Careers in solar energy have been rapidly growing over the years and is continuing to be a field that is gaining significant attention.
With advancements in technology and a growing demand for clean energy, the solar industry is expected to continue its growth trajectory.
This popularity has led to an increase in job opportunities in the solar industry, ranging from engineering and design to installation and maintenance. As the demand for solar energy continues to grow, so too will the need for skilled professionals in the field.
Careers In Solar Energy
Solar energy is a rapidly growing industry, and with that growth comes a wide range of career opportunities. From solar installers to sales professionals, there are many paths to success in the field of solar energy.
Solar Installer
Solar installers are responsible for installing solar panels and related equipment on residential and commercial buildings. They must have a strong understanding of electrical systems and be able to work comfortably at heights. Many solar installers are certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
Solar Technician
Solar technicians are responsible for maintaining and repairing solar panels and related equipment. They must have a strong understanding of electrical systems and be able to troubleshoot problems quickly and efficiently. Many solar technicians are also certified by NABCEP.
Engineering Technician
Engineering technicians work with engineers to design and develop solar energy systems. They must have a strong understanding of engineering principles and be able to use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create detailed plans and schematics.
Sales
Sales professionals in the solar industry are responsible for selling solar panels and related equipment to residential and commercial customers. They must have strong communication and interpersonal skills, as well as a thorough understanding of the benefits of solar energy.
Service Technician
Service technicians in the solar industry are responsible for maintaining and repairing solar panels and related equipment. They must have a strong understanding of electrical systems and be able to troubleshoot problems quickly and efficiently.
Many service technicians are also certified by NABCEP.
Whether you are a veteran looking to transition into a new career or a recent graduate looking for professional development opportunities, there are many paths to success in the field of solar energy.
The Solar Career Map, developed by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), provides a comprehensive overview of the many career opportunities available in the solar industry. Additionally, organizations such as Solar Ready Vets provide training and job placement assistance for veterans looking to enter the solar industry.
Related Careers
On top of careers that deal directly with solar installation and sales, there are jobs in related areas…some more indirect than others. The upside to these potential job areas is job diversity, so if you’re someone that likes an ever evolving career, then some of these might be suited for you.
Manufacturing
The manufacturing sector of the solar energy industry involves the production of solar panels, inverters, and other components that make up the solar energy system.
The manufacturing process involves cutting, soldering, and assembling solar cells into modules, which are then assembled into panels. Solar panel manufacturers also produce inverters, which convert the direct current (DC) produced by the solar panels into alternating current (AC) that can be used by households and businesses.
Installation
The installation sector of the solar energy industry involves the installation of solar panels and other components onto rooftops or other structures.
Solar panel installers work closely with engineers and electricians to ensure that the solar energy system is installed properly and efficiently. Installers must have knowledge of electrical systems, roofing, and construction.
Engineering
The engineering sector of the solar energy industry involves the design and development of solar energy systems.
Engineers work on developing new technologies that can improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of solar energy systems. They also work on designing solar energy systems that can be integrated into existing energy systems, such as power grids.
Solar Energy Industry Certifications
Individuals interested in a career in the solar energy industry can benefit from obtaining industry certifications.
These certifications demonstrate a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field and can increase job opportunities and earning potential.
There are several organizations offering solar energy industry certifications, including the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and the U.S. Department of Energy.
North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP)
NABCEP is a non-profit organization that offers certification programs for solar professionals. NABCEP certifications are highly regarded in the industry and demonstrate a high level of knowledge and expertise. The organization offers several certification programs, including:
- PV Installation Professional Certification
- PV Design Specialist Certification
- Solar Heating Installer Certification
- Solar Heating Designer Certification
- PV System Inspector Certification
- PV Technical Sales Certification
Each certification has its own set of requirements, including education and experience, and requires passing an exam.
U.S. Department of Energy
The U.S. Department of Energy offers several certification programs for individuals interested in the solar energy industry.
These certifications are designed to ensure that professionals have the knowledge and skills necessary to design, install, and maintain solar energy systems. The certifications offered by the U.S. Department of Energy include:
- Solar Photovoltaic System Design and Installation Certification
- Solar Heating System Design and Installation Certification
- Solar Power Professional Certification
Each certification has its own set of requirements, including education and experience, and requires passing an exam.
Solar Energy Job Market
Growth
The solar energy job market has experienced significant growth in recent years.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in the solar industry is projected to grow 63% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.
This growth is due to the increasing demand for renewable energy sources and the declining cost of solar technology.
Salary and Responsibility
Careers in solar energy offer competitive salaries and opportunities for advancement. The BLS reports that solar photovoltaic (PV) installers earned a median annual wage of $46,470 in May 2020, while solar engineers earned a median annual wage of $103,560.
Solar technicians and engineers are responsible for designing, installing, and maintaining solar energy systems. They must have a strong understanding of solar technology and electrical systems.
| Salary of a Solar Installer (median) | Salary of a Solar Engineer (median) |
| $46,470 per year | $103,560 per year |
Data from Bureau of Labor Statistics
The BLS reports that solar PV installers held about 12,100 jobs in 2020, while solar engineers held about 7,800 jobs. The top industries for solar PV installers were building equipment contractors and electrical contractors, while the top industries for solar engineers were architectural, engineering, and related services.
The BLS also reports that the highest-paying states for solar PV installers were Hawaii, California, and Massachusetts, while the highest-paying states for solar engineers were California, Colorado, and Massachusetts.
Overall, the solar energy job market offers a promising career path for those interested in renewable energy and sustainable practices. As the demand for solar energy continues to grow, so will the need for skilled technicians and engineers.
Innovation and Future of Solar Energy
Solar energy is a rapidly growing industry that is constantly innovating to meet the needs of consumers and the planet.
The future of solar energy looks bright, with new technologies and advancements in existing technologies that are making solar energy more efficient and cost-effective. This section will explore some of the innovations and future developments in solar energy.
Concentrating Solar Power
Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) is a technology that uses mirrors or lenses to concentrate sunlight onto a small area, which heats up a fluid that generates electricity.
CSP is an exciting innovation in solar energy because it allows for the storage of energy, which can be used when the sun isn’t shining. CSP can also be used in conjunction with other renewable energy sources to create a more reliable and consistent source of power.
Marketing and Administration
As solar energy becomes more popular, there is a growing need for professionals in marketing and administration.
These professionals help to promote solar energy and educate consumers about the benefits of going solar. They also work to streamline the installation process and make it easier for consumers to access solar energy.
Computer Science
Computer science is an important field in the future of solar energy. With the use of advanced algorithms and machine learning, computer scientists can optimize solar energy systems to be more efficient and cost-effective.
They can also develop software that allows for the remote monitoring and control of solar energy systems, which can help to reduce maintenance costs and increase the lifespan of the system.
Power Tools
Power tools are an essential part of the solar energy industry. They are used to install solar panels and other equipment, and they must be durable and reliable to withstand the rigors of the job. As the industry grows, there is a need for more specialized power tools that are designed specifically for the installation and maintenance of solar energy systems.
As the industry continues to grow, there will be a need for professionals in a variety of fields, including marketing, administration, computer science, and power tools. With continued innovation and investment, solar energy has the potential to become a major source of renewable energy for the world.
