Join The Green Energy Revolution With Renewable Energy Careers
How do you fancy getting into a job in a growing and technologically advancing industry? Get trained for work in the renewables industry and you'll have the skills to do it. People are increasingly looking at green energy systems to reduce their CO2 emissions - within twelve months from now you could be a certified installer of energy efficient equipment. Oil and gas supplies are running out, and energy prices are prohibitive. Everyone is aware of the need to reduce their carbon emissions. Members of the public are being urged to ease back on their consumption, and look to efficient renewable energy sources.
In Britain grants of up to 80 per cent are being made available (and in some instances 100 per cent) to cover the labour costs of certain energy efficient improvements. So domestic engineers with the correct skill-sets can find themselves in high demand. 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. Any experienced electricians or plumbers can take short courses in renewable energy solutions.
Free E-Book
For more information on how to become a plumber, electrician or green engineer, why not download our FREE report on the training required to get into the industry?
'Green' Energy Solutions
Modern technology is considered green when it utilises resources that are naturally replenishable.
By harnessing the energy from the sun, the wind or the tides we can create alternative sources of power. We've used wind and water for many years, but it's the sun that provides energy for many newer replenishable systems. This is leading to a lot of work for 'Green' electricians.
Energy From The Sun
Solar thermal systems can utilise free heat from the sun to warm up household water. We've had solar thermal systems in Britain since the seventies, so today's models are now very well developed. Working alongside regular water heaters, these systems can supply the majority of hot water that will be needed by a family during the warmer months of the year.
If we look at the whole year, roughly fifty per cent of their hot water will come from solar power. We can choose either flat or tubular collection systems. They should be fitted to roofs that are ideally facing towards the south. Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels capture energy from the sun and use it to generate electricity. Once again, the panels should be fitted to a south facing roof or wall, along with an inverter in the loft to convert the DC electric current to AC. From there the AC electric is connected to the electrical consumer panel that delivers electricity around the house. As sunshine and light don't cost anything, owners of PV systems can save up to almost half their usual costs on electricity bills. (Clearly from a financial standpoint they also need to recover their initial investment.)
Equally they can't waste any solar electricity, as the national grid is automatically fed back any electricity that isn't being used. 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.
Geo-thermal Ground Source Heat
Ground source heat (which in Britain remains fairly constant at twelve degrees centigrade) can be used to create electricity and warm water. Heat pumps are connected to great lengths of underground geothermal piping that contains a non freezable substance. This collects the heat as it circulates, and transports it to the heat pump. The heat pump can then provide heating for houses by warming the water in radiators and underfloor heating systems. 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.
Training For A 'Green' Career
When you train to work in the green installations industry, you'll pick up a variety of worthwhile skills. Look for a course that will take you through all the domestic essentials, including health & safety, laws and regulations and if relevant guidance on starting your own business.
Most of the domestic interest in the renewables market is focused on solar thermal solutions and heat pumps. It makes commercial sense to concentrate on these. However, as technology and the law on environmental construction evolves, so too will training in this sector. You might be offered optional tutorials, for instance on rainwater harvesting to recycle water.
Security For The Future
Every home being sold in the UK must now have an Energy Performance Certificate which states it's current consumption and advises on ways to become more efficient. Often more modern or alternative equipment can lower running costs significantly.
The government will give out grants when certain systems are installed by properly qualified installers. In real terms though, that's only the beginning. World leaders state that carbon emissions must be reduced, and consumers must turn to more renewable energy solutions.
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.
