Careers In Green Engineering With Solar Energy Training

How would you like to get into an industry that is both cutting-edge and future-proof? Train to become a Green Engineer, and you can. 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. Everyone is aware of the need to reduce their carbon emissions. We are all being encouraged to think more carefully about how we use energy, and where we can be more efficient.

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.

And so if you're keen to learn how to be a plumber or an electrician, don't overlook the opportunities in the renewable energy market. And if you're already a qualified tradesman or woman, you might think about bolt-on green courses to add to your portfolio.

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To learn the specifics of what's needed to get into the industry, we recommend you download your Free copy of our Training Information Guide.

Which Technology Is Considered Green?

Green technology uses the earth's natural resources and converts them into usable energy. By harnessing the energy from the sun, the wind or the tides we can create alternative sources of power. Wind and water power had commercial uses many years ago, but now we can use the power of the sun for domestic purposes as well. That's why there's a need for skilled workers with green certifications.

Solar Technology

Energy radiated from the sun can be converted into hot water through solar thermal systems. The current range of solar heating systems includes several that are sophisticated and state of the art. They can't provide for all the hot water needs for families in the UK, but in summer they can supply a significant amount of it. Year round, something in the region of 50 per cent of the hot water could be met by solar energy. The solar energy 'collectors' come as either lightweight evacuated tubes or slightly more robust flat panels. As might be expected, a south-facing roof is the ideal location for these collectors. To generate electricity, photovoltaic solar panels are used to capture the sun's energy.

PV panels can be installed on roofs or walls with good exposure to sunlight. A DC electric current is created which has to be converted to AC by an inverter which is usually placed in the loft. This is then connected to the fuse board of the house to supply electricity for lighting and appliances. Householders can expect a photovoltaic system to provide around 40 per cent of their annual electricity, and so reduce both their bills and carbon footprint significantly. The Grid will also automatically be fed any unused PV electricity, so if householders go away for two weeks, their solar power won't be wasted. This year (2010) the government has stepped in to increase the amount of money energy companies have to pay for this recycled electricity. In Britain an average of 850 kWh of electricity a year is generated for every kWp of solar PV installed. Put in perspective, the average household consumes approximately 4,700 kWh a year.

Heat From The Ground

Ground source heat (which in Britain remains fairly constant at twelve degrees centigrade) can be used to create electricity and warm water. To retrieve that heat, several hundred metres of geothermal plastic piping is buried underground, and filled with an eco-friendly non-freezing solution. It absorbs the warmth as it circulates around the piping, and delivers it's heat to the connecting pump. The heat pump can then provide heating for houses by warming the water in radiators and underfloor heating systems. Heat pumps need a small amount of electricity to run them, but the savings by far outweigh the costs.

Progressive Evolution

When you train to work in the green installations industry, you'll pick up a variety of worthwhile skills. Naturally you'll be taught the necessary electrical skills, and the basics of domestic plumbing. You'll also look into the various energy efficient systems - how they work and how to install them. Make sure you come out with a good knowledge of ground and air source heat pumps, and domestic solar technology. That's where a lot of your future work is likely to be.

All aspects of your training should be geared towards real-world demand, and lead to recognised certifications. Your course may also offer options on how to install rainwater harvesting systems or grey water recycling systems for example.

A Step In The Right Direction

Each time a domestic UK property changes hands, the new householders must be shown an Energy Performance Certificate. This illustrates how energy efficient the house is, and how it could be improved. In some instances, changes can produce huge savings.

What's more, when householders employ properly accredited installers, they can benefit from generous government grants to help cover the costs of having new systems fitted. That just scratches the surface though.

Today renewable energy provides less than two percent of all domestic energy. But by twenty sixteen the law states that for every new property built that figure must be fifteen percent. It will soon be socially, ethically and financially unacceptable to ignore renewable energy - and those with the right skills will find themselves in great demand.