Hot Water System Installer (Solar Water Installer)

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Solar Water Installer. The solar water installer installs, tests, repairs and maintains solar water heating systems and equipment. These tasks will meet the requirements for safe and correct installation of new and replacement of non-functioning domestic solar water heating systems complete with all the relevant and applicable safety and hydraulic control units. It covers domestic solar water heating systems that fall within the scope of SANS 151 up to 500 litres. A qualified learner will be able to: • Prepare and plan for the installation of solar water heating systems. • Install solar water heating systems in a safe and compliance environment. • Diagnose and repair faults and maintaining solar water heating systems.

The Plumbing Industry Registration Board (PRIB) as a SAQA registered Professional Body which has the responsibility to ensure that the skills in the plumbing industry meet the requirements to provide effective and competent Solar Water Heater Installation services. The industry constituencies identified the need to address new technology within the industry as well as the growing critical need for alternative energy sources. Solar Water Heating is not a new technology, however, as result of the growing concern of global warming and South Africa's energy challenges, the application and uses of this technology in the domestic and commercial sectors is growing. Recent changes to the National Building Regulations prescribed that 50% of our hot water needs must be generated from a renewable source. These changes and other factors has resulted in the growth and increasing demand for the use of Solar Water Heating as an alternative water heating method in plumbing installation. Like many international countries, South Africa has identified solar water heating as a suitable alternate method of heating water in a plumbing installation. It must however, be noted that the international comparability is very limited as not many have accredited National Certificates or skilling programmes in Solar Water Heating. The learners who will enter into this Industry will come from different areas such as school leavers with relevant qualifications; workers already within the industry, already qualified plumbers will also be able to enrol for up skilling as practising artisans in the Solar Water Heater installations. Obtaining this qualification will also improve the employability of individuals in the relevant sub sectors of the plumbing industry. This qualification resides as one of several in the construction industry and makes allowance for any feeder occupations to gain access to the Solar Water Heater Installer occupation. The Solar Water Heater Installer qualification also makes provision for people to progress within this discipline to specialisation areas including mounting Domestic Solar Water Heater systems, Domestic Solar Water Heater system installation, testing, commissioning and housekeeping and assessment, diagnosis, fault finding, repair and maintenance activities. The main benefits of this qualification for the learner are that the learner has an opportunity to be recognised as a qualified Solar Water Heater Installer with well-structured, relevant and current competencies and will be able to have access to entrepreneurial opportunities within the plumbing environment. The learner will possess usable competencies whether as an employee or employer. Alternative energy is critical for the wellbeing of the general society. The economy will grow positively when saving on a scarce resource such as coal for the generation of electricity if it is managed efficiently by qualified people.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result or certifying a work experience record. RPL for access to the qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements. Entry Requirements: • NQF Level 3 with Mathematics.

• Ability to prepare and plan for the installation of solar water heating systems.
• Ability to install solar water heating systems.
• Ability to diagnose and repair faults and maintain solar water heating system.