Renewable Energy Technology Major: What It Includes, Classes and Careers

A Renewable Energy Technology major prepares you to install, maintain and manage solar, wind and other clean energy systems. Renewable energy programs cover electrical fundamentals, solar photovoltaic systems, wind turbines, energy storage, energy efficiency and safety.

A Renewable Energy Technology major includes coursework in electrical fundamentals, solar photovoltaic systems, wind energy, energy storage, and energy efficiency and auditing and more. You build skills such as electrical installation, system troubleshooting, working at heights safely, and energy analysis. Typical degrees: certificate, associate and bachelor's degrees.

Typical courses include electrical fundamentals, solar photovoltaic systems, wind energy, energy storage, energy efficiency and auditing, and electrical safety. Exact course names and requirements vary by college, and most degrees also include general education courses.

It depends on the level. Renewable Energy Technology is offered as certificate, associate, bachelor’s, and master’s awards at U.S. colleges; certificates take from a few months to about two years, an associate degree usually takes about two years of full-time study, a bachelor’s degree usually takes about four years of full-time study, and a master’s degree usually takes one to two years after a bachelor’s. Part-time study takes longer.

Certificate, associate and bachelor's degrees. In the latest federal data, 118 colleges reported certificate awards, 70 colleges reported associate awards, 11 colleges reported bachelor’s awards, and 5 colleges reported master’s awards.

Career paths connected to renewable energy technology include solar panel installer, wind turbine technician, electrician, electrical lineworker, power plant operator, and substation technician. Some roles need additional training, experience, certification or a license.

Examples include solar panel installer (typical training: 1–6 months), wind turbine technician (typical training: 6–24 months), electrician (typical training: 4–5 years (paid apprenticeship)), electrical lineworker (typical training: 3–4 years (apprenticeship)), power plant operator (typical training: 1–3+ years on the job), and substation technician (typical training: 1–2 years + experience).

Renewable Energy Technology majors build skills such as electrical installation, system troubleshooting, working at heights safely, energy analysis, and reading technical drawings.

Good pairings include Business (helps with project development and sales) and Sustainability (broadens your view of clean energy policy).

It can be a good fit if you are interested in the work it leads to, such as solar panel installer, wind turbine technician, and electrician, and enjoy subjects like electrical fundamentals and solar photovoltaic systems. No major guarantees a job, so compare the coursework, the careers and the education each career requires before deciding.

How hard it feels depends on your strengths. Core coursework includes electrical fundamentals, solar photovoltaic systems, and wind energy; if those subjects interest you, the major is likely to feel more manageable. Reviewing a college’s course list and talking to current students helps you judge.

162 U.S. colleges reported awarding degrees or certificates in this field in the latest federal (IPEDS) data. Programs can have different names at different schools.

Georgia (11), Illinois (10), New York (10), Wisconsin (10), and California (9), based on the colleges that reported awards in this field.

147 of the colleges that offer renewable energy technology also report offering at least one program entirely online, though not necessarily this one. Use the college search with this major and “Offers fully online programs”, then confirm with the school.

Renewable Energy Technology prepares you to install, maintain and manage solar, wind and other clean energy systems. Environmental Science and Sustainability studies the environment and how to protect natural resources and human health. Renewable Energy Technology leads to careers such as solar panel installer and wind turbine technician, while Environmental Science and Sustainability leads to careers such as environmental technician and environmental health specialist.

Renewable Energy Technology prepares you to install, maintain and manage solar, wind and other clean energy systems. Occupational Safety and Health teaches you to identify workplace hazards and protect workers from injury and illness. Renewable Energy Technology leads to careers such as solar panel installer and wind turbine technician, while Occupational Safety and Health leads to careers such as occupational safety specialist and safety technician.

Yes. Short online career training can help you understand a specific job and build practical knowledge alongside your classes. It does not replace your degree or any required license.

No. Career Education Institute is not a college and does not award degrees. It offers short, non-credit online trainings about jobs connected to renewable energy technology, such as Solar Panel Installer Training.