Battery Storage Installation: The Next Big Opportunity for Electricians

Introduction

If you are a professional electrician considering a move from Global to Romania, there has never been a better time to act. Across Europe, the energy transition is accelerating, and Romania is rapidly scaling up renewable energy, electrification, and smart infrastructure. At the center of this shift is battery energy storage: residential systems paired with rooftop solar, commercial backup and peak-shaving solutions, and utility-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS). These projects require skilled electricians who understand electrical installations, safety, and system integration.

This guide presents a detailed, practical roadmap for relocating to Romania and specializing in battery storage installation. We will cover market demand, legal and certification requirements, salaries, cost of living, and step-by-step actions to break into Romania's electrical and construction services industry. Whether your experience is residential, industrial, or renewable energy systems, Romania offers an EU market entry point with competitive salaries and a lower cost of living compared to many Western EU countries.

Why Romania?

Romania is an EU member state with growing demand for qualified electricians. It combines access to the broader European market with a cost base that allows you to save, invest, or support family back home while enjoying a solid work-life balance.

Key reasons to choose Romania:

EU membership and market access: Work in Romania and position yourself to collaborate on cross-border projects with EU standards and safety norms. This experience is transferable across the EU.
Expanding renewable energy: Romania is adding large volumes of solar and wind capacity, which drives demand for storage, grid upgrades, and smart building systems.
Favorable cost of living: Compared to Western Europe, Romania offers more affordable housing, transportation, and daily expenses, especially outside Bucharest.
Strong demand for electricians: Construction, industrial expansion, logistics, and data center activity are all rising. Battery storage systems are increasingly requested by homeowners and businesses.
Quality of life: Vibrant cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi have international schools, modern healthcare, diverse food, and outdoor recreation.

For Global citizens, Romania is both a promising destination and a strategic gateway to EU-standard professional growth.

Job Market Overview: Where the Battery Storage Opportunity Fits

Battery storage is moving mainstream in Romania. Here is how opportunities stack up by sector and city.

Residential and Small Commercial (Prosumer Market)

Rooftop solar plus batteries: Households and small businesses increasingly install 3-10 kW PV systems with 5-15 kWh lithium batteries to increase self-consumption, improve backup resilience, and manage energy costs.
Electric vehicle integration: EV uptake is rising, and homeowners want combined systems: PV + battery + EV charger, sometimes with home energy management systems (HEMS).
Smart home retrofits: Electricians with skills in communications, monitoring, and smart meters can add value by configuring battery inverters, CT clamps, and load control.
Typical roles: Residential installer, service technician, commissioning specialist, project lead for small teams.

Cities to watch: Bucharest (largest urban market), Cluj-Napoca (tech-savvy homeowners), Timisoara (industrial base and affluent suburbs), Iasi (growing middle class and new developments).

Commercial and Industrial (C&I) Storage

Peak shaving and demand management: Warehouses, cold storage, food processing, and light manufacturing use batteries to reduce peak demand charges and improve power quality.
Backup and continuity: Hospitals, data halls, banking, and telecom sites use UPS and BESS for continuity. Diesel gensets remain common, but hybrid battery-diesel solutions are growing.
Onsite renewables: SMEs install 50 kW to multi-hundred kW PV arrays; batteries add arbitrage and resilience.
Typical roles: Industrial electrician, commissioning engineer, PLC/SCADA-integrated systems technician, site supervisor.

Cities to watch: Bucharest (data centers, offices), Timisoara (automotive supply chain), Cluj-Napoca (tech and industrial parks), Iasi (IT and services), Brasov and Sibiu (manufacturing hubs), Constanta (logistics and port facilities).

Utility-Scale and Grid-Connected BESS

Large solar and wind projects: Developers add containerized battery systems (1 MW to 100+ MW) to balance variability and provide grid services.
EPC and O&M demand: Construction and long-term maintenance need electricians experienced in MV connections, protection settings, and site safety management.
Typical roles: High-voltage electrician, commissioning and testing engineer, protection technician, HV/MV cable jointer, site HSE lead.

