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Last updated: 2 January 2025
How to become a renewable energy technician
With more and more homeowners investing in green energy systems, there has never been a better time to become a renewable energy technician. In this guide we cover everything you need to know about pursuing a career in this sector.
What does a renewable energy technician do?
Renewable energy technicians are hired to install, repair and maintain renewable energy systems. But when considering a career as a renewable energy technician, it is wise to choose an area to specialise in.
For example, are you more interested in solar energy or wind energy? Do you want to work at a plant or travel to different areas and work on private properties?
The daily tasks you need to complete will depend on which type of energy source you choose to focus on.
Examples of renewable energy systems currently used in the UK include:
Wind turbines
Hydroelectric energy
Biofuels
Let's take a closer look at the different renewable energy sources and the responsibilities of technicians working in each field.
Solar energy
Solar power is generated by converting the sun's radiation into heat and electricity. Largely this revolves around solar panels.
A renewable technician that specialises in solar energy can work with
Installing solar panels
Maintaining solar panels
Assessing home/property suitability for solar panels
Measuring solar panels
Modifying roof surfaces to accommodate a solar panel installation
Connecting solar panels to electrical system
Solar panel repairs
As well as solar panels, a solar energy technician may also work with solar powered batteries and other systems.
With much of solar panel and energy relating to electricity, it often makes sense for electricians to upskill into this renewable energy trade.
Wind energy
Wind energy is created both on land and off shore. This renewable energy source is generated by converting kinetic energy into electricity.
There are several interesting job opportunities available in the wind energy sector. But an area not often considered is smaller wind turbines for the home.
Tasks of wind energy technicians tend to include:
Installing wind turbines (commercial or private)
Performing safety checks
Writing assessment reports
Maintaining turbine blades and control systems
Performing turbine repairs
Installing mechanical, electrical and hydraulic equipment
As with tradespeople specialising in solar energy, it can often make sense for electricians to get trained with wind turbines in order to offer more services.
How to upskill as an electrician
Electricians are constantly in high demand in the UK. So, if you want to win more work, you might be wondering how to upskill as an electrician. Upskilling is a great way to ensure you have the skills and knowledge that homeowners need – especially as more electricians enter the industry. So, let's
Air source heat pumps
Air source heat pumps continue to grow in popularity across the UK. These systems work by taking warm air from outside and using it to heat a property.
Duties of an air source heat pump technician include:
Installing air source heat pump system
Checking safety and efficiency of pump system
Repairing any damage to the ASHP
Checking lubricant, refrigerant and pressure levels
Cleaning pump components
Testing thermostat and control systems
Unlike other forms of renewable energy, upskilling for air source heat pumps is often done by heating engineers and plumbers.
Biofuel
As well as wind and solar power, biofuels are another growing source of renewable energy. Sometimes known as biomass, biofuels are made from organic materials, such as animal waste, algae and plants.
Responsibilities of a biofuel technician include:
Operating production plants
Working on the process of transforming raw materials into bio energy
Performing safety checks
Monitoring cultures
Using / maintaining laboratory equipment
Analysing data
Writing reports
Hydroelectric energy
Hydroelectricity, also known as hydropower, is generated using flowing water. This type of renewable energy tends not to be based in domestic settings, as the equipment tends to be too big for even larger homes and gardens.
Here is a list of duties and responsibilities associated with this role:
Inspecting machinery and plant equipment (such as dams and turbines)
Repairing plant equipment
Testing electrical, hydraulic and mechanical systems and components
Following safety regulations when operating plant machinery
Collecting and assessing data
As you can see, there are many different career paths you can choose to take in the renewable energy industry.
We recommend doing further research into each role to find the best match for your skills and interests.
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What qualifications do you need to work in renewable energy?
A university degree is not essential if you are interested in becoming a renewable energy technician. That being said, employers are typically more drawn to candidates with relevant qualifications and experience.
Examples of university degrees that can help you kick start your career in renewable energy include:
Renewable energy engineering
Civil and environmental engineering
Renewable energy systems technology
Mechanical engineering
University isn't for everyone and you can still pursue a career in renewable energy without a degree.
