A report from the Health and Safety Executive has highlighted concerns about the implications of continuing growth in the solar energy sector.

The possibility that this will lead to unqualified installers doing work just to keep up with demand is a major issue that is already being addressed by the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE).

The CIPHE has set up GreenPlumb – a scheme that demands all members have relevant qualifications and experience to perform eco-friendly work such as solar thermal installations.

At present plumbing and heating professionals are being entered onto the GreenPlumb register ready for the public launch later this year.

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To register plumbers and heating engineers have to demonstrate that they have both the qualifications to carry out the 'eco' parts of the installations as well as the necessary qualifications to carry out the plumbing and heating parts.

The institute are also asking GreenPlumb accredited members to assist the public with water efficiency advice so that consumers can lower their energy and water costs, whilst protecting the environment through reduced carbon emissions.

Chief Executive Blane Judd said: "As the organisation responsible for professional standards in plumbing and heating engineering, we share the concerns of the HSE which is why we launched our GreenPlumb initiative to the industry earlier this year. Plumbing and heating engineers are ideally placed to help people in their quest to reduce their carbon footprints.

"By offering the GreenPlumb scheme members of the public can easily locate their nearest 'eco-qualified' plumber or heating engineer and the scheme which is currently free for individuals to join also encourages more professionals to get trained and registered, ready to meet the increasing public demand."

(GK/BMcC)