Published

2 years ago

December 15, 2023

Alice Rush

Weather Guard Lightning Tech

The Complete Guide to Wind Turbine Technician Jobs, Salary and More in 2024

What skills are needed to become a wind turbine technician in 2024? What is the job market like, and how might jobs change as the wind energy industry continues to grow? How are new technologies like drones, robotics and AI changing the role of wind technicians? What are the benefits of becoming a wind turbine technician, how dangerous is it, and what are the long-term prospects for advancement?

We update this guide to working as a turbine technician in the wind energy industry regularly in order to provide an overview of the skills and traits that turbine techs need, as well as labor statistics, including salary and job forecasts. Wind techs remain in demand, both in the US and around the world, and the wind tech job market is expected to continue to grow – but the job is unique, and it can be demanding. If you’re interested in working in the wind industry, doing some research about careers in this industry will help you make the best move. Here’s one of our podcasts offering insight on wind careers:

Listen to the Interview with Alex Pucacco, author of Where the Wind Takes You: Adventures of a Wind Turbine Engineer

Wind Turbine Technician Jobs FAQ and Quick answers

Let’s start with a few quick questions and answers, then keep reading for a deep dive into the wind tech jobs market.

Is being a wind turbine technician dangerous?

Wind turbines are very large, powerful, electricity-producing machines, and technicians work both in close proximity to electical equipment, often at great heights. For those reasons, there are certain risk in servicing and maintaining wind turbines, turbine blades, and other equipment. However, the wind energy industry has a strong safety record and excellent training programs, and safety equipment and PPE (personal protective equipment) are continuously improved. So while the job includes some significant risks, there are very few fatalities and serious injuries each year. Many people working in the wind industry note that techs are safer each year due to improved safety protocols and advances in safety technology. Gio Scialdone describes the 3S Lift, designed for technician safety.

How do I become a wind turbine tech?

It’s required that wind techs are at least 18 years old, and they must have completed a certificate course at a community college or technical school. Many techs also complete training focused on certain equipment like the hydraulic, electrical, braking or other systems that important aspects of wind turbine power generation and maintenance. Once hired, new wind techs are typically required to complete on-site, on-the-job training, shadowing more experienced wind techs.

Do wind turbine techs need a college degree?

While a college degree is not required to be hired as a wind turbine technician, virtually all employers require a nonsecondary nondegree award, a requirement that is often fulfilled by completing a trade school certificate program.

Do wind turbine technicians travel?

Some windtechs travel extensively, especially those who specialize in certain aspects of wind turbine operation – such as balancing blade loads, or maintaining a specific type of turbine, gearbox, or other equipment. In some situations, wind techs may live near a single site or within an easy drive to several sites, in which case only day travel would typically be required. Some are designated as traveling techs, and they may work on sites all over the world. As in most professions, the extent of travel will depend on the tech’s experience, expertise, and personal preferences. However, it’s important to realize that due to the remote locations of most wind farms, techs typically work in rural, sometimes difficult-to-reach locations.

How much do wind turbine technicians make?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and statistics, the median salary of a wind turbine technician was $57,320 in May of 2022, or $27.55/hr. Salaries for wind techs range from $45,1500 to over $80,170 per year.

Quick Links to Sections in this Article

Get answers fast! The links below will take you to specific sections of this article.

Guide to the Wind Turbine Technician Jobs Market

Wind Turbine Technician Jobs FAQ and Quick answers
How Much Money Does a Wind Turbine Technician Make?
How Biden Administration Clean Energy Initiatives & Job Creation have worked
Does Green Tech Create Jobs? Or Eliminate Them?
What Kind of Work is Needed to Maintain Wind Turbines?
Job Skills Needed
Lifestyle & Travel Considerations
Is Being a Wind Turbine Tech Dangerous?
Online Wind Technician Job Listings
More Governmental Resources
Learn More About Wind Energy Tech

How Much Money Does a Wind Turbine Technician Make?

According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary of a wind turbine technician in May 2020 was $56,230 ($27.03/hr).

