Jul 23 2007
Greater demand for home renewable energy devices is putting increased strain on building contractors, it has been claimed.
In particular, roofing professionals are struggling to deal with the growing market for items such as photovoltaic solar panels, leading to concerns in the industry that many workers do not have the necessary skills to meet demand.
The National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) has therefore developed a new training scheme in the installation of photovoltaic materials, while a European commission-funded project will publish a set of best practice recommendations for the industry, Contract Journal reports.
"As renewables gain in popularity, there will be more contractors required to do the work and in most cases these should be roofers," said NFRC technical and training officer Kevin Taylor.
"The idea is that contractors will go on this course and receive a grounding in photovoltaic installation," he added.
Plans to create the UK's first solar-powered railway station at Dorchester South in Dorset are progressing with the help of a £45,000 government grant for photovoltaic panels, it was announced recently.