Who Can You Trust During the Expansion of Electrification?
As the late Bob Dylan once sang, “the times, they are a changin.” There is no utterance more accurate, especially when it comes to technology. Most electrical contractors have been working with the same equipment for decades, and experienced electricians know electrical panels, residential/commercial inspections, and electrical repairs inside and out. Of course, the times are changing.
Newer technology has led to home automation, smart circuit breakers, nanogrids, solar batteries, electrical vehicle charging stations, and more. Not just any old electrician knows how to install, maintain, and repair devices in the burgeoning electrification movement. Whether you are looking to install a Level 2 charging station in your garage or want to turn your house into a smart home, you need the right kind of electrician for the job.
Read on to know more about what it takes to be an electrician in the new electrification movement.
What Is Electrification?
You may have heard this word thrown around, but you have never heard an official electrification definition. Electrification refers to the exercise of replacing fossil fuel-based technologies with electric-powered technologies. Consumers are changing everything from the vehicles they drive to the appliances they buy to take advantage of the power of electricity.
The electrification movement combines utilizing more innovative technologies that use electricity as their source of power and a commitment to generating electricity through renewable sources. This movement is more than just focusing on the environment; electrification aims to lower overall utility costs while bringing more convenient and capable tech to our lives.
Electricians and Renewable Energy
Renewable energy is one of the most talked about topics across the planet. All over the world, companies, governments, and individuals are renewable energy sources like wind power, solar power, battery power, and more.
While it might seem like all power is power regardless of how it is generated, not all electricians are familiar with renewable energies. Non-renewable energy, like gas and coal, typically creates AC power for a standard residential service of 240 volts. Renewable energy is a different game. Solar power, for example, delivers DC power with voltages as high as 2,000 volts. Renewable power plants also use various programable logic controllers (PLCs) that must be installed, calibrated, and repaired over time.
As you can imagine, all of the new technology from the electrification movement creates plenty of opportunities for prepared electricians. The demand for an electric vehicle is expected to lead to a 38% higher demand for electricity alone. This pressure for more power to keep our vehicles running will result in an upgraded electrical grid, which means more qualified electricians are needed.
What Does the Electrification Movement Mean for Electrical Contractors?
As the movement and technology progress, there will be a tremendous opportunity for electricians to obtain additional training to become specialized in one or more areas of the electrification movement. Business Insider suggests that employment demand for electrical contractors skilled in new tech will increase by almost 10% before the end of this decade.
There are several areas where the demand is going to be the highest:
At Home Charging Stations
The number of drivers switching from gas-powered cars to EVs is increasing at an incredible rate. Electric vehicle sales doubled from 2020 to 2021, and this trend is not slowing down. Most EV drivers want the ability to charge their cars at home, so the requests for at-home electrical vehicle charging stations have also increased exponentially.
Installing a Level 2 charging station requires updating your existing electrical panel. For homes that have older or discontinued panels, the entire box may need to be replaced. You will need, at a minimum, a dedicated circuit breaker for your charging station.
Some newer electric vehicles, like the Ford F-150 Lightning, offer bidirectional charging capabilities. That means the vehicle can act as a power generator and provide electricity to your home during a power outage.
Most home and business owners looking to add charging stations to their properties are unfamiliar with this kind of technology. They need electricians who cannot only set up these new systems but can also provide training and troubleshooting assistance.
At Watson’s Charging Stations & Electric, we have been the prominent home and business charging station installers for the Gilroy, CA, and Santa Clara Valley for years. From the initial installation to ongoing maintenance, we help with every element of your project. We are happy to offer a free consultation so you know exactly what you are getting into.
Home Battery Storage and Nanogrids
One of the significant criticisms of renewable energy is that it does not always produce power, and no new energy is created if the wind is not blowing or the sun is not shining. Everyone from power plants to residential homes utilizes battery storage to alleviate this challenge.
These batteries can store energy when it is being produced to use at a later time. When a single home or building is powered by its own power generation, it creates a nanogrid. Nanogrids do not stop property owners from connecting to their local electrical grids, but help reduce dependence on larger grids. Some homeowners even install battery backup systems if they do not have solar panels.
Nanogrids and battery storage systems require complex setups with higher direct voltages, along with fire suppression and cooling systems. Creating a nanogrid is not something any traditional electrician can handle. Luckily, the licensed and certified team at Watson’s Charging Stations & Electric are fully trained and capable of setting up energy storage systems, nanogrids, and more for your home or business.
Smart Homes
Smart home technology is expected to produce $99 billion over the next few years. Homeowners are obsessed with adding smart techs like robot vacuums, thermostats, security systems, appliances, etc. These devices are controlled through smart speakers like Amazon Alexa and Google Home, smartphones, or central control panels.
For all of these devices to work, they must be connected to a local network. While many smart home devices can access Wi-Fi, others require a more complex installation. More importantly, many homeowners are not as familiar or comfortable with these new technologies and will need help turning their ordinary homes into smart homes.
The Watson’s Charging Station & Electric team is passionate about helping our customers gain convenience and control over their lives through innovative smart technology. From setting up a single smart plug in your home to setting up an entire network in your office, we can turn your smart home dreams into reality.
The Future Is Electrification
As technology continues to advance, home and business owners need access to electrical contractors who are well-trained, experienced, and familiar with the electrification movement. Whether you are exploring renewable energy, want to set up a personalized nanogrid, or are hoping to create a smart home network, let the Watson’s Charging Stations & Electric team be your guides.
While we can handle conventional electrical residential and commercial needs, we have also embraced the coming electrification movement. Learn more or set up your free consultation when you contact us today.