Renewable Energy Technology - Job Description

Renewable energy technicians install, maintain and repair equipment that provides power and utilities through these new sources.

Basics

Renewable energy technicians are more commonly known by their specialties, such as solar photovoltaic installer or wind turbine service technician. All have to do with ensuring the efficient functioning of equipment that collects, generates or distributes power through alternative means. Technicians work indoors and out, sometimes in inclement weather, to adjust the orientation of panels toward the sun, erect wind turbines or measure the output of hydro-electric generators. They must thus be able to set up mechanical equipment, connect wires and other conduits, and work with alternative and direct current and other modes of power.

Specifics

Although all renewable energy technicians have skills in common, specific positions may require abilities applicable only to those jobs. General skills include using manual and power tools, bending and shaping plastic and metal tubes, cutting and fitting construction materials, and diagnosing mechanical equipment problems and making minor repairs. Examples of specific skills are those for solar photovoltaic installers. They must be able to calculate potential power output based on the orientation of a structure toward the sun, design the layouts of photovoltaic panels to collect the most solar energy and attach panels to photovoltaic supports.