting and they are detailed below. However, it

is important to make it clear that, due to the operating modes of this surveying, it has

not been possible to verify the reliability of the results gathered.

3.1 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

The sustainable “green” development and the clean Energy production are actual

themes in the United States of America, also based on the qualification and

certification of all the energy operators include the installers. The presence of several

states with different regulations and licensing increases the complexity of the

development and mutually recognize accreditation and certification schemes for

installers of small-scale renewable energy installations.

Through the U.S. Department of Energy's Solar America Cities program, 25 major

U.S. cities and over 180 organizations, including municipal, county, and state

agencies, solar companies, universities, utilities, and non-profit organizations, are

working to accelerate the adoption of mutually recognize codes, standards, certified

qualifications and certifications in the field of the small-scale renewable energy

technologies.1

1 http://www.solaramericacities.energy.gov


Typically, American states require SWH (Solar Water Heater) installers to hold a plumber’s

license and PV installers to hold an electrical license. More than a dozen states require

contractors to obtain a separate, specialized solar contractor’s license.

Solar expert Jim Dunlop, P.E., an independent consultant formerly of the National

Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (NJATC) and the Florida Solar Energy

Center (FSEC), summarizes the need for licensing:

Most solar energy systems are not fully integrated, listed equipment like a plug-and-

cord appliance that can be simply installed by the consumer. Rather they are a field

assembly of electrical components and hardware subjected to building codes and

construction standards and their installation is considered a skilled craft trade that

should be performed by properly trained, qualified journeypersons and licensed

contractors.2

For PV systems installed in the United States, nearly all aspects of licensing are

governed by the North American Electrical Safety System. Many organizations,

however, are involved in developing product codes and standards, testing, and

approvals.

• Standard Practices: The IEEE/American National Standards Institute

(IEEE/ANSI) develops standards and recommended practices for installing PV

systems.

• Installer Certification: The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) publishes

the National Electrical Code® (NEC; also called NFPA 70), which is the U.S.

standard for the safe installation of electrical wiring and equipment. The NEC

(along with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration [OSHA] and the

U.S. Department of Labor) establishes the qualifications of those who are

allowed to work on electrical systems, including their experience and training on

the associated safety hazards.

Certification typically adds a layer of quality to existing licensure or sets a baseline

level of quality in locations where a solar contractor’s license is not required to install

systems. Encouraging or requiring national certification is recommended if local

governments wish to keep pace with national standards developed by a large base of

stakeholders.

2 J. Dunlop, “Installations Licensure and Qualifications for Solar Energy Systems.” IAEI News, September–October

2008).


The most widespread certification program for PV and solar thermal system installers

is operated by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).3

NABCEP’s program is a national, independent, voluntary industry certification

program. Candidates for this certification qualify based on documented PV systems

training and installation experience (there is a prerequisite for at least one year of

installation experience). Candidates must pass a written examination, sign a code of

ethics, and maintain continuing education for recertification every three years.

Installer certification through NABCEP is intended for experienced installers to

demonstrate a high level of installation knowledge and commitment to excellence.

The NABCEP board developed job task analyses, which define the general set of

knowledge, skills, and abilities typically required of PV system and solar thermal

installers. These task analyses are the fundamental basis for establishing the

competencies required, the entry requirements, and the content of examinations.

Many educational providers use the task analyses as elements in course design.

In addition, NABCEP offers an entry-level certificate of knowledge, designed for

students and job-seekers new to the field. The certificate does not certify an individual

as a solar installer; it simply shows potential employers that job-seekers have

obtained a basic knowledge of PV system design and installation. The certification

courses have no prerequisites and are open to anyone interested in learning about

solar energy systems installations.

Although intended as a voluntary, value-added credential, NABCEP certification is now

becoming mandatory for contractors who wish to participate in many state incentive

programs. In a few states, the certification is tied to qualifying for a state license. For

example, if solar installation company owners want to be eligible for state rebate

funds in Maine and Ohio, their PV systems must be installed by a professional with a

NABCEP certification. Similarly, in Utah State, solar contractor licenses are awarded

only to NABCEP-certified installers.

Because not all NABCEP certificants are duly licensed contractors in any jurisdiction,

the NABCEP website clarifies that “NABCEP certification is not a professional license

issued by a government agency and does not authorize a certificant to practice.

NABCEP certificants must comply with all legal requirements related to practice,

including licensing laws.”

3 www.nabcep.org


The accredited Installers are included in the NABCEP Data Base.

In American qualification and certification systems for energy operators is very

important the adoption of other Code officials responsible for the safety of individuals

or property that might be harmed when structural, building, electrical, plumbing, or

other codes required by the city or the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) are not

followed. Solar systems that aren’t code compliant could present a risk to building

occupants, system owners, solar technicians, electrical line workers, rooftop workers,

and others who come in contact with these installations.

Cities or AHJs generally require solar systems to be installed in a two-step process.

First, installers must receive a permit from the local government to begin the

installation. Permits are issued based on information required by the local

government, such as engineered designs, equipment specifications or electrical or

structural schematics. Then, once the installation is completed, the code official

inspects the system for code compliance based on the information submitted in the

permitting application. Because code officials are primarily responsible for ensuring

safety, they must understand how solar systems work. Because many code officials

are unfamiliar with solar energy technologies, however, solar systems might be

installed improperly or the inspection process might be unnecessarily delayed.

Fortunately, training can demystify solar systems, streamline the installation process,

and ensure safety. Educational institutions such as FSEC at the University of Central

Florida, the North Carolina Solar Center, and New Mexico State University have

developed courses for code officials to serve local, regional, and national needs for

training.

The main benefit of training code officials is that it enhances safety in the installation

process. Besides enforcing installation codes and standards, officials often determine

whether permit applicants and contractors are properly licensed or otherwise qualified

to perform the work. In some cases, inexperienced individuals who are unfamiliar with

the codes, practices, materials, and equipment used by electricians are installing PV

systems. This problem arises more often with smaller systems in the residential sector

with homeowners often agreeing to the unlicensed work to cut costs. Having

knowledgeable, trained, and available code officials on board helps ensure the safety

of all involved.


