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A Greener Future With Solar Energy Courses

Wouldn't you like to build a career that not only pays you well but is also beneficial to the earth's resources? Qualifying as an installer with 'green' certifications will allow you to do that. Whether you want to work in the UK or overseas, you could be installing equipment that saves CO2 consumption and cuts energy bills within months of starting a course. Gas and oil consumption can't go on as it is. We all know we should be lowering our carbon footprint. Governments are actively encouraging consumers to be more energy efficient and look towards alternative renewable sources of power.

Grants are available in the UK to replace inefficient boilers and utilise more 'green' forms of energy. Such measures bring more work for those with the right knowledge and qualifications. It's therefore a good idea commercially that your electrical or plumbing training includes working with green energy systems.

If you qualified as an electrician some time ago, you may want to update your knowledge of renewables.

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Which Technology Is Considered Green?

Planet earth provides us with a rich source of renewables from which to extract more energy for our own use. By harnessing the energy from the sun, the wind or the tides we can create alternative sources of power. Today's technology now allows us to benefit from solar energy in our homes if the right equipment is installed. Hence the opportunity for 'green collar' workers.

Solar Power

Domestic hot water pipes can be connected to solar water heaters to provide free heat to the system. The current range of solar heating systems includes several that are sophisticated and state of the art. Although in Britain we can't rely entirely on them for all of our hot water needs, a typical family could expect to get most of their requirement in the summertime. If we look at the whole year, roughly fifty per cent of their hot water will come from solar power. The solar energy 'collectors' come as either lightweight evacuated tubes or slightly more robust flat panels. Both are easy to install and maintain, and ideally should be fitted to a south facing roof.

Photovoltaic cells or panels also absorb the sun's energy, but this time electricity is produced. As with solar collectors that heat water, these cells need to be exposed to the most light and sun possible, so a south-facing roof is ideal. They also need an inverter to convert the direct current electricity to alternating current. This is then connected to the fuse board of the house to supply electricity for lighting and appliances. Solar electricity is renewable energy that doesn't release any carbon dioxide or other harmful pollutants. Home owners will reduce their bills and their carbon footprint. If the household doesn't use all of their PV generated electricity, it's automatically fed back to the National Grid. To encourage more people to invest in solar PV systems, UK legislation has increased the amount energy companies have to pay for this fed-back electricity. Installation of Solar PV panels usually comes under 'permitted development' which doesn't require planning permission. A quick check with the local authority will confirm this.

Ground Source Heat Pumps

Solar energy is naturally stored in the ground - in the UK the ground source heat is constantly around 12 degrees centigrade. Plastic pipes are buried under the surface and filled with a soluble solution that won't damage the environment. This collects the heat as it circulates, and transports it to the heat pump. Underfloor heating can benefit most from the warmth provided by heat pumps. Heat pumps do need some power to operate, but for every one unit of energy they use, they generate four units of energy in return.

Continually Developing

A good training course will prepare you for a rewarding career as a competent green engineer. As well as basic certification in domestic plumbing and electrical work, you'll cover legal requirements, health & safety plus how and where government funding can be applied. As more and more householders are becoming interested in solar energy systems in particular, you should concentrate first on the skills that will bring in the most work.

Courses in domestic green skills and qualifications are developing fast, to keep up with the increased demand caused by government incentives. Your course may also offer options on how to install rainwater harvesting systems or grey water recycling systems for example.

Working With Future Trends...

By law, each house in Britain now needs an Energy Performance Certificate before it can be sold. This tells potential buyers how much energy is being consumed and where improvements could be made. These reports frequently demonstrate how 000's can be saved over a few years. And in many cases funding is available from the British government to help pay for this, providing the installations are fitted by certified trades people.

That's merely the beginning though. World leaders state that carbon emissions must be reduced, and consumers must turn to more renewable energy solutions. Issues concerning climate change and rocketing fuel costs mean that green renewable energy is emerging as an excellent business for anyone with the right skills.