Potential employers and partners (examples):

Utility and distribution operators: Electrica (DEER), E-Distributie (under PPC Romania), Delgaz Grid, Distributie Oltenia.
EPCs and integrators: Regional solar and battery EPCs based in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Timisoara; multinational equipment suppliers such as ABB Romania, Schneider Electric Romania, and Siemens Romania; local industrial contractors like EnergoBit and Electrica Serv.
Renewable developers: Firms developing solar, wind, and hybrid projects that need installation and O&M teams.

Why Battery Storage Skills Are a Differentiator

Scarcity of specialized installers: Standard electrical skills are common; hands-on battery storage experience is rarer. If you bring commissioning experience with hybrid inverters, BMS, and EMS, you will stand out.
Cross-sector applicability: Residential, C&I, and utility-scale battery systems share core competencies: DC work, inverter setup, protection, communication, and safety.
Future-proofing: Energy storage is set to expand with grid modernization programs and the EU's decarbonization policies. Skills you gain in Romania will be relevant across Europe.

Legal Requirements: Work Permits and Visas for Global Citizens

If you are not an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen, you will need authorization to live and work in Romania.

Standard Route: Employer-Sponsored Work Permit

Job offer: Secure a written offer from a Romanian employer. The employer typically initiates the work permit process.
Work permit application: The employer applies to the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) for a work permit (for the employee category). They submit company documents, proof of vacancy, your qualifications, and fees.
Long-stay visa: After the permit is approved, you apply for a long-stay employment visa (type D/AM) at a Romanian consulate in your home country or country of legal residence. You will need:
- Work permit approval
- Valid passport
- Recent photos
- Proof of accommodation in Romania (rental agreement or company-provided)
- Criminal record certificate
- Medical insurance or proof of coverage
- Proof of financial means (if requested)
- Payment of visa fee
Entry and residence permit: Enter Romania with the visa. Within the visa validity period, apply for a residence permit (single permit for work) at IGI. This card allows you to live and work in Romania for the duration of your employment contract.

Typical timeline: 6 to 12 weeks from job offer to entry, depending on document readiness and consulate availability.

Alternatives and Special Cases

EU Blue Card: For highly qualified workers with higher education and a salary threshold. If you have a university degree and a qualifying contract, consider this route.
Intra-corporate transfer (ICT): If you are moving within a multinational that has a Romanian entity.
Secondment (posted worker): For temporary assignments when your foreign employer contracts with a Romanian client; visa type and documentation differ.

Always verify current requirements with IGI and the nearest Romanian consulate, as procedures and fees can change.

Certification and License Recognition: ANRE and Your Credentials

Romania regulates electricians through ANRE (Autoritatea Nationala de Reglementare in Energie). If you want to perform or supervise electrical works legally, especially installations connected to the public grid or subject to reception procedures, you will need the appropriate ANRE authorization.

Understanding ANRE Electrician Grades (I - IV)

ANRE grants authorizations corresponding to the type and complexity of work. While specific subcategories exist, the typical progression is:

Grade I: Low voltage (LV) installations up to 1 kV. Execution, maintenance, and commissioning under supervision.
Grade II: Medium voltage (MV) exposure and more complex LV works, including supervision and testing responsibilities.
Grade III: Design, verification, and specialized testing roles. Often involves deeper knowledge of standards and protection.
Grade IV: Advanced design and verification, complex systems, and leadership responsibilities. Suitable for senior engineers and master electricians.

Note: ANRE uses detailed categories and may distinguish between execution, design, and verification authorizations. The above outline reflects a practical orientation for foreign electricians. Check current ANRE guidance for the exact scope of each grade and category.

