Renewable Energy Technician
A Renewable Energy Technician specializes in the design, installation, management, and maintenance of systems that harness renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, geothermal, hydroelectric, and bioenergy. These technicians play a critical role in inspecting and maintaining equipment at various energy-generating facilities, including solar farms and hydroelectric dams, often requiring them to travel to multiple sites. The work environment can be remote and outdoors, exposing technicians to varying weather conditions and physical challenges, including the need to perform tasks at heights or in proximity to electrical systems.
The field of renewable energy is rapidly growing, with a projected job growth rate of 20%, making it an attractive career for individuals interested in environmental science and technology. While a high school diploma is typically the minimum requirement, many positions favor candidates with post-secondary education or technical certifications in related areas. Daily responsibilities vary based on specialization, with technicians often engaged in site assessments, equipment installations, and routine maintenance. The work not only supports the transition to cleaner energy sources but also offers diverse career paths, from solar photovoltaic installation to hydropower maintenance.
Renewable Energy Technician
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources, Architecture & Construction
Manufacturing, Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
Interests: Hydroelectric energy, solar energy, geothermal energy, environmental science, maintenance, repair
Earnings (Yearly Median): Varies by industry
Employment & Outlook: 20% (Much faster than average)
Entry-Level Education High school diploma or equivalent
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job-Training Moderate-term on-the-job training
Overview
Sphere of Work. Renewable energy technicians design, install, manage, and care for the mechanical systems that generate wind, solar, geothermal, biological, and hydroelectric energy. They inspect and maintain solar panels, wind turbines, power generators, and other equipment, most often at electric power plants. If these technologies fail, energy technicians may recommend shutting down affected equipment until repairs are complete. Many renewable energy technicians work at multiple sites, providing assessment, maintenance, and repair services as the site managers or owners request. Some renewable energy technicians design, install, and maintain renewable energy technologies at private residences, educational institutions, or businesses.
Work Environment. Renewable energy technicians work at energy-generating facilities, for example, hydroelectric dams, wind farms, solar farms, geothermal energy plants, and bioenergy installations. Many of these facilities, particularly wind and solar farms and hydroelectric dams, may be located in remote locations, so renewable energy technicians must live close by or be willing to spend significant time traveling. While on-site, much of the work is done outdoors—in varying weather conditions. Physical risks are associated with some job duties, as certain technicians frequently climb to the top of very tall wind turbines or other tall structures to perform their work. Technicians may also be exposed to extreme heat or electrocution when working close to renewable energy collectors or generators.
Occupation Interest.Renewable energy technicians provide expertise and services to an exciting industry that has grown significantly in a relatively short time. Their work helps lessen the environmental impact of electric power by reducing society’s use of fossil fuels. A young field, renewable energy requires a range of skills, with some technicians dealing directly with electrical systems, others skilled in system installation, and others participating in system design. Successful renewable energy technicians are well aware of the industry's dynamic nature, keep up-to-date, and contribute to the advances in the field. Renewable energy technicians spend much of their time working outdoors and should be able to climb, kneel, carry tools and equipment, and walk long distances. Working in a relatively new technical field may appeal to individuals interested in being at the forefront of technological development.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Renewable energy technicians’ daily responsibilities vary according to their area of expertise. For example, wind energy technicians work at wind farms, frequently climbing hundreds of feet into the air to work inside a nacelle (the housing at the center of a wind turbine), where they clean and lubricate bearings, shafts, and gears. Geothermal energy technicians also work outdoors, monitoring energy and heat outputs, replacing and installing new piping systems, and testing the efficiency of residential and commercial geothermal heat pumps. Hydroelectric power technicians spend time inside hydroelectric power plants to monitor generators, flow tunnels, and computers that track the efficiency of turbines.
When beginning a project, renewable energy technicians may assess a site to determine the proper systems and methods for the installation of equipment used to collect solar energy, wind power, bioenergy, hydroelectricity, or geothermal energy. After installing the equipment, they prepare it for connection to the electric power grid by priming, flushing, purging, or performing other practices. According to schedule and at the request of the energy company or the facility director, renewable energy technicians also travel periodically to the dam, farm, or other facility to inspect equipment, assess productivity, diagnose any malfunctions, and make repairs. Based on information about the output and efficiency of the facility, technicians will make recommendations for upgrades or modifications.