To break this down a bit further, the U.S. Bureau of Labor also shared statistics on the lowest and top 10% of earners:

the lowest 10 percent earned less than $40,490, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $83,580.

US Bureau of Labor Statistics

Wind turbine technician job projections were anticipated to climb 61% by 2029, from 7,000 jobs in 2020 to 11,300 jobs in 2029. This projection, however, was created in the year prior to the announcement of the Biden administration’s wind power initiatives, so these numbers may be adjusted–higher–in next year’s report.

Go here to see full projections on job creation from the 2020 report.

How Biden Administration Clean Energy Initiatives & Job Creation have worked

In 2021, President of the United States, Joe Biden, announced an ambitious initiative to create tens of thousands of jobs in wind energy through the support for new off-shore wind projects. The administration set a target of deploying 30GW of offshore wind power by 2030. The anticipated effect of meeting that target is expected to result in more than $12B per year in capital investment projects in the US, and create thousands of good-paying jobs.

While many of those jobs will be union jobs, nearly 33,000 additional jobs are expected to be created in communities supported by offshore wind activity.

Although Orsted completely stopped development of two major offshore projects off the coast of New Jersey in October 2023, and those projects were large pieces of the whole renewable energy puzzle as planned by the Biden administration, many other onshore projects have been announced since the administration’s initial 2030 goal-setting announcement.

– FACT SHEET: Biden Administration Jumpstarts Offshore Wind Energy Projects to Create Jobs

The Biden administration still aims to see the US reach 100% clean energy by 2035, and in a renewable energy industry that already employs over 410,000 workers in the U.S., though that figure includes all renewable energy sources, not just wind power. As of August, 2023, the administration’s climate law had already resulted in 86,000 new jobs and $132 billion in investment. More investments, and more jobs, are expected.

Does Green Tech Create Jobs? Or Eliminate Them?

According to Cleanpower.org, wind power employs 120,000 Americans in a variety of jobs (not just turbine techs) and also employs Veterans at a rate 80% higher than the national average. A net of new jobs in the green tech sector is almost certain, as new projects and technologies are announced almost monthly. Examples of such projects in the US wind industry include blade recycling and blade manufacturing plants.

According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), jobs in the renewables sector more than doubled in the past decade, reaching 13.7 million jobs by the end of 2022.

how much does a wind turbine technician make

An interesting fact about renewable energy sources and electric vehicles–all of which are better for the planet–is that these plants and vehicles tend to be simpler to operate and maintain. Solar electricity plants require vastly fewer workers to operate and maintain, compared to a coal or gas plant, according this Forbes article. And even electric bicycles appear to be making a dent in reducing emissions, according to several studies conducted in 2022 and 2023, in Spain and the US as well as in UK.

Although the construction work in creating these plants will employee lots of workers (one of many peripheral industries supported by a push toward renewable energy), many of those jobs won’t continue when the work is completed, leaving a turnkey electric plant that requires much less ongoing maintenance. It’s an interesting thought to consider for green tech as an industry: simple, efficient energy sources that can run well without much human intervention don’t require as much, well, human intervention.

Yet, with more wind turbines going up, demand for wind turbine technicians should continue to flourish, especially as wind farms begin to show their age.

What Kind of Work is Needed to Maintain Wind Turbines?

Wind turbine technicians continue to be in demand due to the global increase in wind farms. As more wind farms are built and begin producing power, the job of maintaining them begins.

As wind turbines age, they need ongoing maintenance and repair. This can include:

Regular inspections and monitoring of the electrical systems, nacelle and turbine blades
- Blade inspections require operators using robots or drones, as well as rope access technicians in some cases
- Nacelle and interior electrical components require skilled technicians as well
Repairs & Retrofit upgrades
- Inspect, assess and repair damage due to lightning strikes, leading edge erosion, general wear and tear
- Install power curve upgrades, sensors and other retrofit equipment to restore or improve power output performance

These jobs range in technical skill and the safety certifications required, as wind turbines are powerful machines. Though the wind industry has a strong safety record, it can be dangerous work; the electricity generated can kill, as can working at height or up on ropes, in the case of rope access technicians.

