Renewable energy technician
Renewable energy technicians install and service solar panels, heat pumps and batteries. They spend a lot of time on roofs, in cellars and at customers' homes, and hardly any time at a desk.
Typical tasks
- mounting and wiring solar panels on roofs
- installing and connecting heat pumps and storage systems
- commissioning and adjusting systems
- servicing systems and fixing faults
- showing customers how to use their system
Where people work
These technicians work for electrical and plumbing contractors, for companies specialising in solar and heat pump technology, and for energy suppliers. A large part of the work takes place on building sites.
A good fit if
- you want to do something about climate change
- you like working outdoors and with your hands
- you have a head for heights or are not afraid of ladders
- you like working in a team
Education pathways in Austria
In Austria the path usually leads through a Lehre (apprenticeship), for example in electrical engineering or in building services. If you want the Matura (school-leaving exam), you can attend an HTL (higher technical college) specialising in electrical, building services or energy engineering and then study at an FH (university of applied sciences). In Germany the equivalent is the Duale Ausbildung, the Fachoberschule Technik or a Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften, in Switzerland the Berufslehre (EFZ), the Berufsmaturität Technik or a Fachhochschule.
- Lehre
- Training in a company and at vocational school. With 'Lehre mit Matura' it can also lead to university entrance. 2 to 4 years
- HTL (Höhere Technische Lehranstalt)
- Matura and technical vocational training in one. 5 years
- Fachhochschule (FH)
- Practice-oriented degree, often with an internship. 3-year bachelor
Matching schools in Austria
A selection from our school list. Not every school of this type offers every specialisation, so ask the school directly.
- HTL PinkafeldHTL, 7423 Pinkafeld, BurgenlandCollected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
- HTL MössingerstraßeHTL, 9020 Klagenfurt, KärntenCollected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
- HTL MödlingHTL, 2340 Mödling, NiederösterreichCollected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
- HTL LeondingHTL, 4060 Leonding, OberösterreichCollected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
- HTL SalzburgHTL, 5020 Salzburg, SalzburgCollected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
- HTL BULME Graz-GöstingHTL, 8051 Graz, SteiermarkCollected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
- HTL AnichstraßeHTL, 6020 Innsbruck, TirolCollected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
- HTL DornbirnHTL, 6850 Dornbirn, VorarlbergCollected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
Frequently asked questions
Is there a dedicated apprenticeship?
Usually you learn a core trade such as electrical engineering or building services and then specialise in renewable energy.
Is the work physically demanding?
Partly, yes. You carry material and work on roofs in all weathers. Safety equipment is compulsory.
Does the job have a future?
The switch to renewable energy needs many skilled people to build and service systems.
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