Converting or Validating Foreign Credentials

Education and experience: Prepare diplomas, certificates, and employment references. Have them translated into Romanian by an authorized translator and, if required, apostilled or legalized.
ANRE exam: New applicants typically sit an exam that covers safety, Romanian standards, and technical knowledge. The exam can be taken after submitting an application with proof of qualifications and experience.
Training providers: Romanian training centers offer preparatory courses for ANRE exams. Some employers sponsor training as part of onboarding.
Recognition of professional qualifications: If you are an EU-qualified electrician, recognition may be more straightforward under EU rules. Non-EU candidates should plan for training and examination in Romania to obtain ANRE authorization.

Safety and Specialized Authorizations

Safety certifications: Expect to complete Romanian workplace safety (SSM) and fire safety (PSI) inductions before site access.
Specialized courses: For battery storage, employers may require manufacturer certifications (for example, inverter OEM training), high voltage access permits, and first aid and fire extinguisher training.
Periodic renewal: ANRE authorizations must be renewed periodically. Keep logs of your continuing professional development.

Regulatory Framework for Battery Storage Installations

Battery storage installations in Romania must comply with Romanian standards and EU directives. As an installer or supervisor, you should be familiar with the following:

EU Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU): Applies to equipment operating within certain voltage limits. Ensure components are CE-marked and installed according to manufacturer instructions.
EMC Directive (2014/30/EU): Battery inverters and control systems must meet electromagnetic compatibility requirements.
Machinery and related directives: Applicable where storage systems integrate with mechanical equipment.
Romanian standards aligned with IEC 60364: In Romania, the SR EN 60364 series (low-voltage electrical installations) is commonly referenced. The Normativ I7 for electrical installations is central for LV design and execution.
Fire safety regulations: Coordinate with ISU (Inspectoratul pentru Situatii de Urgenta) requirements and applicable fire safety norms (for example, building fire safety norms) for room classification, ventilation, fire resistance, and access.
Connection and metering: When integrating batteries with PV systems connected to the grid, comply with the distribution operator's connection rules, metering arrangements, and any notification requirements for storage. For grid-tied systems, the connection certificate and technical approval must be obtained where required.

Practical implications for installers:

Equipment selection: Use components with CE marking and evidence of conformity (declarations, test reports). Lithium battery systems should meet relevant safety standards for stationary applications.
Protection coordination: Size fuses and MCBs/isolators for DC and AC sides. Use DC-rated breakers where applicable. Provide RCD protection as required and ensure proper earthing.
Ventilation and placement: Plan battery placement to meet manufacturer specs for temperature, clearance, fire compartments, and ventilation. Avoid living spaces unless certified for indoor use.
Labeling and documentation: Clearly label isolators, emergency shutdowns, and hazard areas. Provide as-built drawings, schematics, manuals, and commissioning reports to the client.

Salary and Benefits: Realistic Figures

Salaries vary by location, sector, seniority, and language skills. Figures below are indicative and subject to change. Approximate conversion: 1 EUR = 5 RON (check current rates).

Residential electrician (installer/technician):
- Bucharest: 4,500 - 7,000 RON gross per month (about 900 - 1,400 EUR gross)
- Other major cities: 4,000 - 6,500 RON gross (800 - 1,300 EUR gross)
Industrial or C&I electrician with battery storage skills:
- 6,500 - 10,000 RON gross (1,300 - 2,000 EUR gross); senior roles can exceed 11,000 RON gross
Site supervisor/commissioning specialist (BESS projects):
- 9,000 - 15,000 RON gross (1,800 - 3,000 EUR gross)
Project engineer or team lead (with ANRE Grade III/IV and OEM certifications):
- 12,000 - 20,000 RON gross (2,400 - 4,000 EUR gross)
Contractor day rates (experienced, short-term projects):
- 600 - 1,200 RON per day (120 - 240 EUR/day), higher for HV/BESS commissioning specialists.

