If you’re interested in entering the renewable energy industry, a degree in renewable energy technology may be the way to go. These programs prepare students to work in a range of fields, including solar, wind, geothermal and more. Coursework involves hands-on training and laboratory work in a real-world environment, as well as classroom instruction and calculation.
After completing the program, you’ll be well-equipped to enter the workforce as a certified technician.
Jobs
If you’re looking for a career in renewable energy, you’ve come to the right place. The need for renewable energy is more apparent than ever. People are attempting to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels, and green energy is becoming more affordable and available.
Average people are looking for new ways to go green and save money. Fortunately, a degree in renewable energy can help you turn your passion into a lucrative career.
For example, you can be a solar panel installer or a solar power distributor. As a solar panel installer, you can earn $15 to $20 an hour. Obtaining formal certification in solar installation can increase your salary significantly. Direct sales representatives help homeowners transition to solar power. These positions require strong interpersonal and communication skills. Renewable energy degree jobs are in high demand. There’s no better time to earn a degree in renewable energy technology.
Costs
Despite the potential of renewable energy, cost remains a major concern. While the initial costs of windmills and solar power plants are low, the ongoing cost of building the technology for these sources is substantial. The cost of solar systems ranges from $2,000 per kilowatt hour for large scale systems to almost $3,700 for home-sized ones. On the other hand, new natural gas plants cost upwards of $1,100 per kilowatt hour.
However, renewable energy technologies are becoming more affordable as the costs of producing them continue to fall. In fact, the cost of solar power, wind turbines, and biomass plants fell by 26% last year. Geothermal and offshore wind power plants, on the other hand, cost only 1%. With the decreasing cost of renewable energy, the cost of electricity from these sources will continue to fall. And as renewable energy becomes more widely used, their cost will continue to drop.
Programs offered
A Bachelor of Science in Renewable Energy provides the general education and management applications required to pursue a career in the field of alternative and renewable energy. It takes 41 months to complete and consists of 123 credits. Transfer credits may be applied to the degree program, but students can expect a shorter timeframe. There are many options available, depending on the student’s preferences and degree goals. Some universities offer hybrid online/off campus programs.
Some schools offer a Professional Certificate or Graduate Certificate in Renewable Energy. Graduate Certificate courses require the completion of 12 units and can take two years to complete. University of Maryland offers Renewable Energy courses and has served more than 37,000 students. It also offers an Associate of Science in Renewable Energy Technology degree program. Both programs have flexible scheduling and a strong Tech Core. Renewable energy technology graduates can take advantage of employment opportunities in the clean energy industry and help combat climate change.
Career prospects
There are a number of career options for those with a renewable energy technology degree. There are numerous job types in the renewable energy industry, ranging from university consultants to program designers to sales management. If you’d like to pursue a career in renewable energy, there are numerous schools and universities offering courses in the field. Read on to discover which ones will give you the best career prospects. These degrees will give you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in the field.
The green energy industry has seen a recent boom in jobs, and it’s only set to increase. Nonrenewable energy sources are the number one cause of climate change. Renewable energy technology provides better alternatives to these resources. This sector is growing quickly and the demand for its graduates is high. The field of renewable energy is booming and jobs are abundant, especially in the U.S., where government and private funding are increasing.