In the Geothermal sector a certification and qualification system for installers exists,

and it has been developed by the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association

(IGSHPA). 4

IGSHPA is a non-profit, member-driven organization established in 1987 to advance

ground source heat pump (GSHP) technology on local, state, national and

international levels. It utilizes state-of-the-art facilities for conducting GSHP system

installation training and geothermal research.

IGSHPA has promoted the Accredited Drillers Training—Applications of Production

Drilling and Borehole Construction for GeoExchange Systems course. This new

workshop train individuals on proper construction and completion methods for vertical

GeoExchange boreholes. Currently, drilling contractors searching for industry training

on GeoExchange heat pumps must attend a full Accredited Installer workshop.

Because certain topics covered within the Accredited Installer course do not pertain to

drilling contractors, IGSHPA has formed this training course to provide drilling

contractors with information that’s unique to them on a GeoExchange job site.

IGSHPA “Accredited Vertical Loop Installer” is awarded with successful completion of

the course and exam. The accredited installers receive a vertical loop installer's card

and a certificate. In most instances, they receive a membership with IGSHPA after

they have completed the training class. Membership in IGSHPA is required to be an

Accredited Vertical Loop Installer and maintain accreditation.

The IGSHPA accredited Installers, Trainers, and Certified GeoExchange Designers are

included in the IGSHPA Data Base.

In the wind sector a qualification system for installers does not exist, but a

certification of the small wind turbines.

The Small Wind Certification Council (SWCC)5, as an independent certification body, certifies that small

wind turbines meet or exceed the performance, durability, and safety requirements of the Small Wind

Turbine Performance and Safety Standard. This certification provides a common North American standard

for reporting turbine energy and sound performance and helps small wind technology to gain mainstream

4 http://www.igshpa.okstate.edu/training/ttt.htm

5 http://www.smallwindcertification.org/


acceptance.

In 2007, the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) published its Small Wind

Turbine Global Market Study which reports on the limitations and supply constraints

for a more rapid rise in the demand for small wind turbines, in which the lack of

certification for installers is considered as one of more important limitation for the

wind sector.

In general, each American State has adopted regulations and specific licenses for

installers of small-scale renewable energy installations. We have investigated some

remarkable cases in the States of Florida, Michigan and Oregon.6

In Florida, a solar or electrical contractor license is required for solar electric installers.

Also, installers of grid-tied PV systems are required to pass an authorization

examination to receive State buydown funds. For solar thermal installers, either a

solar, plumbing or pool contractor license is required. These are adequate for solar

thermal and stand-alone PV systems but not for grid-tied PV systems.

Florida is considering more comprehensive requirements for installers of grid-tied PV

systems that will enhance the current requirements. Also, continuing education efforts

are ongoing for all contractors involved in solar installations. Bi-annual continuing

education unit (CEU) requirements have been established by the Florida Construction

Industry Licensing Board (CILB). The Florida Solar Energy Center and selected

trainers are being reviewed for training institution and master trainer accreditation by

the Institute for Sustainable Power (ISP).

In Michigan, the Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association (GLREA) has developed a

program for certifying solar electric installers and systems. The first group of installers

(from Michigan and Ohio) was certified in November 2000. Certification required

testing and design/installation of a minimum of 5-kW and 10 systems. The program

was developed with the cooperation and assistance of Detroit Edison to assure that it

meets utility interconnection and safety criteria. The GLREA has established a

Professional Certification Board. The Solar PV certification program meets the utility’s

requirements for interconnection and safety. PV system designers and installers are

trained in utility practices and code requirements.

6 Report on the State Working Session on Certification of Solar Practitioners by the Interstate Renewable Energy

Council - April 21, 2001 – Washington, DC


Apprentices are required to train under a registered PV system integrator/installer and

have their systems certified by a registered professional.

In Oregon, a licensed plumber is necessary for the installation of solar thermal where

plumbers need 8,000 hours of training. The legislation create a lower level of specialty

for PV, wind, microhydro and fuel cells where solar contractors with 4,000 hours of

apprenticeship plus 40 hours of safety classes could install modules up to the point of

inverters. At that point, an electrician would be required to pull the permit. Regardless

of the current legislation’s outcome, the Oregon State Office of Energy (OEO) intends

to train electricians using the ISP mode. The Oregon Office of Education would do the

accreditation.

In conclusion, all the observed certification and qualification systems for installers of

small-scale renewable energy installations are voluntary industry certifications. No

third party certification exams for installers seem exist.

All the U.S. certification and qualification programs don’t guarantee their certified

installers work or performance.

3.2 CANADA

The Canadian solar Industries association (CanSIA) plays an important role in the

certification of installers in the solar sector.7 In the field of solar domestic hot water

systems for residential applications, the Canadian Solar Industries Association

(CanSIA) has developed a program for experienced applicants and a training program

for new members of the solar industry. The training program foresees several courses

structured in many levels of knowledge (Level one is the basic course for installers).

The installer is certified as an experience applicant if he has experience installing 4

SHW systems or has an accredited plumber/pipe fitter/HVAC Technician

with experience installing 2 SHW installations. Experienced applicants must complete

a roof/fall safety workshop, CanSIA Solar Hot Water System Installer

workshop and successfully complete a written CanSIA certification exam. The certified

installers are inserted in the CanSIA's online database.

7 http://www.cansia.ca/


Students with no experience can participate in CanSIA Solar Hot Water System

workshops and however they must obtain the experience requirements for

certification on their own. After completing the CanSIA workshop and exam

requirements, students have two years to obtain the experience requirements.