It’s a testament to the thoroughness of safety training and safety checks on the job that despite the risk and inherent danger, wind turbine technicians work with a high degree of safety.

Job Skills Needed

Not everyone is cut out for a career as a wind turbine technician. Though salaries are attractive and the idea of working outdoors can be quite inviting, wind techs must meet physical requirements and other job skills.

Keep in mind that the job is rapidly evolving with new technology like drones and robots. These are capable (and will become more so with each passing year) of performing many tasks at height that previously required a human to perform.

In the future, the job should be even safer and less physically demanding, with drones and robots completing many at-height tasks that previously required rope access.

Wind Technician Job skills include:

Physical capability to lift heavy items, crawl, work at height or in confined spaces
Good communication and interpersonal skills
Rope access may be required
Ability to gather and interpret data
In the future, drone and robots may perform some repairs, and technicians may be asked to learn to control and pilot them
Openness to working in nature, in remote areas, potentially off-shore
Open-minded attitude to learning new skills as the job evolves

Check out this video below for a glimpse into one of the training courses that wind techs will go through:

Lifestyle & Travel Considerations

Working as a wind turbine technician will usually require living in more remote locations, and this is in part because of geographic considerations. Wind turbines are almost always in rural or remote areas where land is cheaper and plentiful, wind speeds are higher and the topography is favorable. For those who want a big-city life, wind tech may not be a great fit, as most sites are far out from the big city lights.

For those who have a strong sense of adventure, enjoy being out in nature and would find happiness living and working in smaller, more rural locations, it can be a great fit.

Many wind turbine techs travel all over as contract workers on different sites, which can be a terrific fit for those wanting to travel and see the world.

Wind Tech Jobs Are Going Off-Shore, Too

It’s also important to note that wind power is not just land based, as off-shore wind power is increasing at a very rapid rate. Wind technicians also need to be potentially comfortable working in a marine environment, as some of the world’s biggest wind turbines are now built in off-shore wind farms.

Is Being a Wind Turbine Tech Dangerous?

Before embarking on a new career path, be sure to do as much research as you can. In this excellent article by Windpowerengineering.com, Michelle Froese outlines safety tips for windtechs.

This white paper on wind turbine safety by the American Society of Safety Professionals explains the vast list of OSHA requirements for wind professionals, including the training required for wind technicians to do their job properly and come home safely.

In the UK, safety data reveals only one fatal accident in 2021. In the U.S., statistics are difficult to come by, but the track record of safety appears strong.

It’s important to know the risks–four of which are outlined below–while also understanding that proper safety training makes working in the wind industry quite safe.

Four Main Safety Hazards of Wind Turbine Jobs

OSHA provides significant guidelines on all aspects of safety. Four of the biggest safety risks for wind technicians include accidents and bodily injuries from:

Slip and fall
- Rope access and tower climbs involve risk of falls from heights that can kill
Electrocution
- Electric shock protection is paramount, as wind turbines generate significant electricity
“Struck by”
- Risk of being struck by moving or falling objects
Caught in/between
- Risk of being caught in or between machinery or heavy objects

Remember though: safety data shows that incidences of human bodily injuries and deaths are very low, and proper safety training is stressed throughout the industry. Advances in technology and PPE are making daily life as a wind farm worker safer than ever.

Automation, Drones and Robots Improve Worker Safety

Additionally, it’s important to note that technology is vastly improving safety for workers now and increasingly in the future.

For more on what a wind turbine rope access technician does on a daily basis, check out the video below:

Online Wind Technician Job Listings

If you’re ready to apply for a wind energy job, including one as a wind turbine technician, check out some of the career sites below (we are not affiliated in any way).

There are lots of wind energy job listings on various sites, and it’s a great time to being looking at applications and seeing what employers are looking for. Below you’ll find links to wind technician jobs postings for some of the most popular recruiting websites.