Benefits may include:

Meal vouchers (tichete de masa)
Company phone and laptop
Transport allowance or company vehicle for site roles
Private health insurance and accident cover
Overtime and weekend premiums
Training sponsorship (ANRE renewals, OEM courses)

Tax note: Romania applies a 10% income tax on personal income and social contributions. Net pay depends on your contract type and personal situation. Employers can help you estimate take-home pay.

Cost of Living: What to Expect

Romania offers reasonable living costs compared to Western EU, while still delivering good urban amenities.

Monthly living estimates for a single professional (ranges vary by lifestyle):

Rent (1-bedroom apartment):
- Bucharest: 450 - 800 EUR in central/inner neighborhoods, 350 - 600 EUR in outer areas
- Cluj-Napoca: 400 - 700 EUR
- Timisoara: 350 - 600 EUR
- Iasi: 300 - 550 EUR
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, internet): 100 - 180 EUR
Mobile phone plan: 7 - 15 EUR
Public transport pass: 12 - 20 EUR (city-dependent)
Groceries: 200 - 300 EUR
Eating out: 6 - 12 EUR per meal at mid-range venues
Gym or sports: 25 - 50 EUR per month
Car fuel: ~1.4 - 1.6 EUR per liter (fluctuates)

Tips:

Negotiate relocation support: A temporary housing stipend or paid hotel days can ease your arrival.
Consider living near tram or metro lines in Bucharest for shorter commutes to construction sites and warehouses.

Cultural Integration: Language and Workplace Norms

Language:

Romanian is the official language. Many younger professionals speak English, especially in tech and corporate settings. On construction sites, basic Romanian helps a lot.
Learn key phrases for safety and work coordination: stop, power off, isolate, measurement, fault, schedule, delivery, permission, inspection.

Workplace culture:

Punctuality matters. Arrive before shift start to gear up and review safety briefings.
Safety is formalized: Expect site inductions (SSM), toolbox talks, and permit-to-work systems on larger sites.
Documentation culture: As-built drawings, commissioning checklists, and photos are standard deliverables.
Hierarchy: Respect site managers and the chain of command. Raise issues early.
Lunch breaks: Meal vouchers are common; sites often have designated eating areas.

Holidays and time off:

Romania has public holidays and a typical minimum of 20 paid leave days per year. Project schedules may require weekend work with compensatory time or higher pay.

Practical Steps to Relocate and Launch Your Battery Storage Career

Follow this step-by-step plan to minimize delays and maximize your job options.

Research the market and target cities
- Identify sectors that match your experience: residential PV + batteries, C&I backup systems, or utility-scale BESS.
- Prioritize cities with the most relevant employers: Bucharest for large projects and EPCs; Cluj-Napoca and Timisoara for industrial and tech-linked installations; Iasi for growing construction and services.
Prepare your CV and documentation
- Create an English CV and a Romanian version if possible. Highlight ANRE-equivalent experience, safety leadership, and battery storage projects.
- Gather diplomas, certificates, and employment references. Obtain apostilles/legalizations where needed and prepare Romanian translations.
Build your battery storage skill stack
- Refresh on DC protection, inverter configuration, battery management systems (BMS), and energy management systems (EMS).
- Review standards: SR EN 60364 series basics, LVD and EMC compliance, labeling and isolation for DC systems.
- Complete vendor training: Look for online OEM courses for popular inverter and battery brands used in Romania.
Start job outreach
- Apply to EPCs, solar installers, industrial contractors, and distribution operator subcontractors.
- Use LinkedIn and local job boards. Join Romania-focused groups for electricians and renewable energy.
- Emphasize your ability to commission battery systems and train clients on operation and safety.
Secure an employer sponsor
- Confirm that the employer can sponsor a work permit. Ask about timeline, relocation help, and whether they support your ANRE authorization process.
Begin the immigration process
- Employer applies for your work permit at IGI.
- After approval, apply for the D/AM long-stay employment visa at a Romanian consulate.
- Prepare proof of accommodation, medical insurance, and criminal record certificate.
Arrive and settle
- Register your residence and apply for your residence permit through IGI.
- Obtain your personal numeric code (CNP) with your residence permit.
- Open a bank account for salary payments. Your employer can advise on recommended banks.
Pursue ANRE authorization
- Enroll in a preparatory course if needed. Apply for the appropriate ANRE grade.
- Sit the exam and complete any safety certifications required by your employer.
Get site-ready
- Ensure your tools are CE-marked and suitable for 230 V 50 Hz work. Acquire EU-compliant PPE (gloves, eye protection, arc-rated clothing where required).
- Familiarize yourself with Romanian color coding (brown live, blue neutral, green-yellow earth) and socket standards (Schuko Type F). Install appropriate RCDs and MCBs per local norms.
Keep learning and networking