The qualification and certification system for installers in the geothermal sector is

implemented by the Canadian GeoExchange Coalition (CGC)8. It was created in 2003

at the initiative of the Canadian Electricity Association (CEA) and industry

stakeholders with support from Natural Resources Canada’s (NRCan) Renewable

Energy Deployment Initiative (REDI) to foster development of the ground source heat

pump industry in Canada. GeoExchange is the industry's term used to describe an

alternative to traditional oil- gas or coal-fired heating, ventilation and air conditioning

(HVAC) systems. Geoexchange systems have also been referred to as earth energy

systems, or geothermal heat pump systems. The Global Quality GeoExchange

Program is a Canadian-made industry based program developed and designed with

the goal of ensuring quality geoexchange installations in Canada. The program is part

of a major market transformation initiative led by the CGC which includes training,

accreditation of individuals, qualification of firms, and certification of systems.

CGC organizes courses about providing quality assurance to the consumer and about

describing and delivering industry best practices when designing, installing and/or

drilling geoexchange systems. A CGC trained individual does not receive automatic

installer accreditation. CGC accreditation is based on real life experience and

verification of permits and licences authorizing an individual to perform professional

work on a geoexchange system in the province / territory where the accreditation is

delivered. To be awarded a CGC accreditation, drillers, installers and residential

designers have to prove they received the appropriate training (either CGC courses or

recognised equivalencies) and also prove they have a positive field experience backed

by customers references and manufacturers / distributors favourable

recommendations. Individuals are accredited after successfully completing the

training, with a passing mark on the examination, and applying for accreditation.

There are three different types of accreditation: vertical loop installers, systems

installers and residential or commercial designers. Accreditation is valid for two years

and requires the following:

8 http://www.geo-exchange.ca/


• A passing mark on the relevant CGC examination

• Credit references if and where appropriate

• Proof of adequate insurance and liability coverage if and where appropriate

• Satisfactory work on five previous geoexchange systems

• Assent to the CGC Code of Conduct.

A system is certified once CGC has approved an application for certification.

Certification means that the system has been designed by an accredited designer and

installed by an accredited installer, and that any borehole work has involved an

accredited vertical loop installer.

In conclusion, all the analyzed Canadian certification and qualification systems for

installers of small-scale renewable energy installations are voluntary industry

certifications. No third party certification exams for installers seem to exist.

3.3 SOUTH AFRICA

In South Africa, the qualification and certification of any individual is based on the

National Qualification Framework (NQF) by the South African Qualifications Authority

(SAQA).9

SAQA is a juristic person - that is an entity given a legal personality by the law. In

1998 SAQA published the National Standards Bodies (NSB), regulations whereby

provision was made for the registration of National Standards Bodies and Standards

Generating Bodies.

The National Qualifications Framework (NQF) 10 is a comprehensive system approved

by the Minister for the classification, registration, publication and articulation of

quality-assured national qualifications. In short, the NQF is the set of principles and

guidelines by which records of learner achievement are registered to enable national

recognition of acquired skills and knowledge, thereby ensuring an integrated system

that encourages life-long learning.

The NQF is a single integrated system which comprises three elements:

9 http://www.saqa.org.za/

10 http://www.nqf.org.za


� General and further Education and Training: this element incorporates schools

and FET colleges;

� Higher Education: this element includes universities, universities of technology;

� Trades and Occupations: this element involves workplace learning and skills

development such as learnership.

The Quality Councils (QCs) plays an important role in the qualification system. They

are new sector-based structures responsible for the development and quality

assurance of qualifications on the NQF. There are three QCs for the three main sectors

namely general and further education and training, higher education, and the trades

and occupations sector. SAQA defines the content of the 10 levels of the NQF and

reaches agreement on the content with the Quality Councils (QCs). It must publish

the agreed levels in the Government Gazette and ensure that they remain current

and appropriate.

In simple terms, the NQF system is based on formative credits which can be defined

as a collective volume of learning required for a qualification in terms of the minimum

number of credits required at specific exit levels of the NQF.

For instance, generally one credit is equivalent to ten notional study hours. In higher

education, an average full-time student undergraduate is expected to study for a 40

hour week, thus requiring a minimum credit load of 120 credits per academic year for

a Certificate, Diploma and Bachelor’s degree; and 180 credits per academic year for

Masters Degree and beyond.

The installers of small-scale renewable energy installations are certified by the NQF

system.

The national certificate for Hot Water System Installation is for any individual who is,

or wishes to be, involved as a hot water system installer in the plumbing sector. The

individual performs this activity under the supervision and guidance of a qualified

plumber. The Qualification contains all the competencies, skills and values required by

a learner who may wish to work towards becoming a fully qualified plumber by

completing the plumbing qualification is at NQF Level 4.

It is accepted that a plumber who has acquired the plumbing qualification entitled

FETC: Plumbing and completed the Unit Standard entitled "Install and maintain solar

water heating systems" (ID 244499) will be able to plan, install, test and maintain a

hot water system, both electrical and solar. This NQF Level 2 Qualification, however, is


directed to an individual who will focus solely on the installation of the hot water

system under the supervision of a qualified plumber and does not include on site

assessment, planning and maintenance of the system.

The National Certificate: Hot Water System Installation at NQF Level 2 is the first

national Qualification in this sector. The National Certificate: Hot Water System

Installation at NQF Level 2 supports the objectives of the NQF in that it gives the

learner access to a registered Qualification. It will ensure that the quality of education

and training in the plumbing is enhanced and of a world-class standard. The

Qualification will allow learners not only to develop their knowledge and skills in the

plumbing field but will also enable them to benchmark their competence against

international standards.

The importance of integrated assessment is to confirm that the learner is able to

demonstrate applied competence (practical, foundational and reflexive) and ensure

that the purpose of this Qualification is achieved. Both formative and summative

assessment methods and strategies are used to ensure that the Exit Level Outcomes

and the purpose of the Qualification are achieved through the achievement of the Unit

Standards. Learning, teaching and assessment are inextricably linked. Learning and

assessment should be integrated and assessment practices must be fair, transparent,

valid and reliable. A variety of assessment strategies and approaches are used. This

can include tests, assignments, projects, demonstrations and/or any applicable

method. The learner must demonstrate evidence of analytical thinking, problem

solving, and integration of theory and practice as deemed appropriate at this level.