While higher education is often required for more technical and science based roles, installation and maintenance qualifications can be achieved via industry organisations or work-place training courses.
Here is a list of organisations providing training course relevant for aspiring renewable energy technicians:
GTECT Training
The Renewable Energy Institute
City & Guilds
Many manufacturers also offer on-the-job training and apprenticeships. These opportunities can help you to develop the skills needed to install renewable energy systems without a university degree.
The following organisations offer renewable energy technician apprenticeship schemes:
Desirable skills
You will need a wide range of skills to succeed as a renewable energy technician. Whether you want to be a solar panel installer or inspect wind turbines, it is essential you have the knowledge needed to get the job done safely and efficiently.
Here is a list of desirable skills many employers look for when hiring a renewable energy technician:
Problem-solving
Communication
Team work
Understanding of safety regulations
Knowledge of renewable energy systems
Ability to use specialist tools and equipment
Data analysing
Understanding of installation and maintenance procedures
Good attention to detail
As well as having a strong skill set, the majority of employers also look for candidates with a genuine interest in green energy. It is always best to pursue a career you are passionate about, regardless of whether run your own business or work for a large organisation.
Grow your renewable energy business
Get more job leads from our leading trade directory
Renewable energy trade associations
There are many benefits to joining a trade association once you have become a qualified renewable energy technician. Being a member of a recognised trade association can help you to build trust with future customers and network with other workers in the sector.
Trade associations also offer training opportunities and insights into industry changes. Being affiliated with a trade association is an effective way to attract more business and promote your services.
Example of renewable energy trade associations include:
REA - The Association of Renewable Energy and Clean Technology
What’s the average solar panel installer salary?
It probably won’t surprise you to know that installing solar panels can provide a good living. The government is urging greater use of solar power to generate electricity in homes, so a solar panel installer salary can be healthy. If you want to know 'How much does a solar panel installer earn
Boost your career success with Checkatrade
There has never been a better time to become a renewable energy technician. The UK government plans to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and more technicians are needed to make this happen.
As more are more renewable energy technicians emerge to meet this growing demand, you will need to find a way to stand out from the crowd. This is where we can help!
With consumers visiting our website each month looking for reputable local tradespeople. For example, in 2024 alone, via our website there wereover 115,000 job searches for renewable energy, and over 55,000 searches for air source heat pump work.*
Sound like something to consider? As a Checkatrade member you can also enjoy:
Access to exclusive promotions and discounts
Your own business profile - for reviews, details and images
Use of the dedicated trades app and member's area
Easy to use software like our quoting and invoicing tool
Savings on business essentials like public liability insurance
More and more homeowners are looking for ways to be more sustainable. Whatever type of renewable energy systems you choose to work with, you can boost your career success with Checkatrade.
Our fixed term membership plans give you an easier way to help manage marketing spend for a set volume of leads.
What do you need to become Checkatrade approved?
Becoming a Checkatrade member comes with a whole host of benefits, but the biggest has to be gaining our seal of approval. Homeowners tend to expect a commitment to quality when it comes to the Checkatrade tick, which can help you to win more business. Here are the checks you'll need to pass to join our directory.
How to become a renewable energy technician - checklist
Renewable energy technicians are highly skilled professionals. While jobs in this sector are in high demand, knowing exactly how to kick start your career can feel overwhelming.
Here is a brief checklist to help you with the process:
Research technician jobs in the renewable energy sector
Choose an area of expertise - wind energy, for example
Research which qualifications you need
Complete university degree, training courses or college diploma
Apply for apprenticeships or work-based training courses
Trade associations benefit from networking, training and promotion opportunities
Choose to start your own business or become a technician for someone else
Become a Checkatrade member and get more business leads
Our fixed membership option lets you build the plan that’s perfect for you and your business needs.
Enjoy a range of benefits and find more work
Save on business essentials and get support as a tradesperson
* Internal search data from users of the Checkatrade.com website between 1st January and 31st December 2024
