In today’s blog, we have something a little different from our usual publication, an interview with an installer. Upon the completion of our BPEC Electric Energy Storage Systems Course, we had a chat with Joe Amos, from Soma Safety Solutions, who has been coming to GRE now for years and has completed a variety of different courses (2391 Inspection & Testing, F-Gas, and Solar PV & Battery.) The interview was conducted to get his perspective on several topics. These included our training, the current renewable market, advice for those starting out and more. The following will include a breakdown of our conversation, so grab a cuppa and have a read to gain a real insight into someone who lives and breathes renewable energy.

Some Background on Joe:

Before undertaking training at GRE, Joe was a telecoms engineer and oversaw contractors. Similarly to many of you reading this now, Joe had all the relevant qualifications to get involved in solar PV, and despite ‘always loving solar and batteries,’ he hadn’t considered venturing further into it. This all changed after Joe saw a less than satisfactory install, and just knew he could do better quality of work with his skill set and determination. This then led him to seek training (this is where we came in) and he began his journey into renewable energy. Joe started right in the middle of the Feed In Tariff, so his newfound passion soon overtook his previous work after a short crossover period.

Joe’s Experience at GRE Energy Training:

We asked Joe what made him keep coming back to GRE.

Joe: “You mean what makes me drive 186 miles from Catfield, which takes 3 and a half hours each way?” (…)

Joe: “It’s the approachability of GRE.”

Joe also went on to say he had visited other centres, and unlike them, we offer ‘more than just the course.’

Joe: “I’ve been to other training centres and they just want to get you in the door and get you through as fast as possible.”

An Installer Perspective on the Current Market:

This section of the interview was particularly interesting, as it gives an insight into the perspective of an actual installer. Joe stated that the ‘packaged solar PV and battery’ will become more popular with consumers looking to offset high costs of electricity at peak times, and that dynamic pricing will be huge once people accept the new technology and the negative press surrounding it has dissipated. As we have spoken about before, there is always a delay in the acceptance of new technology, and Joe confirmed that it is imperative to get involved before this peaks.

We also asked Joe what he thought was holding installers back from venturing into the renewable market, and his opinion on the government’s net zero targets.

Joe: ‘We need the government to be accurate and precise on the guidance on where they want us to be.’

The government’s lack of clear direction was highlighted by Joe as being the number one reason more people aren’t getting involved in renewable technologies (both as consumers and installers.) However, Joe said that we need ‘good installers’ as we are ‘nowhere near’ where we need to be in relation to the application of renewable technology.

Final Words and a Thank You to Joe:

We finished the interview by asking Joe what his advice would be to someone getting started in the industry.

Joe: “Do good work (…) if you do good work and make customers feel at home then the phone doesn’t stop!”

We would like to personally thank Joe for his loyalty throughout the years, and for picking us as your training provider. Joe is just one of the many success stories in the industry, and it all starts with the quality of training you receive.

Start your renewable journey today, you won’t regret it…