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Green Energy Careers - Green Engineer Training

Can you imagine yourself working in an exciting new industry that's pushing environmental boundaries? If you get trained and qualified in green engineering you can do just that! Certifications can take less time than you might think - within the next twelve months your job could be helping to offset the effects of global warming. The world can't continue to consume oil and gas at current levels. Everyone is aware of the need to reduce their carbon emissions.

Members of the public are being urged to ease back on their consumption, and look to efficient renewable energy sources. In the UK, householders with the oldest and lowest rated boilers can apply for grants to cover some of the costs of replacement. 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.

If you've been in the industry for a while, check out the new courses and certifications in green engineering.

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What Is Green Technology?

Planet earth provides us with a rich source of renewables from which to extract more energy for our own use. The sun, the wind and the rain can all be utilised by green technology. Windmills and waterwheels have been around for a long time, but modern technology can now take advantage of solar power and geo-thermal energy to power homes and businesses. People with the right skill-sets are becoming increasingly in demand to implement these.

Solar Energy

Domestic hot water pipes can be connected to solar water heaters to provide free heat to the system. 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. Over the year as a whole, they should provide for approximately half their hot water needs. There are two forms of collectors - namely evacuated tubes and flat plates. Both are easy to install and maintain, and ideally should be fitted to a south facing roof.

Another use for solar power is to create electricity. For this, we need photovoltaic or PV panels. These panels are again fixed onto (preferably) south facing roofs (or walls). The more sunlight they absorb, the more electricity they generate. As this is DC electricity, an inverter in the loft is required to convert it to AC. The inverter is then linked up to the power distribution point in the house to provide electricity for certain appliances and lighting. 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 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. Planning permission isn't usually needed to install PV cells, although listed buildings and houses in conservation areas should check with their local authorities.

Geothermal Heat

Geothermal heat is the term used for the ground source heat that is stored naturally under the ground. 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. Underfloor heating can benefit most from the warmth provided by heat pumps. Although heat pumps use electricity, they can still be considered 'green' because they produce four to five times more electricity than they consume.

Training For A 'Green' Career

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. 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. Most green courses will include optional training on installing and maintaining various types of Rainwater Harvesting Systems that are commonly used in the UK.

A Step In The Right Direction

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. These reports frequently demonstrate how 000's can be saved over a few years. The government will give out grants when certain systems are installed by properly qualified installers.

But that's just the start. World leaders state that carbon emissions must be reduced, and consumers must turn to more renewable energy solutions. The future for skilled green technicians is very bright - as there is no other way for the world to move forward.