I was thinking about getting a certificate in renewable energy. . I was wondering if I should focus on wind or solar. Which one has a better future and pays more? Also is installing/maintaining a wind turbine harder to learn then solar? maybe I can learn both but focus on the harder of the two for my classes and learn the other one on my own. If anyone has some insight or has done these things id like to know what they think
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Solor is the better choice…..the success of both industries relies on government subsidies. Many Wind and Solor companies are diversified because that can not just rely on that as income, for example General Electric. Solor is easier to install, is less intrusive etc….
Solar is more popular at the moment but wind is strong in certain areas of the U.S. German is the leading solar country in the world but they have their eye on the U.S. as we will overtake them in 2-4 years.
We need more rebates and incentives to keep the industry alive- a feed in tariff would be even better. Canada just adopted one and their solar industry is booming.
Renewable energy? Really? Solar energy like wind are constant sources of energy and freely available to anyone to harness for their own use, besides rapid advances in energy technology will make these expensive energy sources uncompetitive within a few years. See existing and advancing nano-electrical energy technology sources anywhere online for comparison.
nuclear power station operator.
Think of your personal character traits.
- Are you afraid of heights? Then wind tech is not for you.
- Are you good at on-the-spot problem solving under adverse conditions (cold/hot, snow/rain, wind/hail)? That is a skill requirement of both.
- Are you good with geometry and azimuth angles? Then solar is for you.
- Would you like living in remote locations? Except for small residential and farm applications, most large scale wind and solar collectors are in remote areas. Recently Blythe, CA was named the sight of a massive new solar facility. I assure you, from personal knowledge, that Blythe is not a hotbed of nightlife and social activity.
- Does the fear of being electrocuted haunt you? Maybe then, sticking to wind power strictly for water pumping is your best option.
- Can you communicate well with others from various backgrounds (farmers/ranchers, environmentalists, politicians, citizens)? The right approach to one may be the wrong approach to another (and remember NIMBY-ism runs rampant in many locales).
- Basic electricity, electrical theory, and code are pretty much the same for both, and should be learned first. Then you can specialize in either wind or solar.
Personally, I prefer wind for pumping groundwater only. I think solar is a better choice for electrical power. Others can, and do, think differently and I respect that. Good luck in determining your future choice.
It is good to know that you are looking into both of these energy sources as your career. I can tell you that it will not be an easy choice but, either way, you will be making a good choice. These careers are booming and there is a lot of opportunity and room to grow in these industries.
I, personally, manage a wind energy facility in Northern California. I lucked out and my site is not very remote. As others have alluded to, they usually build these sites in some very lonely places. I have had my share of being remote but I would not have changed a thing when I look back on it. Your home is where you make it and that is the important thing to remember. Keep in mind though that wind farms can be put up just about anywhere but solar needs to have plenty of sunshine to keep it going. This corralates to a dry environment or a green environment. Take your pick.
Specifically speaking about wind energy, there is no comparison in my book. In wind you have the best office in the area. 300′ is a long way up but the views are outstanding. Solar will keep you land locked and that can get pretty boring. The turbines, themselves, are some amazing machines. I have come to work everyday with a smile on my face because of the machines I get to work with.
The pay can be very good depending on what you want to do. Technicians that travel from site to site are easily seeing $ 100k a year. This path was not for me as I prefer to be home with my family every night. Technicians who are dedicated to a particular site make, on average, $ 19-$ 25 per hour to start and then go up from there. I am not sure about solar so I do not want to pass judgement on their pay scale.
Career progression can be very quick in both industries if you play your cards right. I began in this industry in 2007 and now manage an entire site as the Plant Manager. I have esentially reached the top of the totem pole in the field as it is the Plant Manager who is the lead guy at any project. My next options are to (a) stay in the field where I feel comfortable and enjoy it (b) go to a corporate office and sit in a cubicle every day. However, do not be lead to believe that it is that easy to progress. It takes determination and brains to do it but it can be done.
Overall, go with wind energy and you will not be disappointed. It really all comes down to what interests you the most.