by Federica Rustico 1 year ago 13 min
Solar energy has taken the world by storm, experiencing a massive growth spurt in the past decade. This growth isn’t just about using the sun to power our homes and cities. It’s also about job creation and developing exciting careers for people like you and me. While the industry was once a niche sector, it now stands as a significant generator of employment, providing a wide spectrum of solar energy careers. In this article, we’ll explore these career paths in detail. We’ll look at how the solar energy industry has grown over time, what jobs have emerged from this growth, and what you can expect to earn in these roles. We’ll also dig into the kind of education and skills you need to kick-start a career in this field.
The global solar energy market has experienced a sharp incline over the years, driven primarily by the escalating concerns about climate change, along with government incentives to adopt clean energy alternatives. As of 2023, the cost of solar power has decreased significantly while efficiency and performance have improved, enabling more widespread adoption. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), a total of 190 gigawatts (GW) of newly installed PV capacity were installed worldwide in 2022, whereas BloombergNEF calculated 268 GW of newly installed solar installations. The right number? It surely lies in between, but it certainly tells us the enormous growth the solar energy industry is undertaking. And apart from economic development, this growth has created abundant opportunities in solar energy careers.
The expansion of the solar energy industry has given birth to a plethora of job opportunities, not just for scientists and engineers, but for a wide array of professionals seeking rewarding solar energy careers. The breadth of jobs in the solar energy industry extends beyond the technical realm, encompassing roles in business and logistics, project development, manufacturing, marketing, sales, and customer service. According to the Renewable Energy and Jobs: Annual Review 2022 report by IRENA, Solar PV accounted for the largest portion of renewable energy jobs in 2021, providing approximately 4.3 million jobs.
The employment impact of solar energy expansion is substantial. In the United States, the solar industry employed about 231,000 people as of 2020, a 7% share of the global total. Furthermore, IRENA predicts that worldwide employment in renewable energy could increase to more than 38 million by 2030, with solar playing a major role.
The solar energy industry presents a diverse range of career opportunities encompassing technical, business, scientific, and creative roles. Here, we highlight key positions, including their average salaries, significance in the industry, and relevant academic pathways:
Technical roles in solar energy require a hands-on approach and an understanding of solar technology’s practical applications. These positions play a crucial part in designing, installing, and maintaining solar energy systems.
Solar Panel Installer: Also known as PV installers, these professionals install and maintain solar panels on various structures, mainly roofs. With the continuous growth of solar energy, the demand for this role has increased significantly. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of solar photovoltaic (PV) installers is projected to grow 50.5 percent from 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This surge in demand is driven by the reduction in the cost of PV systems, which in turn has increased demand for solar energy installations. In the US, the median pay for solar photovoltaic installers was $47,670 per year in 2021 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. A high school diploma is the most common education requirement, and on-the-job training is typical.
Solar Electrician: Solar electricians specialize in installing and maintaining the electrical components used in solar systems. The increase in renewable energy projects is driving demand for this role. As more businesses and homeowners switch to solar energy, there’s a growing need for skilled electricians who can safely install, maintain, and repair these systems. The median annual wage for electricians, including those in the solar industry, was $60,040 in 2021. Most electricians learn through an apprenticeship, but some start out by attending a technical school.
Solar System Designer/Engineer: These engineers design solar energy projects on various scales, from residential homes to large solar farms. As solar technology becomes more efficient and affordable, more businesses and homeowners are investing in solar energy, driving demand for skilled system designers and engineers. The job outlook is favorable, particularly for those who stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in solar technology. The median salary for solar engineers in the US is $67,857 as of 2022. A Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field is typically required.
These roles involve the commercial and operational aspects of the solar energy industry. They require skills in project management, sales, marketing, and understanding the solar energy market.
Solar Energy Sales Consultant: These consultants design and sell solar energy systems, helping clients to understand the benefits and cost savings of switching to solar. With the rise of solar energy, the demand for knowledgeable sales consultants in the field is also increasing. In the coming years, more and more homeowners and businesses are expected to explore solar energy, so the job prospects for solar sales consultants remain promising. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a solar sales consultant in the US is $97,787 as of 2023. A bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or a related field is often required.
Solar Operations Manager: This managerial role involves overseeing the daily operations of solar power plants. With an increasing number of solar projects being implemented worldwide, the need for operations managers in the solar industry is growing. This trend is expected to continue as more regions invest in solar power. The median salary for solar energy project managers in the US is about $67,284. A bachelor’s degree in business or a related field is typically required, along with several years of experience in project management.
Scientific roles in solar energy involve in-depth research, project oversight, and manufacturing roles that work towards the development of new technologies and the improvement of existing ones.
Solar Research Scientist: These scientists conduct research to develop more efficient and affordable solar technologies. With the global push towards renewable energy, there’s a surge in demand for research scientists who can make solar energy more accessible and efficient. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for materials scientists, a role that includes solar research scientists, is projected to grow 6 percent from 2021 to 2029. The average salary for solar energy scientists in the US is around $94,541 (Indeed). A PhD in physics, chemistry, or a related field is typically required.
Solar Project Manager: These managers oversee solar installations, ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget. As the solar industry expands, there’s a growing demand for project managers with experience in solar installations. According to the Project Management Institute, project management job growth is expected to be faster than the average for all occupations. The median salary for project managers in the solar energy sector in the US is about $114,056 per year (Glassdoor). A bachelor’s degree in a related field and experience in project management are generally required.