Formative assessment is an on-going process which is used to assess the efficacy of

the teaching and learning process. It is used to plan appropriate learning experiences

to meet the learner's needs. Formative assessments can include a mix of simulated

and actual (real) clinical practice or authentic settings. Feedback from assessment

informs both teaching and learning. If the learner has met the assessment criteria of

the Unit Standards then s/he has achieved the Exit Level Outcomes of the

Qualification.

Summative assessment is concerned with the judgement of the learning in relation to

the Unit Standards and consequently of the Exit Level Outcomes of the Qualification.

Such judgement must include integrated assessment(s) which test the learners' ability

to integrate the larger body of knowledge, skills and attitudes, which are represented

by the Unit Standards and the Exit Level Outcomes. Summative assessment can take


the form of oral, written and practical examinations as agreed to by the relevant

ETQA.

3.4 JAPAN

The Japan is globally known as a leader country in the promotion of a “green”

behaviour, and a lot of Japanese voluntary associations, bodies and organizations

share a common view for raising the use of alternative energy sources.

In the last years, the Japanese Government has stressed the importance on the

energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy technologies – give the dramatic

effect of the twin oil shocks on Japan when oil prices arouse in the 1970s. Due to

measures taken at that time, Japan became one of the most efficient energy users

among industrial powers. Moreover, surging prices in recent years have led to a sense

of urgency among Japanese policymakers and industry to promote new sources of

energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Regarding energy efficiency, there is a long list of measures taken by the Japanese

government.

Especially important was the implementation of the Energy Conservation Law in April

2006. This law requires that major companies submit their energy-conservation plans

in line with government standards, and produce public reports detailing their progress.

It also arranges the management of heat and electricity use at plants and offices

through officially licensed ‘energy managers’. In Japan, companies belonging to an

industry with a fuel consumption of at least 3000 kL of crude equivalent or an

electricity consumption of at least 12 million kWh, are subject to the obligation to

appoint one or more energy managers according to the level of their energy

consumption. Such energy managers must be selected from the holders of a license of

qualified person for energy management.

A license of qualified person for energy management is awarded to any person who,

after at least three years of practical experience in the rational use of fuel/electricity,

has passed an examination for qualified person for energy management, or who has

been authorized by the Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry upon completing a

qualification course of qualified person for energy management.

On 2007, the “Recommendations for Reducing Energy Consumption by the Building

Sector”, reported by the Committee on Civil Engineering and Architecture of Science


Council of Japan Policy, clearly indicated that in order “to provide information on

energy conservation appropriately, expert knowledge is needed at each stage of the

design, construction and operation. It is important to train experts that have the

necessary levels of expertise and to clearly indicate their roles and positions” .

Beside these provisions, undertaken by government, at both local and national level,

we noted that the guidelines for installers of renewable energy plants in residential

sector haven’t been issued, while specification in the business/industrial sector can be

easily found in the governmental acts.

As a prove, we will focus on the photovoltaic sector, taking into consideration the

characteristics of the technology and the technical provisions adopted for spreading

the technology, for which Japan has a leading role, at both domestic and at

international level.

Photovoltaic sector

Overall Japanese PV systems are professionally installed and exhibit excellent

workmanship with dedication to detail. The image of PV in Japan is a positive one and

that the technology works. Overall, the industry is not highly regulated and the

Japanese companies are entrusted to design and install PV systems. There are some

general guidelines for grid-tied installations as recommended by JET, the Japan

Electrical Safety & Environment Technology Laboratories11 while these are not law,

they are generally followed by the industry.

Japanese PV Electrical Code The Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) specifies the

standards used for industrial activities in Japan. The standardization process is

coordinated by the Japanese Industrial Standards Committee (JISC) and published by

the Japanese Standards Association (JSA). The objective of the JSA is "to educate the

public regarding the standardization and unification of industrial standards, and

thereby to contribute to the improvement of technology and the enhancement of

production efficiency." The Japanese have a well established electric code developed

after 1945, known as the "Technical Standard for Electric Facilities."

11 JET certification mark for Environment Management System certification Registration services

(ISO14000) JET offers an Environmental Certification and Registration Service based on the international standards ISO14000 series , to certify the conformity of environmental control systems at factories and workplaces of manufacturers, distributors and service enterprises, and registers the systems which have been found to conform.


PV installations in Japan exhibit excellent workmanship and are done by certified

electricians. Unlike in the U.S., there are no independent certified installers (e.g., no

NABCEP equivalent). Industry is responsible for training their own installers. In turn,

the industry, or any other companies can get the Green Power Certification System,

which will be described in the next paragraphs.

On new homes, often the same electricians that install the home's wiring system also

install the PV system.

No on-site Quality Assessment records are maintained, and it is up to the installer to

do a good job. If there is a failure, the installer will be held responsible. Generally, in

Japanese culture, the installer and also manufacturers will have to fix any problem

with their products. It is a matter of cultural honor for them to have satisfied

customers. There are no requirements for using listed equipment in Japan. It is

strictly voluntary to have listed modules and inverters. However, most manufacturers

will seek a voluntary listing from JET to be more competitive. Japanese installers are

left on their own to do the right job (this is akin to how the Japanese automobile

industry operates). It is a matter of cultural and professional pride for Japanese

industry to install quality PV systems.

Japan is also shifting home construction towards a “mass customization” approach. A

future homeowner is given a wide menu of standardized options to customize their

prefab home design (e.g., they may have a dozen different stairway designs to pick

from for a house, windows, etc.). Customized modifications can be significant on

homes and gets the homeowner involved with their home design. The manufacturers

do offer standardized systems, but these vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.

