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Prospects in Green Energy With Solar Courses

Can you imagine yourself working in an exciting new industry that's pushing environmental boundaries? Qualifying as an installer with 'green' certifications will allow you to do that. Certifications can take less time than you might think - within the next twelve months your job could be helping to offset the effects of global warming. Gas and oil consumption can't go on as it is. Householders in the developed world know changes will have to come soon. Western leaders are keen to encourage citizens to strive for greener alternatives to the more traditional methods.

British householders can get government grants for certain energy efficient improvements. As well as being good for the planet, this is also very good news for domestic installers with the right certifications and expertise. Therefore if electrical or plumbing work appeals to you, adding some 'green' skills could be very beneficial. And if you are currently working in a domestic trade, you can take additional green courses to increase your skill-set.

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Maximising Our Natural Resources

The term 'green technology' refers to anything that creates exploitable energy from our planet's natural resources. By harnessing the energy from the sun, the wind or the tides we can create alternative sources of power. Clearly windmills have been in use for centuries, as have waterwheels - but neither are very practical for most domestic homes. Equipment that captures energy from the sun however can be perfect for most houses. Consequently there's a growing demand for green engineering work.

Solar Systems

Solar water heating collectors absorb energy from the sun and convert it into hot 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. The average domestic solar heating system should reduce CO2 emissions by 0.4 - 0.75 tonnes per annum. There are various configurations for solar hot water systems, with either flat panel or evacuated tube collection systems. In order to collect the most heat possible from the sun, they should be installed on a roof that faces south.

To generate electricity, photovoltaic solar panels are used to capture the sun's energy. 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.

Approximately forty percent of a household's electricity can be produced with a photovoltaic system. Users can therefore benefit financially over time as well as ecologically. 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.

In April 2010 Government legislation in the UK increased the amount energy companies have to pay to buy back electricity, making the initial investment more attractive. 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.

Naturally Stored Heat

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. The fluid becomes warm as it circulates inside the pipes and thus heat is transported to the 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.

Green Engineering Training Courses

As you go through a study programme, your knowledge of replenishable energy sources and new technology will grow. 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. 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.

Green engineering training courses are developing all the time, as this exciting technology progresses. Most green courses will include optional training on installing and maintaining various types of Rainwater Harvesting Systems that are commonly used in the UK.

A Step In The Right Direction

So that buyers can determine future energy costs, every UK homeowner must get an Energy Performance Certificate before putting their house on the market. This documentation includes advice on how to make the place more energy efficient. Often more modern or alternative equipment can lower running costs significantly. 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. Within the next six years, all new homes must generate at least 15 percent of their energy from renewable sources to be legally compliant. The future for skilled green technicians is very bright - as there is no other way for the world to move forward.