Video: Minister On Solar Training Programme

[Updated] Minister of Home Affairs Walter Roban held a press conference this afternoon [July 7] to introduce the new Solar Photovoltaic Certification Training Programme. The press conference has just concluded and we will have additional information later on, and in the meantime the live video replay is below.

Update 3.05pm: Minister Roban’s remarks:

Good afternoon to all members of the media and the listening public.

I am excited to be here today to announce the introduction of our Solar Photovoltaic or PV Certification Training Programme held in partnership with Connectech. I am joined here today by Coral Wells, Founder and Executive Director of Connectech Coding. This long-awaited initiative we expect will benefit Bermuda in the coming years. The program will provide free training to interested and qualified Bermudians to help develop a local pool of capable solar panel installers with Level 1 PV installer international designations.

Before I discuss the program’s components, I would like to inform you of the rationale behind introducing this exciting new option. As you are aware, we are moving from fossil fuels to renewable energy. This is not only good for the island but creates a whole new industry and new job opportunities. It is of the utmost importance that we create the capacity as an island to not only have a clean energy future to also maintain and operate the infrastructure. Energy security for Bermuda also means the jobs, skills and technical expertise for ourselves. Just as we have successfully done with the fossil fuel infrastructure, we must do the same for clean energy. This program is only the beginning many other projects to create more jobs and more capital in the energy sector in Bermuda. As we advance in all these key areas outlined, we expect that energy costs in Bermuda will stabilize and ultimately be reduced.

This PVI Level 1 course provides a careful balance of theory and practical activities for new participants to ensure a solid foundation. Students learn to understand the principles of solar technology, operations of PV components and issues related to systems design and applications. Upon successful completion of Level One, students will receive an international accreditation as a Photovoltaic Installer – L1 valid for four years.

During the Level 1 course, students will learn how to:

• Conduct site analysis for locating PV arrays;
• Determine appropriate system types;
• Select and configure the major components;
• Configure PV panel arrays and battery arrays;
• Describe system layout using line diagrams;
• Understand the performance and sizing characteristics of the equipment;
• Troubleshoot basic systems problems and installation errors;
• Understand and compensate for the impact of shading;
• Demonstrate safe working practices; and how
• Energy is reaped from sunlight and converted into electricity.

The training will be free of charge to those who qualify and hosted at Connectech’s training centre, located in Sofia House on Church Street, from the 19th to July 23rd from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Interested parties should apply online at connectech.bm and if you have any questions, email info@connectech.bm.

It is important to note that applicants should have some prerequisite skills that lend themselves to this training due to the skills required for solar panel installers. Ideally, the candidates will have electrical and construction experience which would assist with the various types of installations throughout Bermuda.

On completing the programme, participants will have obtained a certificate that attests to their knowledge and ability to install basic solar PV1. This achievement is the first step in becoming fully certified specialists, and we would encourage all the participants to continue working toward that designation.

This training initiative is of the utmost importance as we work together to achieve the island’s solar Photovoltaic goals, as set out in the Regulatory Authority’s IRP- that is to say, Bermuda’s IRP.

We want to provide as much incentive as possible to encourage everyone to go solar. To that end, we have the rebates and now this training. In the coming months, we look forward to announcing the Competent Person’s Scheme. These initiatives will ensure that processes are streamlined, support is available, and expertise exists on the island for solar installations.

Our target for rooftop solar PV is 30 Megawatt in the next five years which does not include the amount of larger-scale fifteen Megawatt solar PV planned in the next five years or the solar development at the Finger. We are hopeful that this goal will spur a great deal of activity in this area.

In closing, I want to urge every qualified Bermudian to take advantage of this excellent opportunity to enter a niche field with prospects for future growth and career opportunity. The training is free of charge, but you will need to apply online at connectech.bm and provide your information and resume.

Applications must be completed by 5 pm on Wednesday, July 14th. Space is limited, so apply now.

Thank you

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