In the energy sector, the only mandatory qualifications needed are those related to

gas appliances installers and nuclear power plants workers, because in case of

natural catastrophic events these technologies could have dramatic effects on the

environment and on people. We will list only the former as it is concerned to

residential sector.

Qualification for GAS appliances constructor and installer

In Japan, gas companies are responsible for installing customers’ gas equipment and

conducting periodical inspections in order to ensure customers’ safety. The Japan Gas

Association (JGA) has established a voluntary technical standard for the design and

installation of gas safety equipment based on experiments of accidents like gas leaks


and earthquake disasters. The JGA has also compiled a standard installation manual

and a training program for workers, and manages the JGA Voluntary House Pipe

Constructor Qualification to ensure that customers’ gas equipment is installed

properly. The JGA awards this qualification to workers who have received training and

passed an examination on their knowledge and technical skills based on the voluntary

technical standard, and registers them as qualification holders. The foreman of a team

which installs house pipes must have this qualification. Generally, gas equipment

cannot be installed by non-qualified persons. The qualification is valid for 3 years, and

qualified persons receive training on the latest technology, laws, and accidents to

extend their qualification. Even if qualified, if the person does not do a proper job, the

gas company may revoke his/her qualification.

The House Pipe Constructor Qualification is categorized into four kinds of basic

qualifications and three kinds of additional qualifications by difficulty of installation

and by what to install. A qualified person can hold both the basic and the additional

qualification. There are 35,173 qualification holders in Japan (March 2008).

Installation and exchange of gas appliances

It is considered in Japan that proper installation of gas appliances effectively prevents

accidents. A national license is required to install and exchange specified gas

appliances such as flued bath water heaters, flued water heaters and associated flue

pipes. For general appliances other than specified appliances, voluntary standards

for installing gas appliances have been established by the Gas Appliances

Inspection Association. In addition, the voluntary gas appliances installer

certification system is managed by a third-party institution which is

composed of consumers' organizations and related industry specialists. The

JGA recommends this system and participates in its committee. The purpose of this

qualification is to ensure the provision of safe and convenient gas appliances, as well

as proper installation and explanation of proper usage to the customers.

Inspection

The gas company regularly checks the safety of the flues of gas appliances, checks

house pipes for leakage, and informs the customers how to use gas appliances safely.

The JGA manages the JGA Customers’ Gas Equipment Inspector Qualification to raise

the quality of these legal checks. The JGA awards this qualification to inspectors with

sufficient business experience, who have received training and passed paper

examinations. This qualification is valid for 3 years, and qualified persons receive


training based on experience of past accidents and disasters every 3 years to extend

their qualification. As for old gas appliances, manufacturers are obligated to inspect

them.

Despite of the lack of a qualification/certification schema for renewable energy

installers, several steps have been taken in order to promote actions among business

operators and citizens such as the publication of handbook for promoting ISO14001

certification and the discussions with ISO14001 certified corporations to study how

environmental conservation should be approached.

The most recent initiative on the green energy production is the Green Energy

Certification System promoted by the Japan Natural Energy, a company which

trades natural energy generated from solar, wind, geothermal and so on, with more

than 150 companies adhering to it, like Sony, Toshiba, Matsushita (Panasonic).

The Green Energy Certification System provides power generation services mainly to

corporate customers using natural energy sources. In specific, the company receives a

request for power generation service from a customer and then carries out the power

generation by itself or entrusts it to a subcontractor (power generation company). The

customer receives a "Certification of Green Power" according to the amount of

electricity generated (certified by a neutral third party) as proof of achievement of

environmental protection measures. The certification can serve to obtain an

environmental ISO.

In analysing the certification bodies of personnel which have got the accreditation by

Japan Accreditation Board, we noted that any qualified/certified installer for

green energy residential plant are listed in.

JAB

Accreditation No. Personnel Certification Body

CP001 The Japan Welding Engineering Society (Personnel

Certification)(JWES-PC)

CP003

Japan Environmental Management Association for

Industry Center of Environmental Auditors

Registration (CEAR/JEMAI)


CP004 JAPANESE STANDARDS ASSOCIATION JAPANESE

REGISTRATION OF CERTIFICATED AUDITORS(JRCA)

CP005 Japan Food Safety Management System Assessment

and Registration Body(JFARB)

The Japan Accreditation Board (JAB)

JAB, The Japan Accreditation Board for Conformity Assessment, assesses and

accredits management systems registration bodies, auditor certification bodies and

auditor training bodies. JAB is called an "Accreditation Body".

JAB is an accreditation body that grants accreditation to registration bodies and

makes assessment of their expertise based on international criteria (ISO/IEC Guide 66

and its IAF criteria).

Certification of personnel

This concerns the activities of a third party body, to attest that in areas where human

skills are required, e.g., welding or non-destructive testing techniques, a person has a

suitable competence.

At present, accreditation is granted to personnel certification bodies operating

certification of the competence of welding and gas pressure welding technicians, and

of inspectors performing non-destructive inspections. The evaluation and registration

of auditors for ISO 9000 series of standards and ISO 14001 can also be considered as

belonging to one of such areas.

Notwithstanding, in Japan is active the National Trade Skill Testing &

Certification, (NTSTC) a national test system designed to evaluate and certify the

vocational abilities and knowledge of workers under fixed criteria. The objectives

of NTSTC are to encourage skilled workers to seek a higher degree of expertise, and

to enhance the public’s appreciation of skilled achievement and vocational training,

thereby raising both the skills and socio-economic status of workers and contributing

to the development of Japanese industry. NTSTC is implemented under the Human

Resources Development Promotion Law (Law No. 64 of 1969)

Requirements for Applicants


In accordance with Article 45 of the Human Resources Development Promotion Law,

an applicant to the trade skill test must meet the following requirements:

1) Completed the necessary training preparations as ordained by the Ministry of of

Health, Labour and Welfare’s Commendation for Human Resources Development

(MHLW)

2) Having practical experience as set up by the MHLW

3) Having both 1) and 2) as set up by the MHLW

Requirements for applicants of the advanced grade, grade 1, 2 & 3, and basic grade 1

& 2 are specified by the Enforcement Ordinance of Human Resources Development

Promotion Law. Fundamentally, practical experience for the specified years is required

for the testing trade, and the number of years required varies according to the

training and educational background of the applicants.

