As of 2024 the solar workforce in the U.S. has grown to over 280,000 full time jobs and another 90,000 part time jobs. That is an annual average grow rate of over 10% since 2010. The solar industry employs twice as many workers as the coal industry, almost five times as many as nuclear power, and about the same number as the natural gas industry.
The largest portion ,60% of those jobs are with Installation & Project Development. Manufacturing, wholesale distribution and operations & maintenance make up most of the rest.
These figures show that the best job opportunities will be in the design and installation sector. This will require a certain amount of training to make yourself attractive to an employer and the solar industry in general. The most difficult positions for employers to fill are skilled labors and professional installers. If it is possible to get trained to fill the role of one of these professional groups, your prospects for employment are very good.
It may also be possible that your present skill will be attractive to an employer in this industry. Every solar contractor or developer needs workers who possess a variety of skill sets. Aside from developing new skills, here are some job skills that are always required by a varying degree within each company: IT and computer communication are necessary skills since all solar electronic equipment is now built to communicate within its own network and with the internet. A proficient understanding of computer programs and the ability to bridge computational and plan-set drawing programs essential to most solar companies. Writing, editing and general communication skills are always necessary and this is an undervalued skill that can make a big difference in the success of a company.
The best way to get into this industry as an employee or as a contractor is to first look at the skills you now possess and see where you would fit in. The next step is to get enough training with solar design and installation to get you started and continue training as you move up the ladder to success.
Kelly Provence
Solairgen School of Solar Technology
www.solairgen.com
(800) 262-7560