Solar Photovoltaic Installers & Technicians. Solar photovoltaic installers & technicians build, install, and maintain systems on roofs and other structures that harness solar energy.
Hydropower Energy Technicians. Hydropower energy technicians maintain hydropower plants that convert water to energy.
Geothermal Energy Technicians. Geothermal energy technicians maintain geothermal power plants that convert energy from Earth’s core.
Bioenergy Technicians. Bioenergy technicians maintain bioenergy power plants that convert energy from biomass, such as wood, crops, plants, waste materials, and alcohol fuels.
Fuel Cell Technicians. Fuel cell technicians research and perform the assembly and testing of fuel cells and install and maintain existing fuel cells.
Weatherization Installers & Technicians. Weatherization installers & technicians weatherize homes to make them more energy efficient.
Solar Thermal Installers & Technicians. Solar thermal installers & technicians install and repair systems that collect, store, and circulate solar-heated water.
The salaries and prospects for research assistants varied depending on the type of renewable energy source. For example, according to O*NET OnLine, a database maintained by the US Department of Labor, the average 2023 salary for a biofuels technician was $56,940 a year. A geothermal technician earned $46,500 a year, a hydroelectric plant technician $97,010, a solar energy installer and technician $61,550, and a wind turbine technician $61,770.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job of wind turbine technician was projected to be the fastest-growing field in the United States from 2022 to 2032. The field was tied with nurse practitioner at a projected 45 percent growth rate.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Renewable energy technicians work at renewable energy facilities, such as wind and solar farms, hydroelectric dams, and bioenergy and geothermal energy processing plants. Many of these facilities are located in remote, open areas. Because the facilities process electricity, there may be a risk of electrocution when working on technical equipment. There is also a risk of other physical injuries at different types of electric power plants and wind farms.
Human Environment. Depending on the sub-field in which they work, renewable energy technicians work with several people, including environmental engineers, environmental scientists, business executives, construction personnel, utility workers, and energy auditors.
Technological Environment. In addition to the hand-held tools used to install renewable energy equipment and systems, technicians use and work near a wide range of energy-related technologies. These devices include portable data input terminals, digital refractometers, temperature gauges, water pressure gauges, nacelles, and photovoltaic cells. Technicians also use computer software, including input/output tracking software, databases, and analytical software.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. High school students should study algebra, geometry, and other mathematics courses. Natural sciences such as chemistry, physics, and environmental studies are equally important. Computer science, drafting, and industrial arts courses (such as welding, building trades, carpentry, and electronics) are also useful preparation for this field.
Postsecondary. Although employers value practical experience in this occupation, many employers prefer candidates to have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Renewable energy technicians can increase their competitiveness as job candidates by obtaining technical certificates and degrees in related fields, such as hydroelectricity maintenance and wind turbine maintenance. Such programs are increasingly becoming available at two-year community and technical colleges.
Related Occupations
− Energy Conservation and Use Technician
− Heating and Cooling Technician
− Solar Energy System Installer
Bibliography
"Biofuels Processing Technicians." O*NET OnLine, 6 Aug. 2024, www.onetonline.org/link/summary/51-8099.01. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.
"Fastest Growing Occupations." US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/fastest-growing.htm. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.
"Geothermal Technicians." O*NET OnLine, 6 Aug. 2024, www.onetonline.org/link/summary/49-9099.01. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.
"Hydroelectric Plant Technicians." O*NET OnLine, 6 Aug. 2024, www.onetonline.org/link/summary/51-8013.04. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.
"Solar Photovoltaic Installers." O*NET OnLine, 6 Aug. 2024, www.onetonline.org/link/summary/47-2231.00. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.
"Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians." O*NET OnLine, 6 Aug. 2024, www.onetonline.org/link/summary/47-2152.04. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.
"Weatherization Installers and Technicians." O*NET OnLine, 6 Aug. 2024, www.onetonline.org/link/summary/47-4099.03. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.
"Wind Turbine Service Technicians." O*NET OnLine, 6 Aug. 2024, www.onetonline.org/link/summary/49-9081.00. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.