The government of Uzbekistan puts a special emphasis on renewable energy issues, particularly solar energy. The country with 270-300 sunny days has a large potential for developing solar energy.

The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Decree No. 57 dated February 16. 2023 laid foundation for measures to widely introduce solar energy technologies (particularly PV panels and solar collectors) among the population and legal entities throughout Uzbekistan. This implies bigger demand for certain qualified specialists. UNDP Uzbekistan takes an active part in the implementation of this decree. Together with the Ministry of Employment and Poverty Reduction (MEPR), UNDP arranged trainings for employees of the monocenters “Ishga marhamat”.

In remote rural areas, with limited electricity supply the use of solar panels eventually helps in solving infrastructure challenges. However, today there is a shortage of qualified solar energy specialists. In order to ‘keep up with the times’, UNDP started trainings for electricians and plumbers of “Ishga marhamat” monocenters. The trainings last 5 full days and contain both 50% theory and 50% hands-on practice activities. Conducted in collaboration with one of the leading vendors in the field, the trainings pursue goals to help trainees gain practical skills in installation and maintenance of solar panels and solar collectors. In the near future, UNDP envisages equipping monocenters with mock-ups of solar panels and solar collectors.

The first training aimed at electricians is held during 23-27 October 2023. The training for plumbers will be held during 30 October - 3 November 2023, and plans to cover following topics:

• Design of solar cells;
• Types and installation of photo-voltaic modules;
• Features of rechargeable batteries;
• On-grid, hybrid and off-grid voltage inverters;
• Operating principles of solar collectors;
• Requirements for power supply and safety of using solar collectors;
• Cables and devices for photovoltaic systems, etc.

To strengthen knowledge and skills, the trainees have opportunities to practice installation of solar panels in small groups. Along with the training, relevant plans have been made to transfer all methodological materials (presentations, curriculum and handouts) to monocenters. This will enable the monocenters in the future to provide trainings on an independent basis.