Attend local trade shows, training sessions, and meetups. Seek OEM certifications and supervisory training to move up to Grade III/IV roles.

Battery Storage Installation: Technical Notes for Romania

Having a strong command of the technical and safety details will set you apart.

Design and sizing for residential systems:

Typical systems: 5-10 kW hybrid inverter with 5-15 kWh battery (often lithium iron phosphate).
Load analysis: Identify critical loads for backup (fridge, lighting, router, boiler control) and separate circuits if using backup outputs.
Protection: Use DC isolators, DC fuses or breakers on PV strings and battery circuits, and AC breakers sized per inverter specs. Provide surge protection where required.
Earthing and bonding: Ensure proper PE continuity, RCD coordination (often 30 mA), and bonding of metallic enclosures.
Commissioning: Update firmware, set grid codes as per DSO requirements, configure time-of-use and backup modes, and test EPS/backup switchover.
Documentation: Record serial numbers, settings, test results, and thermal images of terminations.

C&I battery systems:

Applications: Peak shaving, demand charge reduction, and backup for critical processes.
Integration: Interface with building management systems (BMS in the building sense) via Modbus/TCP or similar protocols. Coordinate with UPS where present.
Safety: Define restricted access rooms, gas detection if applicable, fire detection and suppression design per manufacturer and local fire regulations.
Maintenance: Thermal management checks, IR scans, capacity tests, firmware updates, and BMS log review.

Utility-scale BESS:

Balance-of-plant: MV switchgear, transformers, protection relays, and earthing systems.
Testing: Insulation resistance tests, relay testing, cable terminations, and verification of communication between PCS, BMS, and EMS.
HSE: Strict permit-to-work, lockout-tagout, energized work restrictions, and emergency response plans coordinated with local authorities.

Common pitfalls to avoid:

Incorrect DC protection selection (using AC-rated breakers on DC circuits).
Inadequate ventilation or clearance for batteries, leading to thermal derating or safety risks.
Poor cable management and torque practices causing hotspots.
Missing system documentation, which delays final reception and client handover.

Common Challenges for Global Electricians and How to Solve Them

Romanian standards and terminology: Even if you know IEC frameworks, local terms and document formats differ. Solution: Take a short Romanian standards course and use bilingual checklists.
Voltage differences: Romania uses 230 V, 50 Hz. Tooling must be compatible and CE-marked. Bring or buy EU-compliant test gear and adapters.
Local codes and approvals: Distribution operators and municipalities may require specific forms for grid connections and inspections. Solution: Work with local engineers and follow DSO checklists precisely.
Tool certification: CE marking is expected; some sites require calibration certificates for meters and torque tools. Keep digital copies ready.
Language at site: Some crews speak limited English. Learn basic Romanian electrical terms and use translation apps for work instructions.