More Governmental Resources

Learn More About Wind Energy Tech

If you want to increase your knowledge and become a stronger candidate for a job in the wind industry, be sure to check out the Uptime Wind Energy Podcast.

Watch our episode on wind tech jobs here:

We interview CEOs and business professionals who are making waves in the industry with new technology, solutions and ideas to improve wind power. It’s available on YouTube and all your favorite podcast platforms; listen now!

The Complete Guide to Wind Turbine Technician Jobs, Salary and More in 2024

Renewable Energy

ACORE Statement on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance

Published

2 weeks ago

August 15, 2025

Alice Rush

ACORE Statement on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance

August 15, 2025

Statement from American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) President and CEO Ray Long on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance:

“The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is deeply concerned that today’s Treasury guidance on the long-standing ‘beginning of construction’ safe harbor significantly undermines its proven effectiveness, is inconsistent with the law, and creates unnecessary uncertainty for renewable energy development in the United States.

“For over a decade, the safe harbor provisions have served as clear, accountable rules of the road – helping to reduce compliance burdens, foster private investment, and ensure taxpayer protections. These guardrails have been integral to delivering affordable, reliable American clean energy while maintaining transparency and adherence to the rule of law. This was recognized in the One Big Beautiful Act, which codified the safe harbor rules, now changed by this action.

“We need to build more power generation now, and that includes renewable energy. The U.S. will need roughly 118 gigawatts (the equivalent of 12 New York Cities) of new power generation in the next four years to prevent price spikes and potential shortages. Only a limited set of technologies – solar, wind, batteries, and some natural gas – can be built at that scale in that timeframe.”

###

ABOUT ACORE

For over 20 years, the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) has been the nation’s leading voice on the issues most essential to clean energy expansion. ACORE unites finance, policy, and technology to accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy. For more information, please visit http://www.acore.org.

Media Contacts:
Stephanie Genco
Senior Vice President, Communications
American Council on Renewable Energy
genco@acore.org

The post ACORE Statement on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance appeared first on ACORE.

https://acore.org/news/acore-statement-on-treasurys-safe-harbor-guidance/

Renewable Energy

Should I Get a Solar Battery Storage System?

Published

3 weeks ago

August 15, 2025

Alice Rush

Frequent power outages, unreliable grid connection, sky-high electricity bills, and to top it off, your solar panels are exporting excess energy back to the grid, for a very low feed-in-tariff.

Do all these scenarios sound familiar? Your answer might be yes!

These challenges have become increasingly common across Australia, encouraging more and more homeowners to consider solar battery storage systems.

Why? Because they want to take control of their energy, store surplus solar power, and reduce reliance on the grid.

But then again, people often get perplexed, and their biggest question remains: Should I get a Solar Battery Storage System in Australia?

Well, the answer can be yes in many cases, such as a battery can offer energy independence, ensure better bill savings, and provide peace of mind during unexpected power outages, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.

There are circumstances where a battery may not be necessary or even cost-effective.

In this guide, we’ll break down when it makes sense and all the pros and cons you need to know before making the investment.

In this blog post:

Why You Need Battery Storage Now?

According to data, Australia has surpassed 3.9 million rooftop solar installations, generating more than 37 GW of PV capacity, which is about 20% of electricity in the National Electricity Market in 2024 and early 2025.

Undoubtedly, the country’s strong renewable energy targets, sustainability goals, and the clean‑energy revolution have brought solar power affordability, but the next step in self‑reliance is battery storage.

Data from The Guardian says that 1 in 5 new solar installs in 2025 now includes a home battery, versus 1 in 20 just a few years ago, representing a significant leap in adoption.

Moreover, the recent launch of the Cheaper Home Batteries program has driven this uptake even further, with over 11,500 battery units installed in just the first three weeks from July 1, and around 1,000 installations per day.

Overall, the Australian energy market is evolving rapidly. Average household battery size has climbed to about 17 kWh from 10–12 kWh previously.

