Can I train to install solar energy?

As householders struggle to meet the rising costs of energy bills, it's no surprise that the uptake of solar power in the UK is rapidly increasing. In 2012, the Government projected four million homes across the UK would utilise solar energy within the next eight years, bringing solar power capacity up to 22,000mw by 2020. Such a trend is good news for the environment but also for prospective heating engineers who decide to arm themselves with the knowledge and training to install solar power technology and take advantage of the rising demand.

The solar power sector is growing and is creating thousands of jobs across the UK and in Europe. In 2011, there were more than 200,000 solar power projects in the UK but this figure is increasing annually as the cost of solar panels decreases and the market becomes more competitive. In addition, government subsidies for domestic photovoltaic systems administered through the Energy Saving Trust has increased take-up and many schools are set to benefit from the Green Energy for Schools programme which sees solar panels fitted to generate electricity and reduce their carbon footprint.

Whether you’ve already qualified as a heating engineer and want to specialise in solar power or you’re looking to take your first steps in a domestic heating career, taking a renewable energy course will open the door of opportunity and enable you to capitalise on changing energy trends.

Here at Gas Training and Assessment, we provide a two-stage course which will provide the knowledge and skills required for those who intend to join an approved solar installation scheme . The first phase – unvented hot water storage systems covers installations, inspection and commission and service and explores various hot water systems and installation requirements. The second phase solar domestic hot water storage systems is built around the Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) specification MIS3001 and provides a full understanding of how solar works as well as industry-recognised training for those aiming to work in renewable energy. The renewable energy training will provide trainees with information on the installation, maintenance and repair of solar thermal equipment as well as the savings and benefits that can be achieved.

All solar energy systems require people to install them. There are significant variations in domestic heating systems and switching to solar energy will require specialist knowledge and experience – something householders could not tackle themselves. Installation companies require manpower to keep up with demand but there are also lucrative opportunities for those who set up their own enterprise installing solar power, which don’t require excessive start-up costs.