I have worked in the solar industry for 30 years and I have enjoyed almost ever occupation it has to offer. I started out as an electrical contractor offering solar as an electrical service; my occupations were sales, design, installation and maintenance. It was more fun than I’ve ever had working in any other field.
In later years I became a consultant to other solar contractors. Educating customers was a constant requirement and the workforce was also in need of good installation training. My next job was developing training courses for the work-force and sales-force. Naturally, teaching those courses was next. There are a lot of other jobs that a solar contractor must do such as accounting, writing, editing, marketing, equipment maintenance and ensuring safe work practices.
Most solar contractors will hire multiple installers with lead supervisors. Some companies have an offshoot division of installers that do nothing but commissioning, maintenance and troubleshooting. Sales people account for a large number of employees as well. System designers will be the next most needed position. Often sales and design teams will work together since they are connecting the customer’s needs to the installation crew’s job. Someone will be in charge of the warehouse and maintaining necessary inventory. The warehouse personnel coordinate with installers, designer and sales people.
The front line of any company is the people answering the phones; these people have multiple skills but none more important than effective communication. There will also be accounting, editing, social media and event planning, website management and of course those who run the company.
Yes, the solar industry is challenging and rewarding. It’s growing at a continuously fast pace and it is replacing energy sources that create challenges to the world we live in. The technology is exciting; there is always new innovative products coming into the industry.
The solar industry is for everyone, whether as a hobby or a career. To learn more, check out our entry level PV201 course and our advanced level solar PV224 PV with energy storage course. Or take them as a bundle a save a few dollars.
Mr. Kelly Provence
IREC Certified Master Trainer
Solairgen School of Solar Technology
(800) 262-7560