Hence, the experts are assuming that 10 GW of new battery capacity will be added over the next five years, competing with Australia’s current coal‑fired capacity.

What Am I Missing Out on Without Solar Batteries?

Honestly? You’re missing out on the best part of going solar.

Renewable sources of energy like solar, hydro, and wind make us feel empowered. For example, solar batteries lower your electricity bills, minimize grid dependency, and also help to reduce your carbon footprint.

But here’s the catch! Without battery storage, you’re only halfway there!

The true magic of solar power isn’t just in producing clean energy; it’s storing and using it efficiently.

A solar battery lets you store excess energy and use it when the sun goes down or the grid goes out. It’s the key to real energy independence. Therefore, ultimately, getting a battery is what makes your solar system truly yours.

Here’s a list of what you’re missing out on without a solar battery:

Energy Independence

Batteries help you to stay powered even during blackouts or grid failures. With energy storage, you don’t have to think of fuel price volatility and supply-demand disruption in the Australian energy market.

Maximized Savings

Adding a solar battery to your solar PV system allows you to use your own stored energy at night instead of repurchasing it at high rates. It also reduces grid pressure during peak hours, restoring grid stability.

Better Return on Investment ROI

Tired of Australian low feed-in-tariff rates?

Make full use of your solar system by storing excess power at a low price rather than exporting it. Solar panel and battery systems can be a powerful duo for Australian households.

Lower Carbon Footprint

Despite the steady growth in solar, wind, and hydro, fossil fuels still dominate the grid. Fossil fuels supplied approximately 64% of Australia’s total electricity generation, while coal alone accounted for around 45%.

These stats highlight why solar battery storage is so valuable. By storing surplus solar energy, homeowners can reduce their reliance on a grid that still runs on coal and gas.

Peace of Mind

Enjoy 24/7 uninterrupted power, no matter what’s happening outside.

Besides powering urban homes and businesses, batteries also provide reliable power backup for off-grid living at night when your solar panel can’t produce, ensuring peace of mind.

What Size Solar Battery Do I Need?

While choosing the battery size, it isn’t just about picking the biggest one you can afford; it’s about matching your household’s energy consumption pattern. There is no one-size battery that will make financial or functional sense for everyone.

Nevertheless, if you have an average family of four with no exceptional power demands, you may get by with a 10kWh to 12kWh battery bank as a ready-to-roll backup system.

Well, this is just an estimation, as we have no idea of your power needs, because selecting a battery is highly subjective to the household in question.

With that being said, you can get a good idea of how much power you use on average by analyzing your electric bill copy. Also, keeping track of which appliances you use the most and which ones require the most power will help you.

So, to figure out the ideal battery size for your home, you need to consider three most important things:

Your Daily Energy Usage

Check your electricity bill for your average daily consumption (in kWh). Most Australian homes use between 15 to 25 kWh per day.

Your Solar System Output

How much excess solar energy are you generating during the day? That’s the power you’ll store to use later rather than exporting.

Your Nighttime Power Usage

A battery is most useful at night or during grid outages. So, estimate how much power you typically use after sunset. However, by using a battery, you can also get the freedom of living off the grid.

Sizing Up: The Ideal Home Battery for Aussies!

For small households and light usage, a 5 kWh battery will be suitable.

For average Australian households, adding a 10 kWh battery would be enough.

Large homes and high-energy users will need a 13 to 15 kWh system.

For full independence, off-grid living, or blackout protection, you may require a larger battery size of 20+ kWh.

Want help calculating your exact needs? Just drop your daily usage and solar output, and we’ll do the math for you! Cyanergy is here to help!

Sizing Up: The Ideal Home Battery for Aussies!

For small households and light usage, a 5 kWh battery will be suitable.

For average Australian households, adding a 10 kWh battery would be enough.

Large homes and high-energy users will need a 13 to 15 kWh system.

For full independence, off-grid living, or blackout protection, you may require a larger battery size of 20+ kWh.

