Renewable Energies Technician (Co-op) RET

Holland Code: R (Realistic)

What academic skills do I need to be successful in the program?

This list does not replace the admission requirements you must have for admission to the program. Please see website for details.

Math & Science Strong math skills needed: students who do not have the required level of comfort and ability with math may want to consider Fanshawe’s Pre-Technology Program High school courses in Physics and Chemistry would be beneficial preparation for this program.

Arts & Literacy Applicants should be able to communicate effectively in English (professionally written reports).

Technology Moderate computer skills required (Microsoft Office suite, email, Internet, computer aided design). Moderate use of student portal system, students need to check email and posts several times per week.

What personal qualities should someone interested in this career have?

• An aptitude for mathematics and physics
• The ability to visualize three-dimensional objects from two-dimensional drawings and visualize the relationships between parts in machinery and systems
• High degree of intellectual curiosity
• The ability to pay close attention to detail and be precise and accurate
• Resourceful, innovative and creative
• Ability to see the big picture
• The ability to communicate design ideas and solutions clearly and concisely orally and in writing
• Problem solving skills
• Diligent
• Ability to manage time and priorities

What kind of work could I do when I graduate?

Graduates of this program may go on to become a

Wind Turbine and Photovoltaic Technician.

Places you may find yourself employed include

Wind and solar farms, or renewable energy contractors and manufacturers.

Typical working conditions for this kind of work:

• May need to regularly climb heights exceeding 100 meters.
• May be required to work at all hours of the day or night in various locations on an emergency basis with possible long overtime hours.
• May be required to regularly lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Whereas Wind Turbine and Photovoltaic Technicians must use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while climbing that is rated for a maximum of 310 pounds and whereas carrying 50 pounds of equipment is routine, Technicians generally cannot weigh more than 260 pounds so as not to exceed these ratings.
• Work in an outdoor environment in adverse and extreme weather conditions as well as in confined spaces.
• Work requires visual acuity which includes depth perception, field of vision and the ability to distinguish between colours.

Tasks a graduate may do in the workplace

• Install photovoltaic (PV) systems in accordance with codes and standards using drawings, schematics, and instructions.
• Assemble solar modules, panels, or support structures, as specified.
• Identify methods for laying out, orienting, and mounting modules or arrays to ensure efficient installation, electrical configuration, or system maintenance.
• Identify electrical, environmental, and safety hazards associated with photovoltaic (PV) installations.
• Examine designs to determine current requirements for all parts of the photovoltaic (PV) system electrical circuit.
• Diagnose problems involving wind turbine generators or control systems.
• Climb wind turbine towers to inspect, maintain, or repair equipment.
• Test electrical components with devices such as voltage testers, multimeters, oscilloscopes, infrared testers, or fibre optic equipment.
• Troubleshoot or repair mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical malfunctions related to variable pitch systems, variable speed control systems, converter systems, or related components.
• Maintain tool and spare parts inventories required for repair, installation, or replacement services.
• Perform routine maintenance on wind turbine equipment, underground transmission systems, wind fields substations, or fibre optic sensing and control systems.
• Test structures, controls, or mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical systems, according to test plans or in coordination with engineers.
• Inspect or repair fibreglass turbine blades.

Helpful links for further research into this Fanshawe College program and career opportunity

Websites with good information for further research on the careers associated with this program

• Association of Energy Engineers
• Association of Power Producers of Ontario (APPrO)
• Alliance for Renewable Energy (ARE)
• Canadian Renewable Energy Alliance (CanREA)
• Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT)
• Fanshawe’s library has prepared a subject guide for current students in this program. You may find the links and information provided very useful in learning more about this career.

Last Modified: June 5, 2024