Alternative Energy as a career path in Physics?

[pergradus]

I'm starting my junior year in the fall, and I'm starting to think about what I really want to do with my physics degree once I earn it. To me, it seems like alternative energy is a good direction to go, because it's a very real problem in the modern world and I feel like there's going to be a lot of money there one day soon.

I know "alternative energy" can describe a huge range of subjects, but what I'm interested in is doing physics for practical real-world application, as opposed to fundamental research like astro-physics or particle physics. (please don't get caught up in what is and isn't practical...)

Any thoughts about this? Any areas in alternative energies that look promising? Nuclear? Solar? I want to start taking courses that may apply to these areas, if this is the direction I'm going to go...

 

[zhermes]

Sounds like a fantastic plan. 'Nuclear' isn't generally considered a form of 'alternative' energy, but that is a big direction that physics people go in. 'Photovoltaics' (solar cells) is also huge. Lots of the more novel directions (new types of wind power, hydro power, etc etc) are often primarily engineers; and biochemistry stuff is often biochemists.

I'd say your best bet is to get some experience in programming, and engineering (in addition to 'applied physics' courses). If you can program, and you understand physics, there will generally be a job for you in just about any tech company.

 

[pergradus]

Sounds like a fantastic plan. 'Nuclear' isn't generally considered a form of 'alternative' energy, but that is a big direction that physics people go in. 'Photovoltaics' (solar cells) is also huge. Lots of the more novel directions (new types of wind power, hydro power, etc etc) are often primarily engineers; and biochemistry stuff is often biochemists.

I'd say your best bet is to get some experience in programming, and engineering (in addition to 'applied physics' courses). If you can program, and you understand physics, there will generally be a job for you in just about any tech company.

Thanks for the reply. I have some programming experience - I took C++ and Java courses. What depth of knowledge are you referring to though?

Also, any engineering courses you recommend? I'm taking one in the fall called electronic instrumentation - but I'm not sure how useful it will be.

 

[elkement]

I'm starting my junior year in the fall, and I'm starting to think about what I really want to do with my physics degree once I earn it. To me, it seems like alternative energy is a good direction to go, because it's a very real problem in the modern world and I feel like there's going to be a lot of money there one day soon.

I know "alternative energy" can describe a huge range of subjects, but what I'm interested in is doing physics for practical real-world application, as opposed to fundamental research like astro-physics or particle physics. (please don't get caught up in what is and isn't practical...)

I can relate to your motivation a lot!

Do you want to specialize in one specific class of energy technology or are you interested in different technologies and planning of combined system?

I am asking because I believe there are (at least) two ways to approach 'alternative energy' as a student. On the one hand you can pick a specific technology and became an expert in this only, such as selecting semiconductor physics and building solar cells or studying engineering and design heat pumps.

(Disclaimer: The following is based on my knowledge of curricula in middle Europe)
On the other hand there are also interdisciplinary master programmes called Renewable Energy Systems or the like. These programmes give you 'the big picture' on all kinds of technologies including engineering, legal and economic aspects. You need some engineering or science degree to be accepted.

I believe it depends on whether you rather want to work in R&D later and design and build specific devices or if you might be interested in taking existing components and combining them into the final system and designing the interfaces (like controllers). The latter may sound less challenging at the first glance, but I believe that in alternative energy systems technologies it is all about these interfaces and connections. In order to utilize photovoltaics or wind power reasonable you need to find a solution in how to store energy and/or transport energy from 'energy production sites' to 'energy consumption sites' based on demands.