The Solar Hot Water Thermal Systems is now fully mapped against the National Occupational Standards. Such a course is a requirement of the minimum technical competency (MTC) document for solar installers and the certificate is recognised by all bodies offering routes to the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) as evidence of suitable training.

Trainees should have a minimum NVQ level 2/3 qualification in plumbing or conventional heating engineering or demonstrable evidence of at least 3 years relevant experience , a Domestic Vented and Unvented Hot Water Storage Systems Certificate, Water Regulations and Part L Energy Efficiency Certificates.

A 3 day course, it will enable candidates to select the most appropriate solar system for a building based on the client’s needs and to install and maintain any of the common systems in the UK safely and efficiently.

This course and assessment is not regulated by OFQUAL

Certificates are normally valid for 5 years.

Assessments normally consist of a combination of practical and theory examinations.
The certificate meets the requirements for MCS operators

The training course and manual cover the following:

• Introduction to solar heating
• Service and maintenance
• Solar collectors
• Hot water storage and key installation issues
• Preparing to install a solar water heating system
• Fitting solar collectors
• Plumbing layout and design of solar water heating systems
• Control and power requirements
• System commissioning and handover to client