Renewable energy technicians implement green systems to handle the energy needs of companies and individuals. The field of renewable energy is an exciting, growing and environmentally friendly profession. Technicians in this job must be specially educated in specific procedures and need certification to work within top level companies. The renewable energy technician must be adept at various disciplines including engineering, computer technology, chemistry and laws and government.
Certain technical schools and community colleges offer classes in renewable energy technology. Other institutions provide coursework in renewable energy through their majors in HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) engineering or maintenance. Many technicians obtain certifications from two-year programs, which identify them as renewable energy technicians or HVAC technicians. It is also possible to obtain a two-year degree in a science field, which is desired by many employers in renewable technology businesses. According to the Northeast Energy Education Institute, the education of renewable energy technician students should include lighting, energy efficiency, physics and math coursework.
The skills needed by a renewable energy technician are vast. The ability to read blueprints, perception to identify and solve issues quickly, along with physical strength and dexterity are all necessary in this field. You must be a "jack of all trades" as you perform technical tasks, understand complex detailed information, must visualize outcomes occurring following modifications and must have the coordination to complete precise, agile movements. In summary, you must be both mentally and physically sharp to work as a renewable energy technician.
According to the My Majors website, renewable energy technicians are responsible for a wide variety of duties relating to the installation and maintenance of renewable energy systems. Among these duties are assembly of heating and cooling mechanisms, system controls adjustments, testing equipment, identifying and reporting issues with particular systems and laying out and connecting electrical pathways. The renewable energy technician is assigned all the details involved in implementing and maintaining workable environmentally friendly energy systems.
Salary and Advancement Opportunities
The salary for renewable energy technicians depends on location, experience and the particular company hiring the individual. According to Simply Hired, an average yearly wage for this type of technician is around $36,000. It is possible to earn much more over time and with a continuance of education to stay current in the field. Technicians can specialize in areas such as wind or solar power, in which they can advance to technical manager or designers. You can also choose to go back to college and obtain a degree in bioenergy and become a scientific researcher in the renewable energy field.
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