The renewable energy sector is booming, which makes it a very interesting area to explore as a professional. One role to look out for in this industry is that of a renewable energy engineer. Renewable energy engineers are highly trained professionals who are in charge of designing, implementing and maintaining energy systems from renewable sources, such as photovoltaic, wind or solar.
What are renewable energies?
Renewable energies are energies that can be obtained from natural sources and that can be quickly replenished no matter how much they are consumed. This is because, unlike non-renewable energy, renewable resources are inexhaustible.
Renewable energies are a type of sustainable and environmentally friendly energy that do not emit greenhouse gases.
The renewable energy sector allows for vital electrical energy to flow to areas of difficult access and is an affordable option for people all around the world.
Renewable energy looks increasingly competitive not only in terms of costs but also in quality and progress for a sustainable future with a better quality of life. This sector has therefore been experiencing exponential expansion and represents a new source of employment.
Examples of renewable energies include:
- Solar energy
- Wind power
- Hydroelectric power
- Geothermal energy
- Tidal energy (generated by waves, tides and ocean currents)
- Biomass and biofuels
Jobs within renewable energy sectors are well-paid positions (as we will see below) and are in demand.
Professionals who undergo training in this field can also work in different industries such as construction, agro-industrial, transportation, or health. It is also very common for them to work in engineering consultancies.
Tasks and responsibilities of a renewable energy engineer
Renewable energy engineers have a wide and varied series of tasks and responsibilities attached to their position.
To start off with, they are responsible for researching, designing and developing new machinery and facilities for obtaining efficient renewable energy. They are also in charge of managing, supervising and providing due maintenance to said facilities.
These experts order, create and monitor projects and are responsible for managing the integration of the renewable energy produced into existing systems.
They also obtain and keep up-to-date the permits and licences required by law and are tasked with guiding and training personnel or clients on topics such as energy management.
What are the responsibilities of a renewable energy engineer?
- Investigate, design and develop new machinery, installations and systems to obtain electrical energy
- Develop renewable energy plans for specific projects
- Evaluate the feasibility of renewable energy projects
- Manage, supervise and provide maintenance to facilities
- Order, create and monitor projects and their performance
- Manage expenses such as land purchases, hiring distributors and personnel
- Analyse feasible project opportunities for the company
- Process and keep up-to-date permits required by law
- Monitor and analyse energy consumption.
- Control delivery and payment terms
- Write and present technical reports
- Liaison with energy providers, contractors and other engineering professionals
- Negotiate service agreements
- Carry out site inspections when needed
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Skills of a renewable energy engineer
Renewable energy experts must have strong cognitive and social skills to deal with the different tasks and complications that arise in their work.
They must also possess leadership skills, a strong focus on problem-solving and be an active communicator who is capable of giving orders as well as a listener who is capable of understanding the needs of the team.
These engineers must have the skills needed to work with and as part of a team and also be a qualified negotiator to get the best opportunities to carry out projections made.
They should have the capacity for innovation to provide valuable solutions to the ways of obtaining and generating renewable energy. As it is an area that evolves day by day, it is vital that as experts in renewable energy keep up-to-date with new technologies and achieve new forms of application.
It is also necessary to have technical knowledge related to the design, construction and management of renewable energy facilities. Depending on the specific position, knowledge will be needed in the different fields within renewable energies such as wind energy, solar, geothermal, hydroelectric or biomass.
Basic knowledge of mechanical, electrical, chemical, and thermodynamic engineering and a good mathematical base is also necessary. One might also need to have financial and economic knowledge and some experience in project management or accounting.
What skills are required to be a renewable energy engineer?
- Knowledge of construction and management of renewable energy facilities
- Knowledge of relevant renewable energy field
- Basic mechanical, electrical, chemical, and thermodynamic knowledge
- Familiarity with applicable industry and federal codes, standards, and regulations
- Experience with AutoCAD
- Strong Microsoft Excel skills
- Good leadership skills
- Ability to work with a team
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Good communication skills
- Strong organisation and planning skills
- Creative and innovative thinking
- Willingness to learn and improve
- A collaborative aptitude
- Mathematical and financial knowledge
- Strong analytical thinking
- Experience with project management
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Background and education
The fundamental requirement to work as a renewable energy engineer is a Bachelor’s degree in engineering. This can be in industrial, electrical, civil or any other related field. You might also need to get a specialised Master’s degree in the area of renewable energies.
Despite the fact that training plays an important role due to the essential knowledge it provides for the development of renewable energy engineering, it is not of the utmost importance.
In addition to having a degree, you may also choose to obtain some academic complements or certifications in renewable energies such as the following:
- Wind Energy Systems – Diplomas of Advanced Studies
- Certified Renewable Energy Professional – REP™
- Hydro, Wind & Solar power: Resources, Variability & Forecast
- Certified Renewable Energy Professional
Salary of a renewable energy engineer
Renewable energy engineers typically earn around $78,000 per year. Beginner engineers can earn around $69,000 whereas engineers with years of experience and skills can earn around $119,000 per year.
The salaries of renewable energy specialists, like those of other professionals, will vary depending on factors such as specific experience, training, the company and location.
In Germany, the salary range for this position is €45,000 – €95,000 whereas in the UK, the range is £20,000 – £60,000.
How much do renewable energy engineers make?
| US | $69,000 – $119,000 |
| Germany | €45,000 – €95,000 |
| UK | £20,000 – £60,000. |
How much do freelance energy experts make?
Renewable Energy Engineer on freelancermap charge on average:
Rates in this field range between $40 and $96/hour for most freelancers.
The daily rate for Renewable Energy Engineers (8 working hours) would be around:
