Sheet Metal Stamping Simulation

Recognizing that the anticipated growth in renewable energy systems will require technicians with specialized training, a Windsor entrepreneur is opening the Canadian Centre for Sustainable Living in a former tool and die plant on Kildare Road.

Sharing space with the Renewable Energy Technology Centre, the not-for-profit CCSL will start offering courses in renewable energy technology beginning July 5.

"Given the growth in the number of solar photovoltaic installations happening in Ontario at the moment, it is essential that technicians receive the training required to work on those installations," said Robin Easterbrook, who has a background in the automotive industry. "Offering these courses locally will be a great boon to an industry seeking qualified personnel."

Courses were already offered in the RET Centre, which was established by Klaus Dohring, but both he and Easterbrook realized that it was important to remove educational programs from any association with a commercial enterprise in order to ensure a balanced approach to available technologies.

"The focus has been largely on solar but we'll be offering courses in geothermal and wind technologies as well," said Easterbrook.

Easterbrook said the RETC and the CCSL are compatible but separate entities.

The first class will be for tradespeople or those with some hands-on skills who are seeking design and installation experience in solar photovoltaic systems. It will run from July 5-9 and costs $2,495, plus applicable taxes, and includes an examination fee.

Easterbrook, who oversaw development of the RET Centre's courses, said the 40-hour course is fully compliant with standards laid down by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners and the Canadian Electrical Code.

Graduates will then have an opportunity to take the NABCEP solar PV basics exam which will be offered in Windsor for the first time.

Instructors from the College of Renewable Energy in Newcastle, Ont., will teach the course, which has openings for 20 people initially.

"Anyone considering a residential or commercial installation of a solar PV system should demand their installer have this type of education," said Easterbrook. "Better system design leads to optimal system performance and better installation processes lead to a safely installed system with long life."