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What is a renewable energy consultant and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted expert
Robert Foster

A Renewable energy consultant helps clients perform investigations to understand and direct the installation of renewable energy systems. Their main aim is to boost efficiency and minimize cost at the same time while decreasing negative environmental impacts.

Renewable energy consultants spend their days observing energy sources used all through a client's plant. Then, they try to determine whether the facility can run on other energy sources like solar and wind.

A renewable energy consultant needs to be very analytical and attentive to detail. He/She or she has to have substantial knowledge about renewable energy. Good communication skills will also come in handy as this person will often communicate with clients and other workers continuously.

A bachelor's degree in Renewable Energy Management is enough to gain employment as a renewable energy consultant. Meanwhile, the base salary these consultants earn range from $55,111 to $79,129 a year.

What general advice would you give to a renewable energy consultant?

Robert Foster

Assistant Professor, New Mexico State University

Get connected with the professional organizations in your field to help build your network. Look for mentors that can help you launch your career. If you want to become a PE or certified technician, be sure to get on with an organization that has PEs and certified technicians already that can mentor you (e.g., NABCEP).
ScoreRenewable Energy ConsultantUS Average
Salary
7.4

Avg. Salary $94,129

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity
6.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.29%

Asian 17.10%

Black or African American 4.25%

Hispanic or Latino 10.64%

Unknown 4.73%

White 62.99%

Gender

female 17.93%

male 82.07%

Age - 42
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42
Stress level
5.9

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.1

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
6.2

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a renewable energy consultant

  1. Explore renewable energy consultant education requirements

    Most common renewable energy consultant degrees

    Bachelor's

    65.2 %

    Master's

    20.5 %

    Associate

    6.3 %
  2. Start to develop specific renewable energy consultant skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Renewable Energy96.16%
    Solar PV1.05%
    Regulatory Filings0.50%
    Solar Power0.48%
    PPA0.42%
  3. Complete relevant renewable energy consultant training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New renewable energy consultants learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a renewable energy consultant based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real renewable energy consultant resumes.
  4. Research renewable energy consultant duties and responsibilities

    • Manage contractor RFP document preparation including technical write-up, minimum standards and specification, commissioning and testing procedures.
    • Draft AutoCAD plots and one-line diagrams of the PV systems.
    • Supervise engineering team and review PV system designs for compliance with codes.
    • Consult on HVAC systems, energy audits, and equipment installations for reducing energy consumption / costs.
  5. Apply for renewable energy consultant jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a renewable energy consultant job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first renewable energy consultant job

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Average renewable energy consultant salary

The average renewable energy consultant salary in the United States is $94,129 per year or $45 per hour. Renewable energy consultant salaries range between $61,000 and $144,000 per year.

Average renewable energy consultant salary
$94,129 Yearly
$45.25 hourly

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How do renewable energy consultants rate their job?

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Renewable energy consultant reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2020
Cons

It needs more patience to apply the true solution and satisfy your client


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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