Solar PV technology is witnessing a period of continued sustainable growth, with demand now at an all-time high. But why should individuals and companies upskill in this area? Below are 5 reasons why you should consider becoming a qualified solar PV installer.
First things first! What is Solar PV?
Solar PV, also known as solar photovoltaic, is the generation of electricity using the sun’s light rays. Modern solar panels are made of semiconducting material (most commonly silicon) which channel direct current (DC) energy from the sun’s rays and changes them into usable alternating current (AC) energy.
The creation of solar panels and harnessing the power of solar energy has helped both companies and households cut energy costs at a time when energy prices are at an all time high.
Why should you do a Solar PV course?
1. Demand
The future of the Solar PV sector looks bright, with global average growth forecasted at 8% from 2022 to 2031. In 2021, the UK solar PV market had its strongest growth in six years, adding around 730MW of new capacity, an increase of 36% compared to 2020. The increase in demand can be put down to a multitude of reasons including reduction in solar panel costs, increase in the price of gas, as well as general changes in consumer behaviour and adoption of sustainable technology into homes and businesses.
2. Improvements in Solar Infrastructure
The government has continued to invest in improving the solar PV infrastructure to support the UK’s transition to cleaner energy and reach its 2050 net zero carbon emissions target. Due to the increased focus and funding on renewables, the efficiency of solar panels has increased from 6% to between 15% to 20% and has led to the cost of these to rapidly declined, dropping by 88% since 2010. This price drop has help to make Solar PV systems a more affordable option for many households and smaller businesses.
The UK government has also sought to encourage businesses to reduce their carbon footprint by switching to cleaner, more sustainable energy. Some actions taken include, providing financial incentives for businesses to move to renewable energy and releasing funding for renewable production factories to be built across the UK to support larger Solar PV rollout.
3. Current Skills Shortages
Training and support for Solar PV technology has come a long way in recent years, continuing to be an extremely interesting field of study for most electricians and electrical installers looking to enhance their skillset. However, the amount of people who are fully qualified in renewable technology is scarce, even though the demand in this sector is exceeding the supply.
Since renewable technology such as solar PV is relatively new, holding a qualification that is both government and industry recognised course will not only create opportunities for individual candidates or business, but also ensure that best practices are followed, and that consumers can be offered peace of mind.
4. Job Opportunities
The renewable technologies sector is estimated to create over 69,000 jobs in the UK by 2026. UK companies are already crying out for qualified solar PV installers, with many seeking to train and up-skill their workforce as well as hire previously qualified installers and technicians to help meet the growing market demand.
Because of the apparent skills shortage, those who are fully certified solar PV engineers/installers can command a higher than average salary than other similar positions within the industry. On average, those up-skilled on a solar PV course can earn an average starting salary of £33k. This will only increase over time as an individual gains experience, becomes fully competent and further expands their skillset.
5. Reduction in Thermal Power Usage
Fossil fuels are becoming increasingly unattractive options for households and companies. Gas prices increased by 54% in April 2022, which has significantly increased energy bills for millions of people. With the energy price cap set to rise again in October, many households and businesses are now considering the move to renewable energy sources as a cost saving measure.
With the government looking to phase out coal-based power generation by 2024, the share of energy production from thermal power in the UK is expected to decline over the next 10 years. This, alongside the decommissioning of older nuclear power stations will lead to an increase in the reliance of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar.
Conclusion
As evidence suggests, the level of growth in the solar industry is exponential and the future for solar technology proves to be bright. There will be no shortage of opportunities for companies and individuals who look to up-skill in this technology. For these reasons, Universal Skills is taking the initiative by offering renewable energy courses for practising electricians and companies looking to join the renewable energy sector.
Our solar PV installation course, in particular, offers candidates hands on experience of how to design, install and maintain solar panels whilst also awarding candidates with a nationally recognised qualification.
Find out more about our Solar PV course here:
https://universalskillsgroup.co.uk/collections/solar-pv-installation-course
