CanSIA Solar Hot Water System Installer Certification

In anticipation of federal, provincial and municipal programs supporting the deployment of solar domestic hot water systems for residential applications, the Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA) has developed and is implementing a program for:

  • Experienced Applicants; and to
  • Initiate a training program for new members of the solar industry.

This will insure that SHW installations are done by professional and trained installers and will provide guidelines on who can install government-supported systems. Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) has funded the development of this certification.
 

Experienced Applicants

If you have experience installing 4 SHW systems or are an accredited plumber/pipe fitter/HVAC Technician with experience installing 2 SHW installations, you can qualify as an experienced applicant. Experienced applicants must complete a roof/fall safety workshop, CanSIA Solar Hot Water System Installer workshop and successfully complete a written CanSIA certification exam.

The process for receiving certification is as follows:

  • Your application will be reviewed by the Application Review Committee and, if approved, you will be sent your certification documentation within 6 weeks. You will then be registered on CanSIA's online database as a certified installer.


New to the Solar Industry

If you are new to the solar industry and have no installation or trades experience it may be beneficial to explore Canadian colleges and other hands on training programs on our website. In order to become a CanSIA Certified Solar Hot Water System Installer you must have installer and/or other trades experience. Students with no experience are welcome to participate in CanSIA Solar Hot Water System workshops however they must obtain the experience requirements for certification on their own. After completing the CanSIA workshop and exam requirements, students have two (2) years to obtain the experience requirements.

CanSIA is developing new training programs that will be designed for students with no prior experience (see CanSIA Labour Force Development Initiatives below).
 

CanSIA Labour Force Development Initiatives

CanSIA is currently working with stakeholders to development new solar thermal and solar photovoltaic training curriculum. The Association of Canadian Community Colleges is spearheading this curriculum development with support from Natural Resources Canada. These college based curriculum programs will provide more comprehensive cognitive training as well as some practical hands training. These programs will benefit individuals with no solar or trades experience.

Solar training programs are expected to be launched in the fall of 2009. Please contact your local community college to find out what solar training programs may be available or check out our website to look for current programs.