- #1
Tweaktastic
- 2
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I'm currently on a career path I got into through an applied physics masters, but there isn't much of future in my particular field so I'm trying to switch. Additionally, I'm very concerned about climate change and I have a B.S in Electrical Engineering (with a minor in physics), so I'm considering transitioning into a career in renewable energy, where I know EEs are needed.
I'm favoring solar energy over other types of renewables, as I think it has the most potential (decent Wattage per square meter, lots of growth in past couple years, solar cell prices keep declining, etc). In terms of solar energy, I'm aware EEs often design solar photovoltaics (PV) systems (i.e. system level design, component specification, power output optimization) for residential and commercial applications, or do more tangential work, like inverter design or embedded systems/controls work. I'm interesting in doing any of those things. I think I'd rather stay away from material science stuff related to photovoltaics though, as I'm under the impression most solar cell manufacturing has gone to China and I'd need at least a master's to really do anything in that field anyway.
My first choice is to find employment in the solar energy field. My second choice is to go back to school and specialize in something related to solar energy. My first choice is preferable not only for financial reasons (i.e. student debt), but also because I'm not that familiar with the solar energy field, so I feel like I should learn more about it before I try to specialize in any EE subjects related to it.
The problem is I don't really know how to get my foot in the door. Additionally, it's been four years since I graduated with my EE degree, and my masters career path is not applicable to EE stuff, which I'm sure is a negative, but I don't know how big of a negative.
Any advice about how to get my foot in the door? Any type of EE work related to renewables I haven't mentioned? Any advice in general?
I'm favoring solar energy over other types of renewables, as I think it has the most potential (decent Wattage per square meter, lots of growth in past couple years, solar cell prices keep declining, etc). In terms of solar energy, I'm aware EEs often design solar photovoltaics (PV) systems (i.e. system level design, component specification, power output optimization) for residential and commercial applications, or do more tangential work, like inverter design or embedded systems/controls work. I'm interesting in doing any of those things. I think I'd rather stay away from material science stuff related to photovoltaics though, as I'm under the impression most solar cell manufacturing has gone to China and I'd need at least a master's to really do anything in that field anyway.
My first choice is to find employment in the solar energy field. My second choice is to go back to school and specialize in something related to solar energy. My first choice is preferable not only for financial reasons (i.e. student debt), but also because I'm not that familiar with the solar energy field, so I feel like I should learn more about it before I try to specialize in any EE subjects related to it.
The problem is I don't really know how to get my foot in the door. Additionally, it's been four years since I graduated with my EE degree, and my masters career path is not applicable to EE stuff, which I'm sure is a negative, but I don't know how big of a negative.
Any advice about how to get my foot in the door? Any type of EE work related to renewables I haven't mentioned? Any advice in general?