December 22, 2011

New solar certification now available across Canada

TORONTO

A personnel certification program for journeyperson electricians installing and maintaining solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in Canada is now open to anybody who wishes to earn it.

Launched in September 2011, the program is the mechanism through which CSA Standards, a leading standards-based solutions organization, assesses and formally recognizes that candidates have demonstrated measurable knowledge within the PV area by passing an assessment against objectively identified criteria. CSA’s approach adheres to the ISO 17024 international standard for certifying bodies.

The program was developed by CSA with the financial support of the National Electrical Trade Council.

Electrical Contractors Association of Ontario/International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers-Construction Council of Ontario (ECAO/IBEW-CCO) is the first in Ontario to have its solar PV training curriculum recognized by the CSA.

To date, the ECAO/IBEW-CCO has trained approximately 1,000 electricians in solar PV installation and maintenance at 13 facilities across Ontario using a network of 25 instructors.

Ontario is expected to remain the second largest solar PV market in North America.

“In this context, the excellence of solar PV training programs and related instructor qualifications are important because a qualified workforce will promote safety and increase public confidence in PV installations,” Stephen Brown, Director, Energy, CSA Standards, said in a release.

At a special ceremony during the recent Canadian Solar Industries Association’s (CanSIA) Solar Canada 2011 Exposition, CSA recognized that the solar PV training program delivered by the ECAO/IBEW-CCO aligns to the body of knowledge required for the Construction Electrician (NOC 7241) Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems Certified personnel certification program. CSA’s Director of Learning Services, Robert Rashotte presented a framed letter acknowledging this achievement to ECAO Executive Vice-President, Eryl Roberts and IBEW-CCO Executive Secretary-Treasurer, John Grimshaw.

CSA Director of Learning Services, Robert Rashotte also presented individual CSA certifications to five qualifying ECAO/IBEW-CCO instructors: Lee Caprio, IBEW, Local 353 (Toronto); Dave Cribb, IBEW, Local 586 (Ottawa); Rudy Lenneau, IBEW, Local 115 (Kingston); Peter Olders, Ontario Electrical Industry Training Trust; and, Arthur Verway, IBEW, Local 353 (Toronto). The CSA certification overlays the instructors’ existing Certificate of Qualification as an electrician.

CSA Group significantly increased capacity to test solar photovoltaic modules to North American and international standards through new state-of-the-art solar PV module testing laboratories in Vancouver B.C. and its newest joint facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Both offer the industry access to cutting-edge solar photovoltaic testing, and research and development capabilities.

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