Solar and Renewable Energy Engineering
Explore ways to make the best use of renewable energy technologies
What is Renewable Energy Engineering?
Renewable energy is one of the most critical areas of engineering as we face a future of uncertain resources and expanding technology use. Due to the unprecedented climate crisis and unsustainable reliance on fossil fuels, Renewable Energy in all its forms is the solution. Renewable Energy Engineers explore ways to make the best use of renewable energy technologies like solar, wind, biomass, smart grids and photovoltaics, which is the use and manufacture of solar cells to power virtually anything electrical.
Progress in solar and renewable energy needs engineers
Learn how UNSW students are engineering the most advanced solar-electric vehicle
Through the Vertically Integrated Project (VIP), Sunswift Racing, UNSW students are designing and building the next generation of prototype electric cars. The goal? To produce a road-legal vehicle that’s the world's first "TriBrid": a combination of solar, battery and hydrogen fuel cell technology.
Sunswift Racing recently won the 2023 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge and holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest electric vehicle to travel 1000km on a single charge.
Why study Renewable Energy Engineering?
Our future depends on renewable energy and creating more sustainable ways of living. Renewable Energy Engineers are critical to the future of society.
You’ll learn a strong foundation of all types of engineering, with a focus on renewable energy technologies, looking beyond the sun as a source of energy.
Why choose UNSW?
Learn from a ground-breaking, internationally recognised team, pioneers in the field who’ve made world-first discoveries. For the past 30 years researchers at UNSW have found cutting edge ways to use renewable technology, and the breakthroughs haven’t stopped. Our research is woven into your education. We're ranked #1 in Australia and #33 globally for Engineering and Technology (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2026).
You’ll take part in project-based learning with innovative techniques like the ‘Virtual Production Line’ and ‘Sunswift Solar Car Challenge'. Sunswift is a highly awarded student program that allows engineers from all disciplines to come together to make and race the world’s fastest solar car, across the Australian outback.
What about careers?
There’s nothing but growth for Renewable Energy Engineers across the sector. Job Outlook lists steady job growth for this occupation with generous salaries on offer. You can pursue your passion for the field and choose from the world’s best jobs in solar power and renewable energy. The most important part, you’ll be actively supporting society in the move away from damaging forms of energy and helping to create a greener, brighter future.
Career options include:
- Project Management
- Energy Consultancy
- Solar and Battery Design
- Manufacturing
- Quality Control and Reliability
- Computer-aided Design of Devices and Systems
- Policy Formation
- Programs for Developing Countries
- Energy Utilities
What are my study options?
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Build the knowledge and skills to help create a cleaner energy future. At UNSW, you can prepare for a career in solar and renewable energy through a specialised degree or a related engineering pathway.
You can study solar and renewable energy through:
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Photovoltaics and Solar Energy)
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Renewable Energy)
You can also combine your engineering studies with another discipline through a double degree, opening broader opportunities across technology, business, science and sustainability.
Double degrees
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Take your engineering career further and help shape the future of energy. Postgraduate study in solar and renewable energy can help you develop specialised expertise in areas such as photovoltaic technologies, renewable energy systems, energy efficiency, system design and energy policy.
Whether you’re looking to deepen your existing knowledge, transition into the renewable energy sector or prepare for a career in research and innovation, UNSW offers postgraduate pathways to help you make an impact in this rapidly evolving field. Learn from world-leading researchers and engage with practical, research-informed projects addressing real energy challenges.
Explore our postgraduate study options:
- Master of Engineering (Renewable Energy)
- Master of Engineering Science (Renewable Energy)
- Master of Engineering Science (Photovoltaics and Solar Energy)
Graduate Certificates and Diplomas
Build specialised knowledge through a shorter postgraduate qualification or use a graduate certificate as a pathway towards further study.
- Graduate Certificate in Engineering Science (Photovoltaics and Solar Energy or Renewable Energy)
- Graduate Diploma in Engineering Science (Renewable Energy Engineering)
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Pursue research that can help transform how the world generates, stores and uses energy. At UNSW, you’ll work alongside leading researchers to investigate challenges in solar and renewable energy, from photovoltaic technologies and energy systems to storage, efficiency and sustainability.
Develop advanced research skills, contribute to new knowledge and help shape a cleaner energy future through:
