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A Green Future With Solar Courses

Would you enjoy helping others to save money and look after the environment? If you get trained and qualified in green engineering you can do just that! Within months of getting started on a course, you could be ready to work here or overseas in a thriving new job or business.

Fuel prices are continuing to rise as gas and oil is steadily running out. We all know we should be lowering our carbon footprint. Members of the public are being urged to ease back on their consumption, and look to efficient renewable energy sources.

Those who replace old and poorly performing boilers in the UK can claim subsidies from the government. This is both beneficial for the environment, and for the appropriately qualified tradesmen and women who can carry out the work.

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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Which Technology Is Green?

Modern technology is considered green when it utilises resources that are naturally replenishable. Whether we get rain, wind or sun, we can harness the energy and put it to further use. Previous generations created wind turbines and waterwheels. Now we can benefit from solar energy as well to provide us with heat and hot water. This is leading to a lot of work for 'Green' electricians.

Solar Energy

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. Over the year as a whole, they should provide for approximately half their hot water needs.

There are two forms of collectors - namely evacuated tubes and flat plates. 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 means of harnessing solar energy is through the use of photovoltaic cells which can convert sunlight into electricity. 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. From there the AC electric is connected to the electrical consumer panel that delivers electricity around the house. Consumers will reduce their electricity bills significantly, as sunlight doesn't cost anything to run. Obviously savings will start to take effect once the initial cost of the system has been recovered. If the household doesn't use all of their PV generated electricity, it's automatically fed back to the National Grid. In the UK energy companies by law have to pay agreed rates to householders per kilowatt hour of electricity, but this can vary depending on the tariff they're on. Clearly the latitude of the property will impact how much energy is generated. So will the direction the panels are facing, the overall size of the PV array and any obstructions which block the light.

Heat From The Ground

Naturally stored heat (mainly from the sun) can be found in the soil, bedrock and groundwater. Plastic pipes are buried under the surface and filled with a soluble solution that won't damage the environment. It absorbs the warmth as it circulates around the piping, and delivers it's heat to the connecting pump.

The most efficient way to use this heat is in underfloor heating systems, but it can also be used for heating water in radiators. If consumers choose a ground source heat pump system to replace electric radiators, they'll find the new system much more efficient.

Developing All The time

Typical training will give you a greater understanding of renewable energy and the careers you can pursue. You can expect to study and qualify in certain essential electrical and plumbing skills, and gain newer certifications that cover green energy.

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. All aspects of your training should be geared towards real-world demand, and lead to recognised certifications. If you have a special interest in water recycling, look for options that include rainwater and grey water harvesting.

Work For Years To Come

An Energy Performance Certificate is now a legal requirement for all houses being sold in the UK - allowing buyers the chance to determine a property's typical fuel consumption, and gain advice on how it could do better. Many assessments show huge savings could be made over a period of time if improved systems were installed.

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. 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. We can no longer close our eyes to the need for safer, sustainable power. For that reason, those who become skilled and qualified now will find themselves in the right place at the right time.