Somerset College

Summary

In the light of rising fuel bills and average gas bills exceeding £1000 a year, BPEC has introduced a course designed to educate and inform individuals about renewable energy heating and energy technologies.

Description

This short course is ideal for anyone wanting to find out more about existing and emerging renewable energy technologies.  It aims to give background to each of the following technologies, explaining what each will and will not do and covering costs, payback periods and grants etc:

• Getting started, cost of fuel, climate change and energy efficiency
• Solar thermal water heating
• Domestic scale biomass systems
• Heat pumps
• Wind power
• Photo-voltaic systems
• Micro-hydro

Teaching and Assesment

The learning outcomes for this course are:

• Identify which renewable energy option(s) might be appropriate in different circumstances
• Explain which end uses can be met by each technology, i.e. space heating, power and lighting
• Discuss the various motivations for using renewable energy
• List energy efficiency home improvements and behaviours
• Distinguish between different types of system
• Understand how systems work and their components
• Know where to access grants and the levels available for each technology
• Calculate typical costs (including installation, running costs, savings and payback times)
• Understand the issues to consider when installing technologies in your own home (sizing, storage, grid connection, maintenance)
• Understand planning and building control issues
• Calculate the CO2 saving for each technology

You will be tested on your retention of knowledge at the end of the course and, if successful, will receive a certificate of achievement.

Career Opportunities

If you wish to know more after attending this course you can progress to either the Full or Defined Scope course, depending upon your existing skills and qualifciations.

Entry Requirements

There are no entry requirements.

Cost

Tuition Fees: £250 includes certificate of achievement.

Contact

For further guidance and advice contact the Careers team on 01823 366 331, or email enquiries@somerset.ac.uk