Renewable Energy Certification for

OZE Certification for Heat Pumps

Growing environmental awareness means we are increasingly turning to green solutions. The "eco-trend" has reached almost all industrial sectors as well as private individuals. Manufacturers compete in pro-ecological solutions, producing efficient energy-saving devices. The state encourages investment in renewable energy sources, opening doors for investors, among others through the adoption of the Act on Renewable Energy Sources (Journal of Laws 2015, item 478). The refrigeration industry, in turn, limits the use of refrigerants with the greatest destructive impact on the environment. How, then, do private individuals contribute to environmental protection? Rising living standards mean we increasingly use solutions enabling functional and modern building management, including maintaining appropriate conditions in our homes and apartments, with a view to optimal operating and investment costs. When deciding on specific solutions, we reach for modern devices that will ensure the right microclimate with minimal maintenance and are cheap to operate. Of course, the described trend also applies to managers of commercial and industrial buildings, who are guided by similar premises. One solution meeting the described requirements is the use of modern heat pumps, which, in addition to heating functions, also have cooling production functions, meaning the devices can be used all year round.

Heat Pumps – The Future of the Energy Industry

The effect of the phenomenon described above is growing demand for modern heat pumps. Demand translates into supply; currently, heat pump manufacturers offer a wide range of heat pumps for both commercial and private applications. Depending on the application, manufacturers offer solutions for heating or domestic hot water preparation, or comprehensive solutions allowing full coverage of the energy needs of a household or enterprise. The multitude of solutions makes it difficult to choose the best device. The key to meeting the described expectations is determining needs and selecting the right solution and using the services of a competent specialist. But how to choose the right professional?

OZE Certification – Confirmation of Installer Competence

Growing interest in heat pumps has led to many companies appearing on the market offering selection and installation services for these devices. Lack of knowledge of operating principles and disregard for manufacturer recommendations means pseudo-installers propose solutions that may prove disastrous in the long term – poorly sized lower sources causing ground freezing (in the case of brine (glycol)-water heat pumps), improperly selected pipe diameters resulting in improper device operation (e.g., reduced device efficiency) and others. How, then, to protect against the consequences of incompetent specialists? It seems appropriate to verify their competence. Confirmation of qualifications in the field of heat pump installation and service is the certificate of an authorized heat pump installer – OZE. OZE qualifications for heat pumps confirm the competence and qualifications of installers. They are also a trump card in recruiting new employees – an employer hiring a person with an OZE certificate has certainty they have made the right choice of a person who will cope with the most complex selection and installation problems of devices, because they possess the appropriate scope of knowledge regarding the operation and installation of heat pumps. It is worth mentioning that possession of a certificate confirming competence is often a basic criterion for selecting the contractor for device installation in the case of both public and private orders. Investors are more willing to cooperate with companies that can document the competence of their employees.

How to Obtain an OZE Certificate?

As mentioned, OZE qualifications for heat pump installation confirm the installer's qualifications. The necessity of their possession stems from the Act of 20 February 2015 on Renewable Energy Sources. According to the Act, an installer may apply to the President of the Office of Technical Inspection for the issuance of a document confirming possession of qualifications for installing heat pumps. In accordance with the Act, they may obtain an OZE certificate if they hold:

• a diploma confirming professional qualifications in the profession of renewable energy equipment and systems technician or
• a diploma of completion of higher education in a field or specialty covering renewable energy source installations or sanitary, electro-energy, heating, refrigeration, thermal and air-conditioning installations or electrical installations

provided they have full legal capacity and enjoy full public rights, and have not been validly convicted by a court for an intentional crime against document credibility and economic turnover. In the case of persons who do not hold the diplomas described above, it is necessary to complete training at a Training Center and pass an examination before the examination board of the Office of Technical Inspection. Basic training can be completed at a Center accredited by the UDT. Conditions for granting accreditation can be found in the provisions of the Regulation of the Minister of Energy of 9 May 2017 on detailed conditions for granting accreditation to training organizers in the field of renewable energy sources and training and examinations for persons applying for issuance or extension of certificate validity. In accordance with the Regulation, a Center wishing to meet the requirements necessary to obtain accreditation must meet specific conditions, including:

• have procedures for registering training participants and documenting the course of training along with an assessment of its effectiveness,
• have appropriate premises and equipment,
• have an appropriately qualified person conducting the training.

A list of accredited training organizers can be found on the Office of Technical Inspection website.

Where to Complete Appropriate Training to Obtain an OZE Certificate?

The Central Refrigeration Center "COCH" in Krakow would like to invite you to take advantage of training necessary for persons applying for an OZE certificate in the field of heat pumps. Our qualified staff will provide theoretical and practical knowledge on good installation and operational practices for these devices. Knowledge gained during the training cycle will help prepare for the examination conducted by the Office of Technical Inspection and will be useful in professional work during heat pump installation and service. We hold UDT accreditation (OZE-A/12/00035/15) confirming compliance with the requirements of the Regulation. The Center has also prepared an offer for persons not associated with the refrigeration industry who want to start their adventure with refrigeration (in the field of heat pumps and more). Our training will allow you to acquire and consolidate basic knowledge on the operation, installation, service and maintenance of refrigeration installations based on currently applicable regulations. Our training will allow the acquisition of basic knowledge in the field of refrigeration and facilitate preparation for the F-gas examination, a positive result of which allows obtaining the necessary F-gas qualifications for working on installations filled with refrigerants. An individual approach to the client allows determining needs and selecting appropriate training aimed at proper preparation for the profession of refrigeration installer and service technician. We warmly invite you to cooperate! Source:

• Act of 20 February 2015 on Renewable Energy Sources (Journal of Laws 2015, item 478)
• Regulation of the Minister of Energy of 9 May 2017 on detailed conditions for granting accreditation to training organizers in the field of renewable energy sources and training and examinations for persons applying for issuance or extension of certificate validity (Journal of Laws 2017, item 1034),
• www.udt.gov.pl

Author: MSc Eng. Andrzej Chmaj