Careers and Jobs In Renewable Energy

Photo of Nellis Air Force Base Solar Panels courtesy of Wikipedia

SOLAR POWER

The jobs and careers in solar power will range from manufacturing positions to construction. As I stated in the introduction the normal corporate structure will exist and there will be positions needing to be filled in those areas. Research and development, marketing, human resources, accounting and law. If you have worked in other industries in these specialties, you would not require any special education or training. (excluding research and development which would probably require some secondary education beyond high school and likely 2 or 4 year degrees would be necessary) It would be advisable to read material that explains the solar power industry to have a rudimentary knowledge of the field.

The specialized jobs would include manufacturing technicians, this would usually entail assembling solar panels or photovoltaic panels. Training for these positions would take anywhere from one to six months with some training taking place on the job. If you have worked in a manufacturing capacity in another industry it would be a plus. Contact state employment services for information on training for this type of job.

Solar power has advanced in many ways since the beginning of the 21st century. Many new technologies exist that make it easy to actually collect solar power or to magnify power. Magnifying solar power is actually a misnomer, however it is a way to explain what is officially called CSP (concentrating solar power) technology.

CSP technology uses mirrors to focus sunlight into a receiver. The sun's energy is converted into heat, which in turn, is by means of a generator converted into electricity. The heat may be used directly as well. The technology uses parabolic dish systems, troughs or towers for focusing the mirrors. These technologies are in use around the world as it was improved by labs and universities experimenting with ways to optimize renewable energy and the ways in which power is generated by renewables.

CSP will use many different kinds of workers in the industry, including (but not limited to) field technicians, construction workers, manufacturing technicians, engineers, designers, drafters, and project managers. The amount of education and/or training required for these positions range from university degrees to one to four month training on the job, or sponsored training by some state governments. The federal government has some funds available to provide funds for education. This would include grants issued to companies for training targeted groups to do some of the jobs required. Once again check your local state employment service for information.

The final solar technology that I will discuss here is photovoltaic technology. Photovoltaic cells produce electricity directly from sunlight. The technology in the last decade has improved so dramatically that the DOE (Department of Energy) is not up to speed on some of the advances. Photovoltaic cells operate by having the sun strike the cell which is made of semi conductor material absorbs a portion of the light that strikes it. When the energy from the absorbed light strikes electrons, then the electrons are free from the atom. This enables them to travel to a circuit in the form of electricity. Photovoltaic cells can then be used to operate a great many items, that required electricity generated by other means, successfully at that point.

The job opportunities in photovoltaics are numerous and they range from residential to industrial construction. The training and education required will vary based on what level of technical expertise is required. Ranging from simple training programs to university degrees, the training will not be any more difficult than it would be in any other endeavor.

WIND POWER

Wind Turbines, are the modern versions of windmills, which were used for pumping of water or grinding grain or other material. Wind turbines use energy generated by wind to produce electricity. Wind turbines currently are used to generate enough electricity to power entire towns in some cases or a small turbine can be used to power your house. The wind energy industry is one of the world's fastest growing.

There are a number of careers and jobs available in the wind energy industry. The largest number of people would be needed in construction and maintenance of wind turbines. Wind farms are being constructed almost daily and the construction workers are usually trained by the contractor. Technicians to keep the turbines running and to do routine maintenance on the turbines are sometimes called 'windsmiths'. Training for that type of position can be accomplished by attending a vocational (trade) school or through on the job employer's training.

Higher level careers are necessary in this industry. Engineers are required to design wind farm sites or even the turbines themselves. Meteorologists are required to indentify locations that have wind conditions appropriate for use as wind farms. These careers require university degrees.

Krafla geo-thermal station in northeast Iceland. Courtesy of Wikipedia.

GEO-THERMAL ENERGY

Geo-thermal energy is energy obtained by drilling into the earth to heated water reservoirs, that get heat from the earth's core. The geo-thermal industry employs individuals with vocational training as well as individuals with university degrees. Loggers and drillers are required to gain access to the in-ground heated water reservoirs. Geologists, chemists, geophysicists, hydrologists, and engineers (all positions requiring degrees) are in great demand in this industry as well.

Geo-thermal energy can be used in what is known as 'direct use' technology. This would include crop management, snow melting and fish farming. Naturally there would be a need for workers in these industries to accomplish the work. Heating engineers would be required in the agricultural industry along with fish farmers in the fish farming industry and electricians in the snow melting and water heating areas. The workers would be either skilled or professional (requiring a degree) at any rate and university study or training programs would have to be a part of the preparation for that kind of work in the geo-thermal industry.

Geo-thermal heat pumps (GHPs) will require technicians to install and maintain them. GHPs operate by transferring heat to buildings by circulating fluid through underground pipes. GHPs allow heating and cooling of buildings by taking advantage of the earth's temperature which remains at around 55 degrees fahrenheit a few yards beneath the surface. The geo-thermal industry is growing rapidly now that the cost of oil has grown to be exorbitant.

HYDROPOWER

Hydropower, which uses the energy of flowing water to produce electricity, is the largest and least expensive source of renewable energy produced in the United States today. In fact, hydropower now generates approximately 10 percent of the electricity used in our country.
Most hydropower projects use a dam and a reservoir to retain water from a river. When the stored water is released, it passes through and rotates turbines, which spin generators to produce electricity. This operation would require a good number of skilled workers. They would operate the plant, and maintain the equipment.

Hydropower will have to utilize a wide variety of professional employees. Scientists, engineers, environmental scientists, and wildlife habitat specialists. The federal government requires environmental impact studies with regard to reservoirs and dams that are necessary in the hydropower industry. University degrees are required for this type of career. There will be a need for skilled labor. The systems have to be kept up and running. There will be a number of positions in the marketing, and administration departments. The main factor for each position is to familiarize yourself with the industry.

For detailed information click the link called "Renewable Energy Sources", following this text.