Solar Manufacturing Technician: These technicians assemble and maintain solar panel systems in factories. As the production of solar panels increases to meet rising demand, so does the need for skilled manufacturing technicians. This demand is expected to continue growing as the push towards renewable energy strengthens. The average salary for solar technicians in the US is around $54,015. A high school diploma or associate degree in a related field is typically required.
These roles focus on the promotion of solar energy products and the advocacy for policies that encourage the growth of the solar energy sector.
Solar Policy Analyst: Policy analysts in the solar industry advocate for policies that promote the growth of solar energy. As governments around the world are focusing more on renewable energy, there’s an increased demand for professionals who understand the policy landscape of solar energy. This trend is likely to continue as the world transitions to more sustainable forms of energy. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for energy policy analysts in the US is around $73,072 . A bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, or a related field is typically required.
Solar Marketing Specialist: Marketing specialists in the solar industry promote solar products and services. As competition within the solar industry intensifies, companies need effective marketing strategies to stand out. Thus, there’s a growing demand for marketing specialists who understand the solar market. This demand is expected to increase as solar energy continues to gain popularity. The average salary for marketing specialists in the solar industry in the US is around $69,352 (Glassdoor). A bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, or a related field is typically required.
To prepare for a career in the rapidly evolving solar energy industry, the right educational background can provide a vital foundation. The diverse range of roles within the industry opens up various study paths, spanning from technical trades to advanced degrees, enabling individuals to build a solid foundation for their solar energy careers.
For technical roles such as solar panel installers and solar electricians, trade school or community college programs can offer the right training. Programs in construction, electrical technologies, or other related trades can provide practical skills and knowledge that directly apply to these roles. Vocational courses, such as those offered by technical institutes, are valuable in this regard. Moreover, specific industry certifications, like those from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), can give you an edge in these fields. Such certifications demonstrate a proven understanding of best practices in the industry.
Many roles in the solar energy sector, such as system designer/engineer, project manager, and operations manager, typically require a bachelor’s degree. Engineering disciplines, including electrical, mechanical, or civil engineering, provide a solid foundation for these roles. Environmental science or renewable energy studies are also excellent paths for those interested in research or project development roles.
For those pursuing scientific research or high-level managerial roles, advanced degrees can often be beneficial. Consider master’s or Ph.D. programs in energy systems, environmental engineering, or materials science. These fields can open doors to roles such as a solar research scientist or a high-level project manager overseeing large solar installations or research programs.
Business degrees can be advantageous for roles such as a solar sales consultant or a project development manager. Business administration or management studies equip students with strategic planning and project coordination skills. For roles like a solar policy analyst, degrees in environmental policy or law, international relations, or political science can provide valuable knowledge about policymaking processes. Finally, creative roles such as a solar marketing specialist benefit from studies in marketing, communications, or public relations. These fields prepare students to craft effective messages and develop strategic marketing campaigns.
It’s important to remember that the solar industry is rapidly evolving, and as such, continued learning is key. This could include attending industry events, conferences, and workshops or completing additional certifications as new technologies emerge. Keeping abreast of changes in industry regulations and policies is also critical, particularly for those in policy or managerial roles. As renewable energy continues to grow, so too will the range of study paths that lead to successful solar energy careers. By aligning your interests and career goals with the right education and continuous learning, you can help shape the future of energy while advancing your career.
In conclusion, the surge in demand for solar energy is creating a wide variety of exciting and fulfilling solar energy careers. From technical roles such as solar panel installers, electricians, and system designers, to business and logistic positions like solar energy sales consultants and operations managers, there are numerous ways to contribute to the growth of this vital industry. The demand for scientists, technicians, policy analysts, and marketing specialists is also increasing as the world seeks to make solar energy more efficient, affordable, and widespread. Each of these roles plays a crucial part in shaping our sustainable future. Solar energy is not just a practical solution to the world’s energy needs, but it also represents a thriving industry with significant job growth.
As governments and businesses around the world continue to invest in renewable energy, professionals who can harness the power of the sun will be in high demand. This is not only a promising prospect from an economic perspective but also from a sustainability point of view. Solar energy careers allow individuals to make a positive impact on the environment while advancing their professional development. Whether you’re interested in the technical, business, scientific, or policy aspects of solar energy, the opportunities are vast, rewarding, and crucial to our shared goal of a greener, brighter future. Choosing a career in solar energy is an investment in that future. As the industry continues to grow and evolve, those who have the skills and knowledge to drive it forward will find abundant opportunities for success. The sun is rising on the solar energy industry, and it’s an excellent time to join the journey towards a more sustainable world.
The educational requirements for solar energy careers can vary. Technical roles often require a high-school diploma or an apprenticeship while business and sales roles may benefit from degrees in business administration or marketing. Entry-level positions may have less stringent educational requirements, focusing more on practical skills and certifications.
The employment outlook for solar energy careers is promising due to the increasing demand for renewable energy and the growth of the solar industry. According to IRENA, worldwide employment in renewable energy, including solar, is projected to exceed 38 million jobs by 2030.
Yes, there are ample opportunities for career advancement in the solar energy industry. As the industry expands, professionals can progress to managerial or leadership roles, specialize in specific areas such as solar project management or research, or even start their own solar energy businesses. Continuous learning, experience, and networking can contribute to career growth within the industry.
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