A Career From Earth's Natural Resources... Solar Courses

How would you like to get into an industry that is both cutting-edge and future-proof? Get trained for work in the renewables industry and you'll have the skills to do it. By this time next year you could be up and running, advising people and installing energy efficient systems that will considerably reduce their household's carbon footprint.

The cost of fuel is soaring as supplies become more finite. Our homes cost too much to run and keep warm, and they give off too much CO2. Consumers are becoming more educated on alternative methods and resources for powering their homes. 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. Such measures bring more work for those with the right knowledge and qualifications.

Therefore if electrical or plumbing work appeals to you, adding some 'green' skills could be very beneficial. If you qualified as an electrician some time ago, you may want to update your knowledge of renewables.

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How Do We Define Green Technology?

Modern technology is considered green when it utilises resources that are naturally replenishable. We can generate additional and efficient power supplies by utilising the sun, the tides and the wind. Previous generations created wind turbines and waterwheels. Now we can benefit from solar energy as well to provide us with heat and hot water. Hence the opportunity for 'green collar' workers.

Solar Energy Systems

Free energy from the sun can be absorbed by solar heating equipment and converted into domestic warm water. As the technology has been available for a while, we now have a large number of systems to choose from. A UK family could expect to get most of their hot water from a modern solar system from June to September. This lessens their impact on the environment by reducing carbon dioxide emissions by something like 400 to 750 kg a year. 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.

Solar electricity systems are used to gather the sun's energy via PV (photovoltaic) cells. 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. The inverter is then linked up to the power distribution point in the house to provide electricity for certain appliances and lighting.

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. Equally they can't waste any solar electricity, as the national grid is automatically fed back any electricity that isn't being used. 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.

Ground Source Heat Pumps

Geothermal heat is the term used for the ground source heat that is stored naturally under the ground. Collector piping is placed down in the earth and fed with a special non-damaging solution that can't freeze. The fluid becomes warm as it circulates inside the pipes and thus heat is transported to the pump. Underfloor heating can benefit most from the warmth provided by heat pumps. 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.

Constantly Evolving

Training courses in 'green collar work' will teach in-depth skills in all the important areas. 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.

All aspects of your training should be geared towards real-world demand, and lead to recognised certifications. The green market is growing fast, and opportunities are increasing in existing domestic properties, new builds and social housing.

Careers For The Twenty First Century

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. These reports frequently demonstrate how 000's can be saved over a few years. Plus there are financial incentives in the UK for homeowners to upgrade their energy efficiency, providing systems are fitted by installers with appropriate certifications. And that's not all.

The UK government is aiming for fifteen percent of the country's energy to come from renewable sources by 2020. It will soon be socially, ethically and financially unacceptable to ignore renewable energy - and those with the right skills will find themselves in great demand.