(2) Requirement-exempt arrangements for Qualified Applicants

Workers can be exempted from all or part of the test if they have already proven their

abilities with certain qualifications such as passing tests or having obtained certified

evaluation performed under other laws, or by possessing licenses considered to be

equivalent to or exceeding those of workers who have passed the practical or

theoretical tests of the Trade Skill Test.

3.5 CHINA

In China there is no technical title certificate or skill certificate accreditation for

Renewable Energy installers.

So the employers have to refer to the working background and the experience as they

select the candidate.

The research Institutes owned large enterprises generally require the candidates to

own only the professional technical title certificate, however foreign companies and

joint ventures do not pay attention to the technical title certificate, but the practical

ability. Therefore, it is urgent to establish the occupational skill certificate and skill

accreditation system in the RE industry even because with the coming up of Chinese

Renewable Energy Promotion Law, the need of human resources in biomass direct-

combusting power industry is increasing quickly, biomass power enterprises mainly

are located in Jiangsu, Shandong, Henan, and Hebei provinces, which produce a great

deal of straw.


The profile of want personnel is: 55% of engineer and technician, 25% operators and

watch staff, 15% management personnel, and 5% finance personnel and accountant.

It seems that a lot of problems of Chinese Renewable Energy (RE) industry are

associated with the shortages of the qualified professional personnel: renewable

energy technology R&D (research and development) talent is generally weak and

dispersed.

The qualified talented people is the key to the innovation and progress of science of

technology and knowledge of RE in China.

In China there two main general accreditation centres and some concerning EMS

(Environmental Management System) but all those relate to products and not to

human resources:

� CNCA - China National Regulatory Commission for Certification and Accreditation;

� CCAA –China Certification &Accreditation Association;

And there is CGC - China General Certification Centre that is a third-party certification

body authorized by CNCA to carry out standards R&D and certification on renewable

energy products, including wind turbine generator systems, solar water heater

products and photovoltaic (PV) products.

The State Council formally issued an approval document for the setup of China

Steering Committee of Environmental Management System Accreditation. The

Committee was officially opened on May 27, 1997, which marks the launching of the

certification of ISO 14000 in China. The Minister of SEPA (the State Environmental

Protection Administration) takes the Chair of the Steering Committee, while Vice

Chairs are leaders from other ministries or bureaus. The Steering Committee is

actually an inter-ministerial coordinating body, responsible for the overall

administration of the EMS certification and the implementation of ISO 14000

standards in China. The office of the Committee undertakes routine works.

Below the Steering Committee, two working committees were also established,

responsible for approval and accreditation of certification bodies and environmental

auditors:

� (CACEB) -China Accreditation Committee for Environmental Management System

Certification Bodies;


� (CRCEA) -China Registration Committee for Environmental Auditors is responsible

for the approval and registration of environmental auditors; CRCEA is also in

charge of the approval of EMS training institutions.

These two working committees are responsible for the supervision and management

of ISO 14000 implementation in China.

Figure 1 illustrates the general accreditation institution

Figure 2 illustrates the institutional structure of China ISO 14000 certification management.

Along with China’s fast development of renewable energy industry, requirement of

technical training for renewable energy generator design, manufacture, installation,

operation, and repair will be rapidly increased since the current very limited number

of qualified personnel.

CNCA CCAA

CGC

Training

Steering Committee

CACEB CRCEA

Certification

Bodies

Environmental

Auditors

Consulting

Institutions

SEPA

Organisations for

ISO Certification

Environmental

Auditors


Furthermore, there are few technical and economic service providers and intermediary

agencies for renewable energy farm construction and operation and renewable energy

equipment manufacturing.

With more and more new renewable energy farm projects, large number of expertise

are needed for related technical consultancy and technical service in renewable energy

farm preparation projects and developer support, pre-construction consultancy,

renewable energy resources survey, site selection, planning, design, construction

supervision, management services, installation engineering, operational management,

monitoring, examining and repair, and follow-on services, etc.

Therefore, training is imperative for the fast renewable energy industry development

needs. Meanwhile, the third industry of renewable energy technology consultancy and

technical services needs to be developed actively to meet the new market

requirement of specialized talents on design, engineering, operation management,

and maintenance in the fast developed renewable energy industry in China.

3.6 AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND

The accreditation body named as JAS-ANZ works in Australia and New Zealand and it

is responsible for providing accreditation of Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) in

the fields of certification and inspection. JAS-ANZ accredits 70 CABs who in turn

certify some 50,000 organisations. JAS-ANZ is a signatory to a number of bilateral,

regional and international agreements. These agreements provide international

recognition and acceptance of JAS-ANZ accredited certificates and inspection reports.

Accredited CABs provide certification and inspection services to organisations.

Common schemes that CABs certify are quality management systems (QMS) based on

the ISO 9001 standard, and environmental management systems (EMS) based on the

ISO 14001 standard.

The CABs for Certified Personnel are RABQSA and The Australian Institute for Non-

Destructive Testing (AINDT). Representatives of RABQSA have been interviewed by

CEPAS. RABQSA Personnel certification schemes include AS/NZS ISO 9001:2000

audits, Environmental Management Systems (EMS) audits (RABQSA), Food Safety

audits (all categories), National Food Safety Auditor (NFSA) Scheme (Level 1(NFSA-1)

to Level 4 (NFSA-4) Auditor Certification) and OH&S Management Systems (OHSMS)

audits.


