Siemens Solar Industries to Train Designers in India

Camarillo-based Siemens Solar Industries was awarded a multimillion-dollar contract by the Renewable Energy Development Agency of India to train designers and educators there in solar electric system design. The specific dollar amount was not disclosed.

Siemens will provide training, aimed at increasing the viability of solar energy technology in India, through courses offered at the Indian Institute of Technology in Madras, New Delhi and Bombay, and at the Solar Energy Center in Gwalphari.

The courses, to be conducted by one or two members of the training department in Camarillo, as well as employees of the Solar Division of Siemens Ltd. in Bombay, are due to begin in the fall.

“India has, over the years, installed many thousands of [solar] systems. The problem is a lot of them are improperly designed,” said Mark Stimson, a Siemens spokesman. “Consequently there are a lot of failing systems. There needs to be a strong and well-trained infrastructure, which means bringing local installers and designers up to speed in proper system design, installation and maintenance.”

Instruction will be provided in design engineering, system maintenance and executive decision making. About 750 students, from the government, financial, education and private sectors, are expected to enroll.

Siemens Solar Industries is part of Siemens Solar Group, the world’s leading supplier of solar cells and modules.