The courses will be offered in partnership with Solar Energy International (SEI), America's leading solar training institute, and The British University in Dubai (BUiD)

Dubai, February 6, 2012: PTL Solar, one of the region's leading solar energy solutions provider in the region have collaborated with Solar Energy International (SEI), America's leading renewable energy training institute and the British University in Dubai (BUiD) to launch the PTL Solar Academy in the UAE. The 5-day training course commence from February 5, 2012 at The British University in Dubai (BUiD).

PTL Solar Academy is a non-profit educational initiative and is Dubai's first established renewable energy training institute. The Academy is inspired by the vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai in making UAE the 'Green Economy for Sustainable Development' and the launch of 'H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.'

PTL Solar Academy will help provide fundamental hands on training in renewable energy technologies, development of local research activities and create awareness to the wider community to bring in a change in powering sustainable growth and a healthy community.

The PTL Solar Academy, part of a suite green initiatives by PTL Solar, is being developed in partnership with Solar Energy International (SEI), America's leading renewable energy training institute and The British University in Dubai (BUiD). SEI was founded in 1991 as a non-profit educational organization with the mission to empower people around the world through the education of sustainable practices.

SEI, with its dedicated 20+ year experience, has built its reputation over the various renewable energy programs offered and is one of the longest-running renewable energy education and skills training organizations in the world.

"Solar Energy International (SEI) is delighted to have the opportunity to work with PTL Solar of Dubai. As an educational, non-profit organization, we look forward to contributing to PTL Solar's efforts to provide renewable energy training throughout the region through their innovative and professional Solar Academy. The PTL Solar Academy is truly a leader in the region and one that SEI is proud to partner with through a long-term partnership" said Mr. Johnny Weiss, Co-Founder of Solar Energy International

BUiD is a private, local, not-for-profit University established in 2003 by Emiri Local Government Decree and licensed by the UAE Ministry for Higher Education and Scientific Research (MOHESR). It offers a range of educational courses at Masters and Doctoral levels for diverse Emirati, regional and international students. All programs are accredited by MOHESR, and have been developed from similar established curricula in association with leading UK universities.

"It's a great honour for the university to be a resident of training in renewable energy. We feel the country is on the verge of setting up a sustainable economy and having a course designed to train professionals in the Energy sector will help boost the Carbon economy. Going Solar is the way forward" said Dr. Abdulla Al Shamsi, Vice Chancellor of British University in Dubai (BUiD)

"There are probably fewer more important challenges than those relating to mankind's energy needs. As the challenges are both practical and educational, I am so pleased to have facilitated this MoU between the British University in Dubai (local pioneers in post-graduate education for sustainability) and PTL Solar (the ambitious and conscientious provider of renewable energy products). Our joint wish is to stimulate awareness, professional enquiry and collaboration between business, government and academia with an invitation to all friends, peers and other associates to help make this happen for the good of Dubai, the nation and beyond' commented Mr. Martin Prince, Registrar of British University in Dubai

PTL Solar has a strong history of energy efficient solar installations and sustainable operations across key solar markets since its inception in 2005 and is uniquely positioned to launch educational programs specializing in solar and other renewable energy systems and to develop and offer courses which can be replicated throughout the MEA region.

"With the 20 years of solar and renewable energy teaching experience of SEI, and the pre-eminent position of BUiD in the higher education and academic world and as a leader of sustainability education in the UAE, I am confident that PTL Solar Academy will achieve our vision of empowering participants to 'be the change' in powering sustainable growth" said Prabissh Thomas, Managing Director of PTL Solar.

Renewable energy, particularly solar and wind are expected to contribute to almost 15.7 per cent of the world's energy by 2030 and global spending is projected to hit $7 trillion during this period. Of this, GCC countries combined are looking at an increase of 10 - 18 per cent annually between 2012 and 2020 on installed renewable capacity. (Source: World Energy Council reports).

The GCC countries are experiencing soaring power demands with the electrical power capacity estimated to triple over the next 25 years. Renewable energy production is featuring in meeting this demand.

Within the UAE, Dubai has an ambitious target to achieve 5 per cent power generation by solar energy by 2030 and the Supreme Council of Energy recently launched the HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Solar Park designed to provide photovoltaic power of 10MW by 2013 and 1,000 MW by 2030. Abu Dhabi also announced an ambitious 7 per cent target for renewable energy sources by 2020.

In the United States it is estimated that 3,800 jobs are created for every $100 million in solar cell (PV) sales with the industry supporting jobs in diverse areas such as glass and steel manufacturing, electrical and plumbing contracting, architecture and system design, battery and electrical equipment. Source: Solar Developments

To achieve these renewable energy strategies in the UAE and throughout the MENA region it is critical to develop a workforce with the skills necessary to ensure quality installations, cost reductions and consumer confidence.

The participants are wide ranging - from government officials, who create the planning and associated policies, through to finance providers, project managers and to the engineers and technicians who ultimately build, manage and maintain a system. Continuing education for UAE nationals and regional participants is essential so that they are empowered to make a difference.

About Solar Energy International (SEI)
Founded in 1991, Solar Energy International, a non-profit educational organization with the mission to empower people around the world through the education of sustainable practices has been dedicated to hands-on and online solar training and renewable energy education in solar, solar thermal, wind, micro-hydro, and developing world technologies. Solar Energy International's experienced team is on the forefront of renewable energy education. Solar Energy International also works with grass roots and development organizations to promote sustainability and improve quality of life worldwide through viable outreach programs.

About British University in Dubai (BUiD)
BUiD is a private, local, not-for-profit University established in 2003 by Emiri Local Government Decree and licensed by the UAE Ministry for Higher Education and Scientific Research (MOHESR). It offers a range of educational courses at Masters and Doctoral levels for diverse Emirati, regional and international students. All programs are accredited by MOHESR, and have been developed from similar established curricula in association with leading UK universities.

About PTL Solar
PTL Solar has a strong history of energy efficient solar installations and sustainable operations across key solar markets since its inception in 2005. With core competency - Power, Reliability and Sustainability, PTL Solar™ has earned its reputation for providing the best affordable and reliable energy efficient solutions.  

For further details, log on to www.ptlsolaracademy.com  or please contact:
Priyanka Geriya
Watermelon PR
Phone: +971 2833-655
Fax: +971 4 2829566
E-mail: priyanka@watermelonme.com

© Press Release 2012