How to get into the industry?

[Reg2003]

HI,

After any advice really how to get into the renewable energy industry.

I am currently a systems engineer specialising in security infrastructures at 7 large sites in the UK. But I have been doing this role for many years now and its becoming boring. There is nowhere for me to go except into the corporate side which does not appeal to me or to work on something new I am interested in. I completed an apprenticeship in Electrical and Electronic Engineering 10 years ago earning an OND, HNC and HND in this subject. I also have 16th Edition BS7671 (I realise this is out of date and needs to be updated) as well as a few other City&Guilds qualifications.

The renewable energy industry interests me a lot, But I am not sure how I can enter in this field? Are there qualifications I should look into completing?

Any info would be great.

 

[Earthstore]

To be honest, it is an industry in turmoil at the moment, thanks to the Government and there are many walking away from it at present.

I too got involved because I found it interesting, but I have never been so frustrated in anything that I have done in my life as this, at times I regret getting involved, and to be honest if something else came along, I would walk away from it all today.

I am sticking with it only because I believe their is a future somehow, and what else is there in this present economical climate?

Sorry to sound so negative, it could be a great industry, but sadly not so inspiring at the moment.

 

[Reg2003]

Don't apologise. I appreciate your comments. I would prefer to hear the honest truth and be warned, then start something and find out later that it was a terrible idea.

 

[finchy]

I would keeping researching and follow this forum. Its very tough at the moment, agree 110% with Earthstore. Its a fantastic industry, being torn apart by the Government ! Wait until October when the FIT rates drop once more (?) and the infamous Green deal (white Elephant) is out ! Too many uncertainties at the moment to think about joining, our margins are being squeezed every minute !

 

[Manny]

Not a good time IMHO… All I can tell you is about our experience; We opened our business last year, after a great success as installers, we were looking to offer a wide range of renewables, also like you believing in the potential of the industry. The money that we made last year with the solar rush is all gone already… We got loads of qualifications and courses in different renewables with the idea to offer better services to our customers. We have no clue when or how we are going to get our investment back… Bills are mounting and the market dried out! Our advertisement for the last 3 months has been completely in vain. Some of us are surviving from small electrical jobs, others burning money still.

Logic would tell you that renewables should be rocking, however nothing is happening really. Some big companies are getting rich and the majority is paying a heavy price for this fiasco. The lack of a clear government policy towards the industry made things really bad. I don’t know where are we heading, we could well go cold for 3-5 years until the government come up with some other BS… however who can survive from hopes alone?

It’s frustrating to see the result of your work go down in the drain in an industry that is going nowhere.

I think we are in the beginning of a huge depression, the whole financial system is in crisis, and we have tremendous difficulties ahead. The government is in big trouble with more debt than it can manage and incentive for this industry will be short… Only the well-funded will survive.

 

[ktech]

On the whole I agree with the previous comments. If solar pv has been the most popular technology with jo public and it has been driven down with a sledge hammer doesn't work what else will. I see large wind farms still spring up but these are multinationals not the bread and butter businesses. It will be interesting what the last weeks figures of pv are from the DECC tomorrow. It's a great shame that an industry that was creating so much emplyoment has gone this way. Personally I think controls on multi-installation (ie. free solar) should have been far more restrictive with a planned (more forward thinking) approach to FiT reduction put in place either at the onset or more planned approach last year, i.e. incremental rather than a punch in the face. All that has happened, and proof in the DECC figures is, a boom bust industry. I'm thinking that a good oppurtunity exists in maintenance for pv customers as many will have left the industry in the next 12 months. What a complete fiasco this has been.

 

[LightGEN]

I'm afraid that I have to agree with the other responants. Solar PV showed much promise when we entered the market, unfortunately the current government doesn't share the public's enthusiasm. I suggest taking a look at the DECC weekly solar PV installation numbers to see the rollercoaster effect currently in play.
I don't see the PV market dying but, today, there are way too many installation companies for the size of the market - steer well clear!

 

[Eco Deal]

I think 21p is a good rate a should be kept for 12 mths.