Lack of Qualified Professionals to Install Green Technology

A claim was recently made by the Sunday Times that there is a shortage of qualified professionals to meet the demands by the government for green technologies in homes around the UK. However, the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) has recently disputed this claim.

The newspaper report stated that there are only around 500 tradesmen who are qualified to do the kinds of work that will be needed if homes are to make use of renewable energy technology such as solar panels and wind turbines.

However, MCS have stated that there are currently 560 installers of these systems, but that eight to ten people are qualifying on a weekly basis. Of this number, 87 have been cleared to install sources for wind energy, and 335 are qualified to install solar panels.

Such skills will be vital in implementing the government’s new greener homes strategy, which aims to ensure 7 million homes receive energy efficient upgrades by 2020. Important changes will include installing double glazing in windows, and cavity wall and loft insulation. However, some homes will benefit from renewable energy technology, especially when the government implements rewards for installing such technology.

The new government scheme helps to take the pressure off upfront costs of energy efficient improvements – which is the main reason why many householders have put off making changes to their homes.