PV Gap

Yvonne Said:

Whats a better job wind or solar technician?

We Answered:

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.