The Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC) recently delivered training to assist participants from three Caribbean countries in becoming certified in the operation and management of solar photovoltaic power systems:

The course, officially entitled “Certified Solar Photovoltaic Systems Training Level 1” commenced on July 9, 2018 at the CARILEC Building, Desir Avenue, Sans Souci, Saint Lucia, and end[ed] on July 13, 2018.

The course is designed to introduce solar energy in both theory and application and to immerse students in the key concepts of solar PV design, installation and safety. The programme is being delivered at level 1 in preparation for the North American Board of Certified Energy Professionals (NABCEP) Exams. NABCEP is the accreditation body for energy focused training in the United States of America. There are ten attendees representing private companies and electric utilities from Grenada, Saint Lucia and Guyana.

CARILEC has a role in supporting the green energy transition in Saint Lucia and the Caribbean and to be an enabler in meeting the sustainable development goals through building capacity and expertise. Knowledge is our most renewable resource and CARILEC is well positioned to contribute to the dissemination of current and relevant information and knowledge.

The Secretariat is cognizant that having qualified human resource personnel is a key factor in ensuring that the transition is built on a sustainable workforce and that the local economy can reap the benefits at the environmental, social and financial levels. The demand for solar PV as an energy source is slowly gaining momentum which gives greater urgency to a well-equipped, skilled and qualified workforce that can deliver to that need.

This is the second Caribbean cohort to receive training and certification in photovoltaic systems.

Source: CARILEC. CARILEC is a regional association of electricity industry stakeholders, with over 100 members from around the wider Caribbean and the world.

Previously on Green Antilles: Workshop in St. Kitts and Nevis teaches participants about installation and management of solar power systems.

[Image: Alberto Martinez]