Renewable energy is fueling rapid growth in America’s power grid. Solar farms, wind turbines, large-scale batteries and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations are all part of a new wave of infrastructure that needs skilled hands to build, maintain and expand. Electrical technicians are at the center of this transition, ensuring these systems work safely and efficiently.
At Universal Technical Institute (UTI), the Electrical, Electronics, & Industrial Technology (EEIT) program helps students build a foundation in electrical systems, troubleshooting and safety practices.131 Through hands-on labs and coursework, students gain exposure to the same principles that power renewable energy projects.
Keep reading to learn how this growing infrastructure is shaping the future of energy and the skills that can help you get started in it after graduation.
Why Renewable Energy Infrastructure Is Growing
Policy drivers
Government policies like the Inflation Reduction Act and state-level clean energy mandates are accelerating renewable projects nationwide. These initiatives provide billions in funding for grid modernization, energy storage and EV charging expansion.
Rising investment in solar, wind and energy storage
The International Energy Agency reports that solar and wind power are leading new electricity projects in the U.S. At the same time, energy storage systems like large battery banks are expanding quickly. These systems are key to balancing the grid and making renewable power available even when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing.
Growth of EV charging networks
The Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center reports that the number of public EV charging stations is growing quickly, thanks to both federal and private investments. Expanding this EV charging infrastructure requires technicians who understand high-voltage systems as well as the consumer-facing components that make charging safe and reliable.
How Electrical Technicians Support Infrastructure Expansion
As renewable energy projects are built, electrical technicians are the ones who make sure everything is installed the right way, works safely and stays reliable. Their work connects big systems like solar farms, wind turbines and battery storage units to the power grid that communities depend on.
Installing and maintaining large-scale systems
Electrical technicians set up the main parts that keep renewable energy projects running. This includes underground cables, transformers and switchgear that move power where it needs to go. On solar farms, technicians connect solar panels to inverters that convert sunlight into usable electricity. On wind farms, they wire turbines so they can deliver power to the grid. Technicians also return to these sites to do regular checks, replace worn parts and make sure the systems keep running at full strength.
Working with automation and grid tie-ins
Renewable energy systems need to connect with the larger electrical grid. Many projects use digital tools and monitoring systems, such as SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition), to watch how much electricity is being made and used in real time. Technicians help set up and repair these systems so energy can flow smoothly and without interruptions.
Ensuring safety and compliance
Safety is a big part of every electrical technician’s job. They must make sure projects meet national and local codes. That can mean properly grounding wind turbines, wiring solar inverters to meet safety rules, or installing EV charging stations the right way so drivers can charge their vehicles without risk. By following these rules, technicians protect both workers and the public while helping renewable energy grow safely.
Want to explore more about the electrical field? Check out UTI’s electrical blogs for deeper insights into technician roles, training and career paths.
Skills Needed in Renewable Energy Infrastructure
Renewable energy projects use many different systems, and electrical technicians need a mix of skills to keep them working. These skills help them solve problems, set up new equipment, and make sure everything runs safely and efficiently.
Electrical systems knowledge and troubleshooting
Technicians need a solid understanding of how electrical systems work so they can find and fix problems quickly. This includes knowing how to read wiring diagrams and use testing tools. With these skills, technicians can handle challenges that come up in renewable projects, such as faulty wiring or power outages.
Key skills include:
- Reading and understanding circuit diagrams.
- Using tools like multimeters to test electrical flow.
- Repairing or replacing faulty parts.
- Checking systems for safety and efficiency.
Exposure to energy storage technologies
Energy storage is an important part of renewable energy because it allows power from the sun or wind to be saved for later use. Battery systems and inverters are the main components. Technicians may install, connect and maintain energy storage systems such as large battery banks and inverters that keep renewable power stable and ready when needed. This ensures that clean energy can support homes and businesses around the clock, regardless of daily weather conditions.
Understanding EV charging station components
EV charging stations are appearing across the country, and electrical technicians are needed to help build and maintain them. These stations include both power wiring and communication systems that “talk” to the vehicle during charging. Technicians must know how to install and wire stations correctly, test them to confirm they are delivering power safely, and perform basic repairs or upkeep when needed. As EV charging infrastructure grows, technicians play an important role in keeping charging stations reliable at different levels of power, from standard to fast-charging.
How EEIT Training Prepares Grads
Hands-on labs with diagnostic tools and control systems
UTI’s EEIT program focuses on hands-on learning. In our labs, students train with diagnostic tools and control systems like those used in the field. They practice wiring, testing circuits and troubleshooting in settings that reflect real-world conditions.
12-month training timeline and entry-level readiness
The program can be completed in 12 months, giving students the chance to build electrical skills and prepare for entry-level opportunities in about a year.1 Training covers key areas like circuits, safety, automation and energy systems.
Clarify licensure (varies by state)
Some states require additional licensure or certification for certain electrical work. Students should check the requirements of where they plan to work to know what steps may be needed after training.
Train for a Career in Renewable Energy Infrastructure
Interested in the future of energy? UTI’s EEIT program can help you train to get started. In a year, you can learn in labs that prepare you for entry-level roles in the electrical field after graduation and give you exposure to systems connected to renewable energy. (Note: UTI’s electrical programs do not prepare graduates for employment as electricians, and graduates will not be eligible for certification as an electrician without additional training and meeting state licensing requirements.)
Ready to move forward? Fill out an application today and take the first step toward pursuing a career in electrical technology.
Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.