Standards, Certification and Training Needs for Solar Water Heaters
Abstract
As a part of the International Energy Agency (IEA) Solar Heating & Cooling (SHC) Task 69, a questionnaire was prepared targeting solar hot water (SHW) practitioners, including installers, researchers, and industry experts. The questionnaires were distributed during the expert meeting of the IEA Task 69. The survey aimed to assess the perception of international and regional standards of SHW and the training needs of SHW practitioners, with a focus on aligning training content and methods with emerging industry advancements. By evaluating the preferences and feedback from the surveys, this paper identifies key areas for improvement in standards and training programs and offers actionable recommendations for promoting the adoption of innovative SHW technologies. This survey underscores the critical need for targeted training programs to address gaps in the solar water heating industry. Through survey analysis and insights from an IEA Task 69 training session, a clear divide has been identified between the industry's training needs and the current offerings, emphasizing the need for more focused, practical, and accessible training efforts. Survey results consistently highlighted the demand for practical, hands-on training, especially in the areas of standards, installation, fault diagnosis, and the integration of advanced technologies like photovoltaic thermal systems and solar-assisted heat pumps.
Keywords
Solar water heating, PV, Standards, Training needs, Survey, IEA Task 69