Wouldn’t you like to build a career that not only pays you well but is also beneficial to the earth’s resources? If you get trained and qualified in green engineering you can do just that! 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 world can’t continue to consume oil and gas at current levels. We all know we should be lowering our carbon footprint. Political leaders are striving to guide people towards greater energy efficiency by promoting and incentivising replenishable alternatives. Grants are available in the UK to replace inefficient boilers and utilise more ‘green’ forms of energy. As well as being good for the planet, this is also very good news for domestic installers with the right certifications and expertise. 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. Any experienced electricians or plumbers can take short courses in renewable energy solutions.
Planet earth provides us with a rich source of renewables from which to extract more energy for our own use. 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. Consequently there’s a growing demand for green engineering work.
Energy radiated from the sun can be converted into hot water through solar thermal systems. As the technology has been available for a while, we now have a large number of systems to choose from. Although in Britain we can’t rely entirely on them for all of our hot water needs, a typical family could expect to get most of their requirement in the summertime. Throughout a twelve month period, a system should be expected to deliver around half the total hot water requirement. There are various configurations for solar hot water systems, with either flat panel or evacuated tube collection systems. 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. Again, PV panels are designed to be attached to a roof or wall that is preferably south facing. As sunlight shines onto the panels an electric field is created that goes to an inverter inside the roof. This solar PV electricity can be used for lighting and for various appliances. Users of solar electricity will not only reduce their carbon footprint, they’ll also cut their electricity bills by over a third. The Grid will also automatically be fed any unused PV electricity, so if householders go away for two weeks, their solar power won’t be wasted. 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. Planning permission isn’t usually needed to install PV cells, although listed buildings and houses in conservation areas should check with their local authorities.
Ground Source Heat Pumps create heat sources from solar energy that naturally exists in the earth. Heat pumps are connected to great lengths of underground geothermal piping that contains a non freezable substance. The fluid becomes warm as it circulates inside the pipes and thus heat is transported to the 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. 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.
When you train to work in the green installations industry, you’ll pick up a variety of worthwhile skills. 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. As solar energy and heat pumps will give you the most work, you’d be sensible to focus on those. 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.
Each time a domestic UK property changes hands, the new householders must be shown an Energy Performance Certificate. This illustrates how energy efficient the house is, and how it could be improved. Often more modern or alternative equipment can lower running costs significantly. Plus there are financial incentives in the UK for homeowners to upgrade their energy efficiency, providing systems are fitted by installers with appropriate certifications. 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. 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.
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