Operating engineer, solar power plant

What does a Driftmaskinist in a solar energy plant do? – Tasks and work environment

A Driftmaskinist in a solar energy plant is responsible for monitoring, controlling, and maintaining technical systems that generate electricity from solar energy. Tasks include daily inspections, troubleshooting equipment, optimizing operations, and preventive and corrective maintenance of solar panels, inverters, and other plant technology. The Driftmaskinist often works both outdoors at the facility and indoors in control rooms or technical rooms, depending on the size and complexity of the plant. Safety procedures and documentation are central parts of the work, and contact with other technicians, suppliers, and sometimes customers occurs regularly.

Salary development over time

The salary for Driftmaskinister in solar energy plants has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,300 SEK per month, increased to 37 100 SEK in 2023, and has reached 38 300 SEK in 2024. This development corresponds to a total increase of about 5.5% over the period, slightly above the average for similar technical professions. Contributing factors include increased demand for renewable energy skills, technological advancements, and higher requirements for operational optimization. Salaries are also influenced by regional differences, employer sector, and education level. Women in the profession have generally experienced slightly lower salary growth than men, reflected in the current figures for 2024.

Driftmaskinist, solar energy plant salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 38 300 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 30,700 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, post-secondary education 3+ years)
• Highest salary: 42,200 SEK/month (male, private sector, post-secondary education 3+ years)
• Hourly wage: 230 SEK/hour
• Gender differences: Men 38 500 SEK/month, women 36 600 SEK/month (women earn 95% of what men do)
• Regional differences: Salaries may vary depending on region and labor market conditions

Education and qualifications

To work as a Driftmaskinist in a solar energy plant, a technical high school education focused on electricity, energy, or automation is usually required. Many employers also seek post-secondary education, such as from vocational colleges, and practical experience from the energy sector. Specific certifications for working with high voltage, electrical safety, and solar energy systems can be advantageous. For those wishing to change career paths, additional training and online courses are also available.

• Technical high school: Electricity and energy program or equivalent
• Post-secondary education: Vocational college, 2–3 years, specializing in energy technology or operational technology
• Certifications: Electrical safety training, working at heights, solar energy certificates
• Internship: Workplace-based learning or trainee programs are recommended
• Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of electrical engineering and IT systems

Common benefits and compensations

Driftmaskinister in solar energy plants are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, work clothing, additional insurance, and sometimes pension schemes beyond the statutory requirements. Shift work may occur and is compensated with overtime pay. Some employers also provide opportunities for further training, skill development, and bonuses upon achieving operational targets.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a Driftmaskinist in solar energy plants is considered moderate, according to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast for the profession. The recruitment situation is characterized by balance, meaning there is neither a shortage nor an oversupply of labor. Challenges in the profession often revolve around technological development, automation, and high demands for troubleshooting and safety. The ability to quickly adapt to new technology and work proactively with maintenance is central to success in the role. As the profession is linked to the growing solar sector, demand may change in line with the energy transition.

Tips for those who want to become a Driftmaskinist in a solar energy plant

To succeed as a Driftmaskinist in a solar energy plant, it is good to be meticulous and solution-oriented, as the work often requires quick decisions during operational disturbances. Having a technical interest and willingness to learn new technology facilitates the introduction of new systems. Good collaboration skills are important, since the role often involves working with other technicians and suppliers. Flexibility and the ability to work under varying conditions are appreciated by employers, especially during shift work or emergency responses. Analytical skills help with troubleshooting, while responsibility and safety awareness are crucial for both the work environment and plant operation. Continuously furthering your education, such as in electrical safety or digital monitoring, is also beneficial for those looking to develop within the profession.

Key facts about Driftmaskinist in a solar energy plant

• Education level: Technical high school, often supplemented with vocational college (2–3 years)
• Work environment: Both outdoors at the plant and in control rooms
• Demand: 481 available jobs as of May 2024
• Gender distribution: Women earn 95% of men's salaries
• Typical work arrangement: Shift work and on-call duties may occur

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a Driftmaskinist in a solar energy plant, there are opportunities to advance to more qualified roles such as supervisor, operational technician responsible for larger plants, or specialist in solar energy optimization. Some choose to further their education towards project management or technical sales within renewable energy. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast for heat and water plant technicians, the prospects for employment are considered moderate and expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. Technological development and automation influence the demand for skills, but the energy transition and expansion of solar energy provide stable future prospects for the profession.

Frequently asked questions about Driftmaskinist in a solar energy plant

• What does a Driftmaskinist in a solar energy plant earn?
  - The average salary is 38 300 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience, gender, and employer.
• What education is required to become a Driftmaskinist in a solar energy plant?
  - Usually, a technical high school education and post-secondary training in energy or operational technology are required.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn 95% of what men do in the profession.
• What is the job market like for Driftmaskinister within solar energy?
  - There are moderate opportunities for employment, with 481 available jobs as of May 2024.
• What are the duties of a Driftmaskinist in a solar energy plant?
  - Monitoring, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of the plant’s technical systems.
• What factors influence the salary of a Driftmaskinist in a solar energy plant?
  - Education, experience, employer sector, and regional differences significantly impact salary levels.