Career Prospects With Solar Power Courses...
Do you see yourself working in a role that will help to look after the planet? By training as a Domestic Green Engineer, you'll have the right skills for the job. In just a few short months from now, you could be helping people in the UK or abroad to reduce the amount of CO2 they consume, and cut their energy bills considerably.
The world can't continue to consume oil and gas at current levels. 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.
This is both beneficial for the environment, and for the appropriately qualified tradesmen and women who can carry out the work. Therefore if electrical or plumbing work appeals to you, adding some 'green' skills could be very beneficial. If you're already in the trade, you can tune-up your knowledge and add to your current offering.
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Naturally Replenishable Resources
Planet earth provides us with a rich source of renewables from which to extract more energy for our own use. We can generate additional and efficient power supplies by utilising the sun, the tides and the wind.
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. People with the right skill-sets are becoming increasingly in demand to implement these.
Solar Systems
Energy radiated from the sun can be converted into hot water through solar thermal systems. We have a plentiful range of systems to choose from today, as this technology has been developing for many years. 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.
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. Several leading manufacturers supply solar thermal products which are quite simple for professionals to install. The ideal position would be on a roof space that's angled in a southerly direction.
Another use for solar power is to create electricity. For this, we need photovoltaic or PV panels. These panels are again fixed onto (preferably) south facing roofs (or walls). The more sunlight they absorb, the more electricity they generate.
As this is DC electricity, an inverter in the loft is required to convert it to AC. The power distribution panel in the house will take the 'solar' electricity and use it in combination with that from the National Grid. Users of solar electricity will not only reduce their carbon footprint, they'll also cut their electricity bills by over a third. Any solar electricity that isn't used up can either be stored in batteries for a cloudy day, or sold back to the National Grid. 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. 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 Pumps create heat sources from solar energy that naturally exists in the earth. To retrieve that heat, several hundred metres of geothermal plastic piping is buried underground, and filled with an eco-friendly non-freezing solution. The heat arrives at the connecting heat pump because the solution warms as it flows around. Homes with underfloor heating will notice the biggest benefits that heat pumps can bring. If consumers choose a ground source heat pump system to replace electric radiators, they'll find the new system much more efficient.
Progressive Evolution
The right 'green energy' course will cover everything you need to pursue a worthwhile career in domestic renewable energy. In addition to key electrical certifications (like Part P) and plumbing requirements, your course should deal with certain legal obligations, government funding of green installations and health and safety. You should acquire the right skills and accreditations to able to work with solar thermal and solar PV systems, and geothermal heat pumps. Courses in domestic green skills and qualifications are developing fast, to keep up with the increased demand caused by government incentives. 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 Future-Proof Career
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.
Savings in some cases can run into thousands of pounds a year. And up to 80 per cent of the cost of installation work can often be claimed from the government if owners have 'green' systems fitted by qualified professionals. Let's look to the near future though.
In ten years' time the British government aims to be on target for 15 percent of the nation's energy coming from renewables. The future for skilled green technicians is very bright - as there is no other way for the world to move forward.
