Renewable energy consultant
Inspire people and businesses to embrace a greener future by using renewable energy sources like wind or solar.
Also known as: energy consultant

About the job
What it's like
As a renewable energy consultant, you’ll help people and businesses use renewable energy sources. This means you'll be an advocate of solar, wind and hydroelectric power.
You'll check how much energy a person or business uses and give them advice on the ways they can switch to safer, greener resources.
Renewable energy consultants are incredibly important people! You'll help protect the planet by making sure the public uses energy that's good for the environment.
Your tasks might include:
carrying out energy audits, finding out how much energy a client uses and identifying areas for improvement
analysing the different renewable energy options and how they can be applied
writing reports with recommendations and presenting to clients
staying up to date with the latest government policies and regulations on renewable energy
completing environmental impact assessments for clients
carrying out financial analysis of a renewable energy project
Green job
In this job, you’ll be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Scottish Renewables – learn about renewable energy careers in Scotland
Skills Development Scotland – Career Opportunities across Offshore Wind in Scotland
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Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Renewable energy consultant'
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- adaptability
- attention to detail
- written communication
- researching
- problem solving
- building relationships
- analysing
- developing a plan
- verbal communication

Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Physics
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Geography
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Maths (Mathematics)
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Environmental Science
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Chemistry
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Business Management
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Design and Manufacture
You’ll likely need a degree or postgraduate qualification to become a renewable energy consultant. You can work towards this by going to university, college or by doing an apprenticeship.
Explore the information you need for each route to this career.
University
A degree could be helpful for getting into this job. You could study subjects, such as:
Environmental Engineering
Environmental Management
Environmental Science
Environmental Sustainability
Earth Sciences
Sustainability
Sustainable Development
Sustainable Energy
Other subjects which could be helpful for this career include:
Agricultural Science
Biology
Chemistry
Technology
Geography
Environmental Science
For entry to a postgraduate course, you'll need an honours degree in a relevant subject.
Use the My World of Work course search to find degrees.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you find work or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Environmental Science
Physics
Sciences
Geography
Use the My World of Work course search to find relevant HNCs or HNDs.
Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in Engineering Construction.
Getting work experience in a relevant role can help you build the skills and experience you’ll need to become a renewable energy consultant. Search for opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
It's useful to be a member of chartered institutions and professional societies as they can provide access to career guidance and networking opportunities. Some relevant bodies include the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) and Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM).
You can join the Society for the Environment or another environmental membership body. This may help you develop professional contacts and find training opportunities.
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