Trades & Technical Careers
Renewable Energy Technician
You install and maintain solar, inverter and battery systems.
- Starting salary
- R10 000 – R18 000
- Job demand
- Growing fast
- Key subjects
- Mathematics or Maths Literacy, Physical Sciences
What do they do?
You install and maintain solar, inverter and battery systems.
A day in the life
You survey sites, mount panels, wire inverters, commission systems and service them.
Skills you need
- Electrical basics
- Heights and safety
- Customer service
- Problem solving
School subjects that help
- Mathematics or Maths Literacy
- Physical Sciences
- Electrical Technology
How long does it take?
3 main steps after school, usually 1–3 years of study, or longer at university.
Study path
- 1High school
- 2Electrical / solar PV training
- 3Installer certification
- 4Technician / own business
Ways in: TVET College · Professional certification · Learnership · Entrepreneurship. University is not the only route.
Where can I study?
- TVET Colleges nationwide
- SAPVIA-accredited training providers
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Admission requirements differ by institution, always check the official website.
What can I earn?
Entry level
R10 000 – R18 000
per month (estimate)
Mid career
R20 000 – R38 000
per month (estimate)
Experienced / senior
R40 000 – R80 000+
per month (estimate)
Estimated salary ranges only. Salaries vary based on experience, qualification, industry, location and employer.
How to start preparing now
- • Learn how solar panels and batteries work
- • Study a small solar kit
- • Do electrical N-courses
Try this career
Calculate what size solar system your home would need to survive load-shedding.
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This tool is designed to help you explore career possibilities. It does not replace professional career counselling, school guidance or official university admission requirements.