Training, skill and certification in PV installations

In Italy the installed PV power has increased from 120 MW at the beginning of 2008 to 800 MW at the end of 2009. As a consequence in the last two years the net value of PV business in Italy has increased of an order of magnitude reaching an annual amount of 1300 M€. In this context it is interesting to evaluate the corresponding training activities for designers and installers especially in Italy, where there is a high amount of imported components and most people have to be trained in designing and installing. The Directive 2009/28/EC of the 23rd April 2009 introduces a novelty for installers of PV plants. Before December 31st 2012, the Member states have to provide the installers a certification or a qualification system, based on a mutual recognition. ENEA and Mesos have performed interviews with the installers and installing companies to find out whether they are in favour of a certification and to what extend the education influenced their work.