Green Energy Careers & 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? Qualifying as an installer with 'green' certifications will allow you to do that. In just a few short months from now, you could be helping people in the UK or abroad to reduce the amount of CO2 they consume, and cut their energy bills considerably.

Current global fuel supplies have a limited lifespan. We all know we should be lowering our carbon footprint. 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. Such measures bring more work for those with the right knowledge and qualifications.

So if you're thinking about training to become a plumber or an electrician, why not gear your skill-set towards green energy? If you've been in the industry for a while, check out the new courses and certifications in green engineering.

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Maximising Our Natural Resources

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.

Wind and water power had commercial uses many years ago, but now we can use the power of the sun for domestic purposes as well. Hence the opportunity for 'green collar' workers.

Solar Power

Solar water heating collectors absorb energy from the sun and convert it into hot water. Systems have been on sale in the UK for several decades, and the technology is now well understood. 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.

The average domestic solar heating system should reduce CO2 emissions by 0.4 - 0.75 tonnes per annum. We can choose either flat or tubular 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. 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. 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.)

Any solar electricity that isn't used up can either be stored in batteries for a cloudy day, or sold back to the National Grid. 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. Some European governments have fixed 'feed-in tariffs' for many years, which has led to an increase in the number of systems purchased, and a reduction in the amount they cost.

Ground Source Heat Pumps

Geothermal heat is the term used for the ground source heat that is stored naturally under the ground. In order to extract the heat, 40mm geothermal pipe is installed into the ground, and fed with a fluid solution. The heat arrives at the connecting heat pump because the solution warms as it flows around. This heat can be used to warm the water for 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.

Training For A 'Green' Career

A good training course will prepare you for a rewarding career as a competent green engineer. 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.

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.

A Step In The Right Direction

Every home being sold in the UK must now have an Energy Performance Certificate which states it's current consumption and advises on ways to become more efficient. 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. 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. We can't ignore the changes that must inevitably come, so why not get ahead of the crowd and secure your future now?