REI Alumni Spotlight – The Energy Saving Trust

GMC Certificate Achievers & REI Alumni Spotlight

The Energy Saving Trust – Stewart Muir

The Renewable Energy Institute (REI) is delighted to promote the achievements of professionals who are involved in working towards a sustainable future in Renewable Energy and Technology. This month, the REI sat down with Stewart Muir, Project Manager at The Energy Saving Trust, to hear about his experience of the Solar Photovoltaic Qualification course at the University of London. Stewart joined the REI’s international network of course participants from over 150 countries worldwide, including delegates from IBM, Ford, the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the European Investment Bank. The REI’s SQA Accredited Solar Photovoltaic Qualification course is held regularly at the University of London and is also available to study online

“The REI’s Solar Photovoltaic Qualification course gave me an improved base understanding of photovoltaics and the photoelectric effect, an understanding of maximum power points, as well as increasing knowledge on new PV technologies.”

– The Energy Saving Trust, Stewart Muir

1. Hi Stewart, what is your current expertise and how does this relate to the Renewable Energy field?

I am a project manager with around 9 years’ experience in the environmental sector. Most of my work in the past has been related to energy efficiency, eco design and energy labelling. My organisation is involved in the field of energy access, with one particular project focusing on Africa and South Asia, through the development of more efficient off-grid appliances. I am mainly involved in research and quality testing of the energy performance of products such as TVs, fans and refrigerators, specifically designed for off-grid application.

I have had some training on PV and its applications ‘on the job’ during my time in the sector, but it was great to also take the Solar Photovoltaic course to achieve a qualification. Under the project mentioned above it is necessary for me to have a strong understanding of the power requirements needed in rural electrification projects to help increase access to essential appliances. Find out more about REI’s courses in Renewable Energy here

2. Why did you choose to train with the Renewable Energy Institute?

The Renewable Energy Institute have a great selection of in-depth courses with very experienced lecturers and it was great to have the opportunity to undergo 2 days of deep learning. It was also great to work towards an exam and test what I had learned on the course. It can be hard to find courses that can fit in with your working schedule, and I really feel that throughthe REI’s course, I learned new concepts and solidified my existing knowledge base on Photovoltaics.

“The Renewable Energy Institute have a great selection of in-depth courses with very experienced lecturers and it was great to have the opportunity to undergo 2 days of deep learning.”

– The Energy Saving Trust, Stewart Muir

3. What are the skills and knowledge that you gained on the Solar Photovoltaic Qualification course?

The REI’s Solar Photovoltaic Qualification course gave me an improved base understanding of photovoltaics and the photoelectric effect, an understanding of maximum power points, as well as increasing knowledge on new PV technologies. It was also great to cover inverters in depth, as I am working on a specific piece of research dealing with this.

4. How will you apply these skills to your career, either directly or indirectly?

The skills from the REI’s Solar Photovoltaic Qualification course will help with modelling of certain scenarios that I am required to do, and also in designing new research testing. Our testing takes place in the lab and in the field, and it is necessary for me to have a good understanding of the typical conditions and challenges with solar generation in rural communities to help design and promote new solutions for the energy access challenge.

Limited places are available, book your space on the  Solar Photovoltaic Qualification course now.
University of London: Courses run on a regular basis

If you would like more details on this course, or would like to register, please email training@renewableinstitute.org for more information. Alternatively, you can call us on +44 (0)131 446 9479.