Success Tips From Other Expats

Choose your first employer carefully: Look for companies with established processes for foreign hires and a track record in PV and storage.
Document everything: From torque values to firmware versions, detailed documentation increases client trust and speeds up approvals.
Invest in your ANRE path: Aim for a higher grade over time; it improves pay and responsibility.
Network locally: Join professional groups, attend vendor days, and connect with inspectors and DSO engineers.
Keep safety first: Romanian sites are increasingly strict on SSM and PSI. A strong safety mindset builds your reputation.
Learn enough Romanian to work safely: Focus on hazard, lockout, testing, fire, permission, and reporting vocabulary.

Conclusion: Seize the Battery Storage Momentum in Romania

Battery storage is the next big opportunity for electricians in Romania. Whether you focus on residential setups, C&I energy management, or utility-scale BESS, your skills are in demand. With EU-standard projects, a lower cost of living, and a clear pathway to authorization through ANRE, Romania is a compelling destination for Global electricians ready to advance their careers.

If you are serious about relocating, start now: build your battery skill stack, reach out to employers in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi, and prepare your documents for ANRE and immigration. The sooner you act, the faster you will be on site commissioning systems that power Romania's energy transition.

FAQ: Moving to Romania and Working in Battery Storage

Do I need ANRE authorization to install residential battery systems?

For formal installations, especially those tied into the grid or requiring reception, an ANRE authorization aligned with the scope of work is expected. Some employers will place you under a team led by an authorized person until you obtain your own grade. Plan to pursue at least Grade I or II depending on your responsibilities.

How long does the work permit and visa process take for Global citizens?

Plan for 6 to 12 weeks, depending on your employer's speed, documentation, and consulate appointment availability. The employer first secures a work permit from IGI; you then apply for a D/AM long-stay visa and, after arrival, a residence permit.

What is the typical salary for an electrician with battery storage experience in Bucharest?

Expect roughly 6,500 - 10,000 RON gross per month (about 1,300 - 2,000 EUR gross), with higher pay for commissioning or supervisory roles. Senior specialists can reach 12,000 - 15,000 RON gross or more, depending on project scale and certifications.

Which Romanian cities offer the best prospects for battery storage work?

Bucharest has the most large-scale projects and EPCs. Cluj-Napoca and Timisoara feature strong industrial and tech ecosystems with C&I demand. Iasi is a growing market with new constructions and services. Secondary hubs like Brasov, Sibiu, and Constanta also have opportunities.

My tools are from a non-EU country. Can I use them in Romania?

Yes, if they are compatible with 230 V 50 Hz and meet safety requirements. Prefer CE-marked tools, and ensure your test equipment has recent calibration. Use Type C or F plugs or appropriate adapters. Follow local PPE and RCD usage norms.

What Romanian standards should I know for LV installations?

Get familiar with the SR EN 60364 series and the national Normativ I7 for LV installations. Follow DSO technical requirements for grid connections. For fire safety, coordinate with ISU and building-specific norms. Always comply with the equipment manufacturer's instructions.

Is Romanian language proficiency mandatory?

Not legally, but it is very helpful on site. Many supervisors and engineers speak English, but technicians may prefer Romanian. Learning key technical and safety terms will make your work smoother and safer.

Are there many battery storage projects right now, or is this future potential?

Projects are active now, especially in residential PV + battery and C&I backup/peak-shaving. Utility-scale BESS projects are also moving forward. The trend is upward as energy costs and grid flexibility needs drive adoption.

Can my family come with me to Romania?

Yes. After you obtain your residence permit, you can typically apply for family reunification for your spouse and dependent children, following IGI requirements. Timelines and documentation vary, so plan ahead.

How do I move up to higher-paying roles?

Secure ANRE Grade II or higher, gain OEM certifications for inverters and BESS, demonstrate commissioning leadership, and build a track record with safe, well-documented installations. Aim for roles that include design input and verification to reach Grade III/IV responsibilities.

Ready to make the move? Build your battery storage skills, contact Romanian EPCs and integrators, and take the first steps toward your ANRE authorization. Romania's electrical market is growing fast, and skilled electricians who can deliver safe, reliable storage installations will lead the charge.