Green Careers With Renewable Energy Certification
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. People are increasingly looking at green energy systems to reduce their CO2 emissions - within twelve months from now you could be a certified installer of energy efficient equipment.
Current global fuel supplies have a limited lifespan. We're constantly being told to use less energy in our day to day lives. We are all being encouraged to think more carefully about how we use energy, and where we can be more efficient. People in Britain can often get substantial government subsidies to cover such things as wall or loft insulation and solar generated hot water. As well as being good for the planet, this is also very good news for domestic installers with the right certifications and expertise. Therefore if electrical or plumbing work appeals to you, adding some 'green' skills could be very beneficial.
And if you are currently working in a domestic trade, you can take additional green courses to increase your skill-set.
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How Do We Define Green Technology?
Modern technology is considered green when it utilises resources that are naturally replenishable.
The sun, the wind and the rain can all be utilised by green technology. 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. Trades people with green credentials can capitalise on this.
Solar Energy Systems
Solar thermal products gather free energy radiated by the sun and use it to heat domestic hot water. The technology has been around for over 30 years, and now many sophisticated systems are available. 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 various configurations for solar hot water systems, with either flat panel or evacuated tube collection systems. In order to collect the most heat possible from the sun, they should be installed on a roof that faces south.
Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels capture energy from the sun and use it to generate electricity. 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 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. Anyone with a system that produces more electricity than the household consumes can automatically sell their excess to the national grid. This year (2010) the government has stepped in to increase the amount of money energy companies have to pay for this recycled electricity. Planning permission isn't usually needed to install PV cells, although listed buildings and houses in conservation areas should check with their local authorities.
Geo-Thermal Energy
Geothermal heat is the term used for the ground source heat that is stored naturally under the ground. Plastic pipes are buried under the surface and filled with a soluble solution that won't damage the environment. The solution flows through the pipes and collects heat which is taken to the heat pump. Warm air or water is then pumped around a home to supplement existing heating systems. Heat pumps need a small amount of electricity to run them, but the savings by far outweigh the costs.
Constantly Evolving
Training courses in 'green collar work' will teach in-depth skills in all the important areas. Look for a course that will take you through all the domestic essentials, including health & safety, laws and regulations and if relevant guidance on starting your own business. Make sure you come out with a good knowledge of ground and air source heat pumps, and domestic solar technology. That's where a lot of your future work is likely to be. Green engineering training courses are developing all the time, as this exciting technology progresses.
Most green courses will include optional training on installing and maintaining various types of Rainwater Harvesting Systems that are commonly used in the UK.
Careers For The Twenty First Century
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. Within the next six years, all new homes must generate at least 15 percent of their energy from renewable sources to be legally compliant. The future for skilled green technicians is very bright - as there is no other way for the world to move forward.
