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Renewable energy technician (solar/wind)

Solar energy systems engineers perform site-specific engineering analysis or evaluation of energy efficiency and solar projects involving residential, commercial, or industrial customers. Wind turbine service technicians inspect, diagnose, adjust, and repair wind turbines.

Quick facts: Solar engineers
2021 Median Pay $104,600 per year; $50.29 per hour
Typical Entry-Level Education Bachelor's degree
Number of Jobs, 2021 168,600
Job outlook, 2021-31 Little to no change
Employment Change, 2021-31 10,800
Quick facts: Wind service technicians
2021 Median Pay $56,260 per year; $27.05 per hour
Typical Entry-Level Education Post-secondary non-degree award
Number of Jobs, 2021 11,100
Job outlook, 2021-31 44% (Much faster than average)
Employment Change, 2021-31 4,900

Solar energy systems engineers can contribute to green building practices through their design of solar domestic hot water and space heating for new and existing structures, applying knowledge of structural energy requirements, local climates, solar technology, and thermodynamics. They support the installation and operations & maintenance of solar systems in residential, commercial and/or utility scenarios.

Wind turbine service technicians aid green building development by ensuring that the wind energy industry is maintained and energy for buildings is as efficient as possible. They diagnose problems, test electrical components, and perform maintenance on wind turbine equipment, including resolving electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic malfunctions.

Renewable energy technicians, regardless of energy source, support green buildings and the transition to a low-carbon, green economy and are critical to the shift away from carbon-intensive fossil fuels and energy sources.

How to become a renewable energy technician

Solar energy systems engineers require a bachelor鈥檚 degree, including coursework within engineering and technology, physics, mathematics, building and construction, and design. Technological skills that are important for a solar energy systems engineer are analytical or scientific software, computer-aided design (CAD) software, development environment software, object or component-oriented development software, and presentation software.

Wind turbine service technicians require post-secondary certificates in wind energy technology. Wind technology coursework includes maintenance instruction for electrical and hydraulic systems, braking and mechanical systems, and programmable logic control systems. When starting a job, on-site job training is typically required. Wind turbine service technicians can receive different certifications to demonstrate their knowledge, such as electrical safety and tower climbing. Important technological skills for this job include enterprise resource planning ERP software, industrial control software, presentation software, and spreadsheet software.

  • Energy engineers
  • Solar energy installation managers
  • Solar sales representatives and assessors
  • Solar thermal installers and technicians
  • Wind energy engineers
  • Code and permitting officials
  • Clean energy commissioning agent

  • Engineering with environmental fieldwork
  • Electrical or mechanical engineering with environmental or solar field experience
  • Solar project manager or developer
  • PV system designer or electrical designer
  • PV construction supervisor
  • Solar installer or installation site supervisor

  • Geothermal technicians
  • Hydroelectric plant technicians
  • Power plant operators
  • Stationary engineers and boiler operators
  • Utility technicians
  • Wind energy operations managers
  • Wind energy site developers
  • Wind energy engineers
  • Code and permitting officials
  • Clean energy commissioning agent

  • Land acquisition associate
  • Power market analyst
  • Power systems/transmission engineer
  • Survey/mapping technician
  • Wind resource analyst
  • OSHA-10 and fieldwork experience

Education and resources

Access courses and resources to learn about green building and sustainability concepts related to engineering.

Online courses

Stay up to date on the latest developments in green building through access to听online courses with an annual subscription to the听USGBC course catalog.

Resources

Access resources to learn about green building and sustainability concepts related to construction management.

  • State-by-State training resources
  • (text version)
  • O*Net profiles:

Role on a LEED project

LEED is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. Available for virtually all building types, LEED provides a framework for healthy, highly-efficient, and cost-saving green buildings. LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement and leadership.

Renewable energy technicians and engineers support renewable energy and green power goals of individual projects, utilities and governments. They may work on-site with project teams to assess the potential for on-site generation or the use of alternative green power, such as off-site generation or renewable energy certificates (RECs). Beyond a project team, renewable energy technicians and engineers support a low-carbon power grid, helping to meet government sustainability goals and supporting the ability of individual green buildings and projects to procure renewable energy. Renewable energy technicians will have the most impact on energy and atmosphere credits in LEED.

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