RABQSA, although it is very interested in this, has not yet developed any scheme for

the installers of small-scale renewable energy system. Concerning this sector, it has

developed the Certified Wind Farm Australia Auditor (CWFA) as a scope under the

BQSA Competency-based Environmental System Auditor (CBESA) scheme to provide

confidence to industry that RABQSA certified auditors, working with the CWFA

Standards, have demonstrated the appropriate competencies, to ensure that

organizations meet the Clean Energy Council Best Practice Guidelines for

Implementation of Wind Energy Projects in Australia. The scope to RABQSA CBESA

has been developed by RABQSA in conjunction with the Clean Energy Council of

Australia, who formed a scheme committee to identify the specific requirements for

certification. The RABQSA CBESA scheme and the CWFA scope have been developed

to achieve conformity to ISO/IEC 17024:2003, the international Standard for

personnel certification.

The most relevant role about accreditation in the sector of installation of energy power

seems to be played by the Clean Energy Council (CEC). The CEC is a membership

based industry association representing the clean energy and energy efficiency

sectors. It includes more than 300 member companies involved in the development

or deployment of energy technologies. The Council is funded principally by fees paid

by its members. The Council operates through 9 directorates comprising

representatives from member companies to advise the council on policy and industry

development issues in specific areas of the clean energy industry. These directorates

include:

1. Wind

2. Solar PV

3. Energy Efficiency

4. Solar Hot Water

5. Grid (Network)

6. Bioenergy

7. Clean tech (emerging technologies)

8. International

9. Hydro


The Clean Energy Council currently accredits workers in the RE Industry for Design

and/or Installation of stand-alone power systems (SPS) and grid-connected (GC)

power systems.

First established in 1993, Renewable Energy (RE) Industry Accreditation ensures that

industry participants (such as PV installers) have a minimum level of competence in

the design and installation of RE systems.

The aims of the Renewable Energy Industry Accreditation scheme are:

1. to increase the uptake of renewable energy systems for the provision of energy

services by giving customers increased confidence in the design and installation

work

2. to improve the safety, performance and reliability of renewable energy systems

installed in the field

3. to encourage industry Best Practice for all design and installation work involving

renewable energy systems

4. to provide a network of competent systems designers and installers

The Clean Energy Council takes advice from its Standards, Training and Accreditation

(STA) committee. This committee is formed from industry members, one from each

State, with wide experience with renewable energy, plus a representative from

government and a Clean Energy Council Board member. All Clean Energy Council

actions concerning accreditation are approved through this committee. Over the

years, the original RAPS Design and Install Guidelines have been superseded by

Australian Standards (i.e. AS 4509, AS 4777.1, AS 4086.2). This accreditation is

required to obtain the national incentives. In fact, to encourage greater uptake of

renewable energy technologies, the Australian Governmental Department of the

Environment, Water, heritage and the Arts provides rebates to owners of stand-alone

and grid connected systems using renewable energy as the primary energy source.

These programs are the Solar Homes and Communities Plan (SHCP), the National

Solar in Schools Plan (NSSP) and the Renewable Remote Power Generation Program

(RRPGP).

One of the conditions of eligibility for the rebates is that the systems are designed and

installed by a person accredited with the Clean Energy Council to carry out the

required work.


CEC Accreditation is awarded to individuals on the basis of verifiable qualifications.

On the completion of the required training in one of the Registered Training

Organisation (RTO), individuals can apply to the Clean Energy Council for a Provisional

Accreditation. Before the Provisional Accreditation expiry date, usually 18 months,

proof of competence in the Design and Installation of RE systems is presented to the

Clean Energy Council for approval.

This normally takes the form of an Application for Full Accreditation with Design and

Install case studies, demonstrating conformance with Australian Standards and

Industry Guidelines. Also Hybrid, Wind and Micro-hydro endorsements to Accreditation

are available, however these depend on the individual having already achieved Full

Accreditation. Renewal of Accreditation is required every two years. The CEC

(http://www.cleanenergycouncil.org.au) describes as follow the steps needed to gain

Clean Energy Council (CEC) Accreditation to install photovoltaic power supply

systems:

• Step 1: Apply to a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) for a Statement of

Attainment for the accreditation level you require. The RTO will examine and

authenticate the Self Assessment form and either

o Issue with a Statement of Attainment or

o require to undertake further activities before a Statement of Attainment

will be issued.

• Step 2: Apply to CEC for accreditation, attaching a copy of the Statement of

Attainment and the appropriate fee.

• Step 3: On receipt of completed application form, fee and Statement of

Attainment, CEC will issue an accreditation number and send a certificate

awarding provisional accreditation to the applicant.

Under the new accreditation rules all assessment of competencies and underpinning

skills and knowledge and the presentation of required training will be carried out by

Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), essentially the network of “TAFE

Colleges/Institutes”. To claim credit for existing skills, competencies, formal

qualifications and experience it is necessary to ask RTO about Recognised Prior

Learning (RPL). Once all competencies have been obtained, the RTO issue a statement

of attainment.


Multiple types of accreditation - depending on whether the individual:

• wishes to install stand-alone (SPS) and/or grid-connected (GC) photovoltaic

power systems,

• wishes to design and/or install the systems,

• holds an electrical qualification.

As mentioned before, CEC has two levels of accreditation: Provisional and Full.

Individuals seeking accreditation with the CEC must first apply for Provisional

Accreditation. Provisional Accreditation lasts up to 18 months. During this time the

individual must apply to upgrade to Full Accreditation. Full Accreditation must be

renewed every 2 years. In order to be awarded provisional or Full Accreditation the

applicant should hold a public liability insurance policy with at least $5 million cover.

The insurance provider and cover should be indicated on the application form.

Furthermore, the applicants must sign on the application form that they agree to

abide by the terms of the Code of Conduct which accompanies the Accreditation

Application Form.

