Project Dynamics

TUSDEC (Technology Upgradation and Skill Development Company) decided to come forward with projects to train the local manpower with solar technologies. In this connection, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ) and TUSDEC signed agreement in December 2012 to launch a comprehensive solar technology training programme for the local labour. The project was designed to support the on-going efforts of the Government of Pakistan and its development partners to exploit the country’s potentials in the solar energy sector. Currently solar equipment of different makes and brands is being imported from multiple foreign locations which gives rise to the requirement of a skilled lot of technicians for proper installation and repair and maintenance. Under the agreement, TUSDEC set up a new high tech solar lab at its NIDA centre (National Institute of Design and Analysis), a facility adjacent to its head office at KotLakhpat, Lahore. The laboratory is unique in Pakistan keeping in view the comparative modernization of solar technology and upgraded standards of practical learning. The lab facilitated us to utilize different types of systems such as, grid tied system, off grid hybrid and non-hybrid systems and solar water pumping system efficiently. The direct beneficiaries of the trainings were electricians, technicians and diploma holders from all over Pakistan in general, specifically focusing Lahore and Punjab. 121 candidates successfully managed to pass out the training, where 74 were trained in Solar Photovoltaic (PV) and 47 in Solar Water Heating (SWH).

During the skill development, the trainees attained expertise in solar photovoltaic (PV) system designing, panel installation, (PV) testing technician work, solar water heating system designing and solar water geyser installation. The successful completion of training enabled the candidates to start their own work, find job in the areas of solar technology and serve industry as field specific skilled manpower. The trainees also learnt some innovative techniques like electric bike conversion to solar bike, solar water cooler without inverter and batteries and indoor grid-tied PV (photovoltaic) system. The project successfully concluded with award distribution ceremonies in which officials from solar industry, academia and government organizations were invited. Many firms showed interest in hiring the services of our trained manpower resultantly some of them got jobs in the relevant sectors.