Want help calculating your exact needs? Just drop your daily usage and solar output, and we’ll do the math for you! Cyanergy is here to help!

How Much Do Solar Batteries Cost?

Previously, you would have to pay between $3000 and $3600 for the battery alone, plus the cost of installation, for every kWh of solar battery storage.

However, you can currently expect to pay between $1200 and $1400 for each kWh of solar battery storage. That is a price reduction of approximately 52%, and things will only get better from here.

Does that imply solar batteries are cheap now? Not really, but the cost is well justified by the pros of having a battery storage system.

Also, while paying for solar batteries, you have to consider many other factors like the type of battery, your solar panel system configurations and compatibility, brand, and installation partner.

These will significantly influence the price range of battery storage.

Is a Solar Battery Worth It | Pros and Cons at a Glance

It’s okay to feel a little overwhelmed while deciding to invest your hard-earned money in a battery.

So, here we’ve listed the pros and cons of having a solar battery to help you in the decision-making process.

Benefits of Solar Battery Storage

Solar batteries help you become self-sustaining.

You don’t have to care about power outages anymore

In the event of any natural disaster, you will still have a power source

Battery prices are dropping significantly as we speak

During peak hours, grid electricity prices increase due to high demand; you can avoid paying a high price and use your battery. It’s essentially free energy, as solar generates energy from the sun.

Reduced carbon footprint as the battery stores energy from a renewable source.

Advantages of battery for the grid and national energy system:

Batteries support Virtual Power Plants (VPPs). In 2025, consumers get financial bonuses (AUD 250‑400) for joining, plus grid benefits via distributed dispatchable power.

Grid‑scale batteries like Victoria Big Battery or Hornsdale Power Reserve are increasing system resilience by storing large amounts of renewable energy and reducing blackout risk.

Drawbacks of Solar Battery Storage

One of the biggest barriers is that solar batteries have a high upfront cost, which makes installation harder for residents.

Home batteries require physical space, proper ventilation, and can’t always be placed just anywhere, especially in smaller homes or apartments.

Most batteries, like lithium-ion batteries, last 5 to 15 years, meaning they may need replacement during your solar system’s lifetime.

While many systems are low-maintenance, some may require software updates, monitoring, or even professional servicing over time.

Battery production involves mining and processing materials like lithium or lead, which raise environmental and ethical concerns.

Should You Buy a Solar Battery?: Here’s the Final Call!

You should consider buying a solar battery if several key factors align with your situation.

First, it’s a strong financial move if you live in a state where federal and state incentives can significantly reduce the upfront cost. This can make the investment far more affordable.

A solar battery can be especially worthwhile if you value having backup power during outages, lowering your electricity bills, and gaining a measure of energy independence from the grid.

Additionally, you should be comfortable with taking a few extra steps to get the most value out of your system, such as joining a virtual power plant (VPP), which allows your battery to participate in grid services in exchange for modest returns.

Finally, it’s worth noting that rebates decline annually, and early adopters get the most value.

Takeaway Thoughts

Installing a solar battery in Australia in mid‑2025 offers substantial financial, environmental, and energy‑security benefits, especially if you qualify for multiple subsidies and have good solar capacity.

With rebates shrinking after 2025 and demand surging, early movers stand to benefit most.

By helping balance the grid and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, home battery adoption contributes significantly to Australia’s national goals of 82% renewable energy by 2030.

It’s not just about savings; it’s about being part of a smarter, cleaner, more resilient electricity future for Australia.

Looking for CEC-accredited local installers?

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The post Should I Get a Solar Battery Storage System? appeared first on Cyanergy.

Should I Get a Solar Battery Storage System?

Renewable Energy

Wine Grapes and Climate Change

Published

3 weeks ago

August 14, 2025

Alice Rush

I just spoke with a guy in the wine industry, and I asked him how, if at all, climate change is affecting what we does.

From his perspective, it’s the horrific wildfires whose smoke imbues (or “taints”) the grapes with an unpleasant flavor that needs to be modified, normally by creative methods of blending.