The STA Committee may suspend or cancel a practitioner's accreditation (full or

provisional) if their technical competence has been demonstrated to be inadequate or

if there has been a breach of the Code of Conduct. The Clean Energy Council

maintains a database as well as keeping a hard-copy file system containing

documentation provided by the accredited individual or other concerned parties.

All documentation held will be available for inspection by the accredited individual, at

the Clean Energy Council office, on reasonable notice (normally by appointment). A

public update database is available, where the installers can be searched and

information about name, contacts, company are available. The list of The Registered

Training Organisations is also available on Internet and it is characterized by institutes

and universities. These organization must meet the requirements of the AQTF

Essential Standards for Registration (AQTF). To operate as an RTO in Western

Australia, an organisation must be registered by the Training Accreditation Council

(TAC). The AQTF Essential Standards for Registration are a set of national standards

which assures nationally consistent, high quality training and assessment services for

the clients of Australia's vocational education and training system. Generally, once a

course has been accredited, it is listed on the National Training Information Service

(NTIS) (http://www.ntis.gov.au/).


3.7 RUSSIA

The renewable energy sector is not growing significantly in Russia. Renewable

energies (excluding large-scale hydropower) constitute in total less than 1 percent of

the national energy balance. The figure is far below the average for most developed

countries. There are some key barriers to the promotion of renewable energy

technologies in Russia. The first one is legal. Russian law does not provide sufficient

mechanisms for renewable energy promotion. A draft law on renewable energy has

been pending since 1998. Although there is still no specific renewable energy

legislation, the Russian strategy of 2006 for energy efficiency mentions the

importance of renewable decentralized applications. A November 2007 amendment to

the ‘Electricity Law’ of 26 March 2003 stipulates that the government may decide to

establish special certificates for renewable energy producers or special tariffs for

access to the wholesale markets for the electricity generated by renewable

technologies. The government also sets the tariff for renewable- energy generated

electricity in order to set a balanced price, which does not create unfavourable

conditions for costly technologies. Unfortunately, there are still no provisions

regarding licensing, land-use, and the installation of capacities for renewable energy.

Moreover, biomass gasification and liquefaction technologies are not addressed within

the framework of the new Electricity Law. Support for biomass energy encounters

tough competition from oil and gas producers.

The second barrier is the weakness of market mechanisms in support of renewable

technologies. The liberalization of the electricity sector did not create strong market

mechanisms for renewable energies. The power market regulator – the Trading

System Administrator – regulates tariffs via an open-tendering procedure. In 2000,

the electricity price for industrial users was about 15 EUR/MW per hour. In the

aftermath of the electricity-sector restructuring, the average wholesale price for

industry was raised to about 26-27 EUR/MWh and in 2007 to about 33 EUR/MWh.

A government decree of 31 August 2006 on ‘the functioning of the wholesale market’

establishes a framework for setting non-subsidized prices for electricity for large

consumers. The Competition Law of 26 July 2006 also emphasizes non-discriminatory

access to the distribution network and trade administrator services. The tariff level


and the existing legal framework do not incentivize renewable energy access to

wholesale markets.

The third barrier is administrative. The complexities of Russian federalism create

difficulties in attributing licenses and rights of land-use for renewable energies.

A fourth barrier is the lack of public information on the benefits of alternative

technologies.

Due to these barriers, no qualification and certification system for installers of

renewable energy installation has been launched in Russia. The renewable energies

sector is still, however, extremely weak compared to the oil and gas industries.

3.8 OTHER INVESTIGATED COUNTRIES

Other Countries in the world have been investigated, however, few information on

qualification and certification of installers of small-scale renewable energy installation

are available.

Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Israel and Kuwait were also investigated because

these are very hot countries and the use of solar energy could significantly reduce the

grade of dependence on electricity and other sources of energy. However, not much

information on qualification in solar collector installation is available, even though

Israel is a leader in the usage of solar water heating systems per capita. Companies

that sell solar thermal products conduct their own in-house training.

India is a rising technological giant and the country is making significant attempts to

use solar energy. In some areas no new buildings may be built unless solar collectors

are installed. Again, it is not easy to obtain information on qualification and

certification of installers.

Chinese Taipei (Taiwan) is a significant producer of solar heating products, but

information on training and qualifications is not available.

The Mediterranean Renewable Energy Centre (MEDREC) operates in Algeria, Egypt,

Tunisia and Morocco in many projects, including the utilization of solar thermal

energy. However, no information on training of solar heating installers is available.


In Egypt, through the United Nations Development Programme, three projects were

initiated to install solar water heaters in poor areas of El Menia. Not much is available

about qualification programmes, but there were some initiatives for the capacity

building addressed to the community members regarding the installation and

maintenance of solar heaters.

The Denmark-based Nordic Folkecenter for Renewable Energy works also in Uganda.

It is a non-profit, independent organization providing research, development of

technology, training and information for the manufacture, industrial innovation and

implementation of renewable energy technologies and energy savings.

Nordic Folkecenter conducts various types of training in Uganda and some of their

courses in Denmark are addressed to foreign immigrants, including Ugandans. One of

their courses is "Training Workshop on Solar Water Heating systems". The nature of

the training and qualification is not specified.

Ghana, Nigeria, Botswana and Zimbabwe have been also considered but the

information on qualifications and training is not available. Training is carried out by

international companies whose products are sold in these countries.

In Brazil and Latin America, no qualification and certification programmes for

installers have been observed. In Brazil, some governmental programmes have been

launched in order to increase the use of renewable energy, as the Sol Brasil initiative,

the program of the Ministry of Science and Technology designed to increase the use of

solar water heating. The Sol Brasil initiatives and activities include a marketing

scheme, qualification/certification standards for solar water heater installers, and R&D

support and incentives to promote innovation with SWH companies. Companies that

sell components for renewable energy plants conduct their own in-house training.

CEPAS

Signed in original

Document of 33 pages.

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QualiCert WP2 Deliverable 2 - European Commission...competencies required, the entry requirements, and the content of examinations. Many educational providers use the task analyses