Careers in Solar Energy
Solar manufacturing and installation is among the fastest-growing work segments, and in the coming decade, solar jobs will dominate the clean energy marketplace.
The immediate benefit of solar jobs is that you can retool your current science or technology-based educational background to match a rising eco-friendly career.
Solar Specific Businesses
There are more than 140 different production firms giving life to the solar sector producing such products as solar panels, frames, inverters, solar lights, solar gadgets, and so on.
Many of these businesses are hiring people in any capacity as sales and production ramp up to continuously satisfy the expanding demand for solar products.
For example, there is a growing demand for PV fabrication testing technicians. These technicians test and set up solar batteries within electricity-generating solar panels.
Marketing & Sales
Among the higher paying solar professions is a career in sales. All products require a seller—whether you are marketing or distributing for the supplier—and installers, sellers and wholesalers are the front line for individuals who want a solar setup; as such, there is constantly a strong demand for qualified salespeople.
When intending to dive into the solar sales arena, however, particular demands and credentials need to be satisfied. It is worthwhile looking into supplementary training and applicable NABCEP certifications.
Solar Careers for Architects
More and more developers are integrating solar energy within overall layouts—cutting-edge new products such as solar paint, solar windows, and integrated structure PV (BIPV) mean that the need for engineers with knowledge and experience regarding solar power are sought after. To understand exactly how to make use of these modern technologies is proliferating for your bank account.
Furthermore, there is a huge market for including solar technology on existing buildings and retrofitting existing systems. Normally, a component of every solar project is to consider the framework as well as analyze the roofing layout, especially on industrial- sized projects.
This has triggered the cutting-edge position of solar operations engineer. A solar operations engineer is fundamentally an engineer of new solar power facilities. They design, develop and implement planetary systems, supervise and evaluate the project during building and construction and afterwards test relentlessly for potential failures.
Solar Installation Career Path
Installers are in high demand—however, be sure to take a look at the licensing called for in your location in conjunction with the appropriate NABCEP certification. Some states (like Massachusetts) require the installers to have a background in electrical engineering, and other locations stress a structural/well-informed roof covering background. Any solar installation apprentice is sure to be well developed in all the above areas in good time.
A few of the professions that are presently popular include:
Solar & PV Installer – These are individuals who mount electricity-producing solar (PV) photovoltaic panels onto the roof coverings of any imaginable structure or building. Qualified, experienced solar & PV installer-roofers are incredibly sought after in today’s growing “environment-friendly” modern technology economy.
Solar Water Heating Installer – A solar hot water installer designs, coordinates, and implements water- heating systems that harness the sunlight’s power. A solar furnace will harness the power of the sunlight’s
radiation to warm water and boiler (hydronic) systems for domestic, business, industrial, and various other uses. The principle of solar warm water and the products associated with it have been in use for several years, these projects are often marked by large vertical panels on a building in the direct path of sunlight. The sector has seen brisk development as evidenced by updated products and progressed concepts that continue to win over converts to the benefits of solar energy.
Solar Radiant Heating Installer – Solar radiant heating installers set up radiant heat applications such as in floor heating. Not only is it used for heating residential water, several homeowners are also utilizing solar power to assist in warming their homes and this trend appears to be growing and can be used in conjunction with geothermal heating. Comprehensive knowledge of all solar heating systems can be obtained through NABCEP certification.
Solar Consulting & Design
Worldwide, experienced solar experts rarely go without employment as they give value and independent advice concerning engineering, design, technology, and tool configuration and in some cases provide useful details pertaining to sourcing of equipment, advising installers, and even advice regarding financing options. After obtaining five years of work experience and all pertinent certifications a career as a freelance solar consultant can help installers break through the salary “glass ceiling.”
Solar Careers in Financing & Legal Services
Nearly all solar projects require financing, and this implies that financial institutions, insurance companies, government policymakers, etc. all call for people well-informed concerning solar technology and installments to evaluate these applications for financing.
To a large degree, the availability of financing is crucial to the growth of the solar sector—which implies broadening job opportunities in this field.
PV Maintenance & Upgrades
While photovoltaic panels do not need a lot of upkeep, they do need to be cleaned frequently and checked to ensure they are functioning within the system design parameters.
A life expectancy of 25+ years for crystal silicon- based solar panels promises long-term maintenance and service contracts for assured employment security.
Real Estate & Appraisals
The property market is cyclical and can be strong or weak in any area, homeowners are often searching for methods to boost their income and also add value to their home.
One method to do both is to add a solar setup or agree upon the “leasing” of your roof to independent developers. Setting up these agreements is an excellent way to supplement solar installer or consultant income.
Government Agency & Community Organizations
Currently, most governments (UN, G8, Federal, state, county, city, etc.) provide some form of incentives to promote the development of solar energy. Just as utility businesses have been passing along rewards for many years, solar companies, projects, and customers are also obtaining motivations of different kinds. Passionate people are needed to notify the public of available programs.
Solar power is among the fastest-growing markets and a major source of new jobs. As a result, governments require educated individuals to establish solar plans, track the market, examine and approve applications, provide numerous aid programs, give market oversight, etc.
There is a great deal of fantastic solar careers as well as job potential in the solar industry. It’s possible to boost your career possibilities right where you are by adding “solar knowledge” and applicable certifications to your resume as more and more firms switch over to solar and start including solar power products or services with what they offer consumers.
Here are five helpful points to consider as you approach your search for a solar occupation:
1) Fundamental knowledge: A good understanding of solar power begins with a clear understanding of the basics of how electrical energy and/or warmth are generated.
2) Product knowledge: A fundamental understanding of solar cell innovations that produce electrical energy in combination with benefits and negative aspects of each. As the industry is rapidly changing, staying current with the latest technology is key.
3) Customer demands: Recognizing the consumer’s objectives as well as goals is crucial.
4) Market: As with any type of career, it’s useful to be aware of the major patterns, knowing which firms are movers and shakers.
5) Policy: Finally, novices to the market need to recognize the industry ambassadors. Connection with the right people can help the flow of information that will provide the incentives and programs available. This information will give the biggest savings and income to consumers.