Testing center launches solar energy programme

Staff Writer | Friday August 24, 2007 00:00

The launch marks the beginning of new and exciting training initiatives, which aim to build the capacity of Botswana's solar energy sector to provide technical training in both water heating and photovoltaic electricity systems.

The SECD is an initiative jointly funded by ETC Foundation of the Netherlands, Energy Affairs Division and the RE Botswana project. Botswana Technology Centre (BOTEC) serves as facilitator.

The SECD programme includes skills profiling, syllabus development, training of trainers, development of training modules, development of unit standards and establishment of certification and accreditation processes.

The curriculum will be implemented in brigades, technical colleges and other training centres in the country. Modules will be developed for system sizing and costing, installation, inspection and commissioning, maintenance and troubleshooting.
The theory and practicals levels to be attained are: Trade Test C, Trade Test B, NCC, Advanced Certificate and Diploma.

Other local partners involved in the SECD Programme are the Botswana Power Corporation (through the RE Botswana project), Botswana Training Authority, Department of Building and Engineering services, Department of vocational education and training, district, town an city councils.

The United Nations Development Programme's Global Environment Facility and the Solar Industries Association of Botswana are also involved.

The SECD programme commenced in June 2007 and will be completed in December 2008.