Camosun a Canadian leader in solar thermal heating education and development

Camosun's Plumbing/Pipe Trades department has been working together with Pacific Solar Smart Homes to develop a leading-edge "CamoSun" Solar Thermal Heating System for residential housing. The innovative product is eligible for incentives through the Solar Colwood energy solutions program.

The "CamoSun" Solar Heating System was developed by Pacific Solar Smart Installer and Camosun Solar Thermal Heating Instructor James Smyth along with Camosun Plumbing/Pipe Trades Instructor Darren Vaux, both certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Smyth and Vaux also received assistance from Camosun Mechanical Engineering Technology Chair Ross Lyle and the college's Centre for Applied Research and Innovation.

Because of their work, Camosun has become a Canadian leader in solar thermal heating education and development.

"Although solar thermal energy has been used extensively in Europe, the technology is just getting started within Canada's residential construction industry," says Vaux. "Nationally, Camosun is considered an educational leader and we've adapted our curriculum to meet certification standards established by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners."

Students looking to work in the emerging green trades can now put themselves at the front of the pack with solar thermal heating installation and maintenance training from Camosun.  The college offers a 36-hour NABCEP approved course to prepare students to write the entry level exam. Camosun is the only educational institution west of Ontario to offer this training.

Many of Camosun's Plumbing and Pipefitting students are doing the extra work to become NABCEP certified. "Passing this exam demonstrates that the learner has a basic understanding of the design, function and operation of solar heating systems," says Vaux.

The "CamoSun" solar heating system and installation is now available and affordable through Solar Colwood's home energy program.  Contact info@solarcolwood.ca for more information.

Camosun's School of Trades and Technology and Centre for Applied Research and Innovation are leading the way, teaching new building technologies that help us leave a positive footprint on our environment.

Camosun is the largest trades training provider on Vancouver Island and offers leading-edge, practical trades and apprenticeship training to over 2,500 students each year in: Plumbing and Pipefitting; Welding; Carpentry; Electrical; Sheet Metal; Automotive Mechanics; Heavy Duty/Commercial Transport Mechanics; Horticulture; Nautical; Fine Furniture; Culinary Arts; and more.

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