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Green Energy - Solar Training Courses

Wouldn't you like to build a career that not only pays you well but is also beneficial to the earth's resources? Get trained for work in the renewables industry and you'll have the skills to do it. 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.

Oil and gas supplies are running out, and energy prices are prohibitive. Everyone is aware of the need to reduce their carbon emissions. Governments are actively encouraging consumers to be more energy efficient and look towards alternative renewable sources of power. 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. This is both beneficial for the environment, and for the appropriately qualified tradesmen and women who can carry out the work. And so it makes a lot of sense to add some training on renewable energy to any regular electrical or plumbing course you do.

If you're already in the trade, you can tune-up your knowledge and add to your current offering.

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Maximising Our Natural Resources

Naturally renewable resources are being converted into usable energy because of developments in 'green' technology. We can generate additional and efficient power supplies by utilising the sun, the tides and the wind. 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. This is leading to a lot of work for 'Green' electricians.

Solar Systems

Solar water heating collectors absorb energy from the sun and convert it into hot water. As the technology has been available for a while, we now have a large number of systems to choose from. 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.

Collection equipment comes in the form of the more efficient evacuated tubes, or the perhaps more visually attractive solid flat plates. As might be expected, a south-facing roof is the ideal location for these collectors.

Another means of harnessing solar energy is through the use of photovoltaic cells which can convert sunlight into electricity. When the panels are facing the light, they can generate energy all year round (though obviously the more sun that shines on them the better). PV panels are linked to an inverter that could be installed in the roof space. This solar PV electricity can be used for lighting and for various 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. They also automatically sell electricity back to the National Grid if their system produces more than they use. The amount energy suppliers pay for solar electricity has been increased two and three fold in the UK due to government legislation in early 2010. 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 Energy

Solar energy is naturally stored in the ground - in the UK the ground source heat is constantly around 12 degrees centigrade. To retrieve that heat, several hundred metres of geothermal plastic piping is buried underground, and filled with an eco-friendly non-freezing solution. The circulating solution collects the natural heat and takes it to the heat 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. Although heat pumps use electricity, they can still be considered 'green' because they produce four to five times more electricity than they consume.

Constantly Evolving

A good training course will prepare you for a rewarding career as a competent green engineer. You'll be taken through the basics of electrical and plumbing skills in the domestic market, before moving on to specific green technologies. Most courses will also deal with what government assistance is available and how people apply for it. The majority of your work is likely to be advising on and installing solar panels and heat pumps, so be sure you've got those covered.

Training programmes are moving with the times, and will evolve as time goes on. If you have a special interest in water recycling, look for options that include rainwater and grey water harvesting.

Security For The Future

The law now dictates that all homes sold in Britain must supply the new owners with an Energy Performance Certificate to illustrate energy usage and where efficiencies can be made. In some instances, changes can produce huge savings. The government is offering householders substantial grants to cover certain installation costs where work is undertaken by appropriately qualified Green Engineers.

That's merely the beginning though. The UK government is aiming for fifteen percent of the country's energy to come from renewable sources by 2020. The time is quickly coming when everyone will be looking for alternative energy solutions for their homes. Demand for skilled installers is about to soar!