Training and Certification Scheme for PV installers Andro Bačan 1* , Nikola Matijašević 1 , Theocharis D. Tsoutsos 2 , Stavroula K. Tournaki 2 , Zacharias K. Gkouskos 2 and Gaetan Masson 3 1 Energy Institute Hrvoje Požar, Savska cesta 163, HR-10001 Zagreb, Croatia, Phone: +385 1 6326 158, Fax: +385 1 6040 599, E-mail: abacan@eihp.hr 2 Renewable and Sustainable Energy Systems Lab, Environmental Engineering Department, Technical University of Chania, Kounoupidiana Chania, GR 73100, Greece 3 European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA), 63-67 Rue d'Arlon, 1040 Brussels, Belgium Abstract EU's strategy for the coming decades sets specific targets for a sustainable growth, including reaching a 20% share of renewables in final energy consumption till 2020 (Renewable Energy Directive). To achieve that, a number of initiatives and measures have been in force. The favorable European policies as well as the Member States’ supporting legislations have resulted to high market growth for photovoltaics (PVs). However, the PV technologies’ application requires highly qualified technicians for PV installation, repair and maintenance. So, to meet the market challenges, the appropriate training systems and certification schemes need to be developed in order to validate the competence of the installers and to ensure efficient and good functioning of installed PV systems. This is the scope of the European initiative PVTRIN, supported by the Intelligent Energy Europe programme of the European Commission, which focuses on the development of an appropriate training and certification scheme for technicians active in the installation and maintenance of small scale PV systems. This paper presents relevant experiences of EU markets, the certification scheme’s development methodology, defined requirements and documentation, as well as the initial response of pilot actions. Keywords: Photovoltaic, PV, Education and Training, Qualification, RES Installer, Certification 1. Introduction The installation of a PV system is a complex task, not only from the technical point of view where installers must have knowledge about DC electricity and safety, in parallel with roofing skills, but also from the financial and legal aspects as -in most countries- PV systems receive financial incentives and are subject to a number of administrative rules and constrains. PVs are considered as an expensive energy technology, thus the highest possible performance of a PV system is the main concern of the investors, as well as of the market actors. Installers must not only perform technical tasks correctly and precisely, but also must provide customers with appropriate information about incentives, investment costs, payback time and other regulations critical to the installation of their PV system. The fast growth of installed PV capacities in Europe during the recent years has created high demand for qualified installers. The PV industry forecasts a total installed capacity of over 600 GW for 2030 (paradigm shift scenario) [1]. In EU, 465.000 PV jobs will have been created in 2015, reaching 900.000 in 2020; almost half of them in installation and maintenance of systems. Obviously, the need for quality installations calls for skilled technicians and appropriate education. Currently, national markets are growing faster than the qualified PV installers force can satisfy. The shortage of competent workforce may result in a threat to the PV market. Certification schemes can provide reassurance that the installer has the capacity to complete a PV installation safely and effectively.