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 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. We are all being encouraged to think more carefully about how we use energy, and where we can be more efficient. Those who replace old and poorly performing boilers in the UK can claim subsidies from the government. Such measures bring more work for those with the right knowledge and qualifications. 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.
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.
Typical training will give you a greater understanding of renewable energy and the careers you can pursue. 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. As more and more householders are becoming interested in solar energy systems in particular, you should concentrate first on the skills that will bring in the most work. Essentially, courses are there to equip you for work – so all parts of your training should lead to industry recognised qualifications. The green market is growing fast, and opportunities are increasing in existing domestic properties, new builds and social housing.
The law now dictates that all homes sold in Britain must supply the new owners with an Energy Performance Certificate to illustrate energy usage and where efficiencies can be made. Savings in some cases can run into thousands of pounds a year. The government is offering householders substantial grants to cover certain installation costs where work is undertaken by appropriately qualified Green Engineers. That’s merely the beginning 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. The time is quickly coming when everyone will be looking for alternative energy solutions for their homes. Demand for skilled installers is about to soar!
Copyright Scott Edwards 2009. Visit Click Here or www.workmap.com.
July 5, 2010 by Jason Kendall