Green Energy Careers & Solar Energy Courses

How do you fancy getting into a job in a growing and technologically advancing industry? By training as a Domestic Green Engineer, you'll have the right skills for the job. 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.

The world can't continue to consume oil and gas at current levels. Householders in the developed world know changes will have to come soon. We are all being encouraged to think more carefully about how we use energy, and where we can be more efficient.

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.

So be sure to get details of the 'green' elements in any plumber or electrician training course you're considering. If you're already in the trade, you can tune-up your knowledge and add to your current offering.

Take A Look At Our Free Training Report

We've compiled a Training Information E-Book on plumbing, electrical and green skills - it's yours for free and should answer most of your questions.

What Is Green Technology?

Naturally renewable resources are being converted into usable energy because of developments in 'green' technology. 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. People with the right skill-sets are becoming increasingly in demand to implement these.

Solar Energy Systems

Free energy from the sun can be absorbed by solar heating equipment and converted into domestic warm water. The technology has been around for over 30 years, and now many sophisticated systems are available. They're used alongside existing heating systems and can supply almost all the hot water a British family might need from late spring to early autumn.

If we look at the whole year, roughly fifty per cent of their hot water will come from solar power.

There are various configurations for solar hot water systems, with either flat panel or evacuated tube collection systems. Both are easy to install and maintain, and ideally should be fitted to a south facing roof.

Another means of harnessing solar energy is through the use of photovoltaic cells which can convert sunlight into 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. The 'green electricity' that is created is then connected to the consumer unit within the property. 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.) They also automatically sell electricity back to the National Grid if their system produces more than they use. The going rate for PV electricity has been increased by the government in 2010, which makes for a better return on the original investment of the system. Key factors that will impact the amount of electricity generated are the size of the system, the geographical location, the angle of the panels and any shading from buildings or trees etc.

Geo-thermal Ground Source Heat

Solar energy is naturally stored in the ground - in the UK the ground source heat is constantly around 12 degrees centigrade. In order to extract the heat, 40mm geothermal pipe is installed into the ground, and fed with a fluid solution. It absorbs the warmth as it circulates around the piping, and delivers it's heat to the connecting pump. Warm air or water is then pumped around a home to supplement existing heating systems.

Ground source heat pumps will lower household fuel bills. They need a small amount of electricity to run them, but can produce four or five times as much as they consume.

Progressive Evolution

Typical training will give you a greater understanding of renewable energy and the careers you can pursue. Naturally you'll be taught the necessary electrical skills, and the basics of domestic plumbing. You'll also look into the various energy efficient systems - how they work and how to install them. 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. Courses in domestic green skills and qualifications are developing fast, to keep up with the increased demand caused by government incentives. If you have a special interest in water recycling, look for options that include rainwater and grey water harvesting.

A Step In The Right Direction

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.

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.

Let's look to the near future though. By the year 2016, the law states that all new houses will have to produce a minimum of 15 per cent of their energy from replenishable supplies.

We can't ignore the changes that must inevitably come, so why not get ahead of the crowd and secure your future now?