National Federation of Roofing Contractors: Contractors lack skills to fit green technology

The growth in demand for renewable technology has lead to concerns in the industry that contractors do not have the required skills for their installation.

At a joint meeting of the all-party parliamentary group for the roofing industry and the all-party parliamentary group for intelligent energy, the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) expressed its unease at unqualified personnel fixing photovoltaic panels.

"As renewables gain in popularity, there will be more contractors required to do the work and in most cases these should be roofers," said Kevin Taylor, technical and training officer at the NFDC.

"If someone who is not familiar with work on roofs is up there making penetrations, there is a risk they may cause failures that can lead to water ingress and condensation."

The association cited photovoltaic installation problems encountered in Europe, where a study has revealed that poorly installed products cost the EU £2bn each year. "The message from Europe is that when renewables go onto roofs, there is a higher level of failures and problems," explained Taylor.

A European Commission-funded project is now studying the interaction between traditional roofs and roof-mounted fittings and accessories. It will then publish best-practice recommendations.

David Sowden, chief executive of the Micropower Council, agreed that there is an extra skill set to be learnt. "We're starting to see progress on the government's renewable energy strategy, but installers need credibility," he said.

To restore confidence, the NFRC has put together a training programme in the installation of photovoltaics.

"The idea is that contractors will go on this course and receive a grounding in photovoltaic installation," added Taylor.

"They will be issued with a new qualification in order to reassure clients that they have been on an approved training course."