Find your perfect college degree
In this article, we will be covering...
Columbia Climate School research says an acre of solar panels installed can reduce 208 to 236 times more CO2 emissions than an acre of forests. Such things convinced us to pursue a career in the solar sector.
However, mismatched technical skills, limited career options, and a lack of information about professional growth pushed us back. That’s when we started to look for different career prospects in solar energy. If you’re also struggling with it, don’t worry; we have done all the research for you.
Career Prospects in Solar Energy
There are various occupations within the solar power industry, including research, development, installation and maintenance of solar equipment, and sales and marketing. The beauty of this field is that it has jobs for education and experience at every level, ranging from technicians and installers to managers and engineers.
The solar job growth rate in the US has been stupendous in recent years, attracting young talent from different backgrounds to join this diverse field. However, the many jobs available in this market may leave you indecisive about the best option. We have solved your problem by discussing everything needed to pursue a career in this field.
Let’s look at seven career paths you can choose for a rewarding career in sustainable energy sources.
Solar Panel Installer
Solar panel installers are responsible for connecting solar panels with the power grids by dealing with tasks like cutting, assembling the equipment, connecting the wires, and attaching panels to the roof.
Moreover, designing the overall layout of the infrastructure also lies within their scope of activities. They also ensure that equipment complies with safety guidelines to avoid any possible harm.
Valuable skills:
- Knowledge of solar systems
- Good arithmetic skills
- Design skills
- Attention to detail
- Analytical thinking
- Resilient to stress
- Team player
Job Growth Rate: 22% (2022-2032)
Annual Average Salary: $69,537
Materials Scientist
As the name suggests, the primary duties of a materials scientist are inspecting and analyzing the chemical properties of materials such as alloys, semiconductors, glass, metals, ceramics, and rubber.
Their concern is to use these materials employing the latest techniques to minimize cost and enhance the efficiency of the solar panels. They rigorously test these materials and methods to present findings about creating optimized solar equipment.
Helpful skills:
- Chemistry knowledge
- Good math skills
- Analytical skills
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving skills
- Commercial awareness
- Interpersonal skills
Job Growth Rate: 6% (2022-2032)
Annual Average Salary: $119,633
Software Engineer
Software engineers produce tech tools that can help manufacture, install, and train employees about solar power equipment. They create software of varied functionality to deal with different aspects of the solar panel industry, ranging from system design simulation tools to monitoring applications for energy consumption, finance, and sales.
Software engineering is among the top fields that can tap six figures without hassle.
Required skills:
- Programming languages
- Database knowledge
- Algorithms understanding
- Operating systems
- Logical thinking
- Software testing
- Teamwork
- Written skills
Job Growth Rate: 25% (2022-2032)
Annual Average Salary: $118,184
Solar Sales Representative
They work to understand the client’s needs and study their site to determine suitability for solar panel installation. Sales Representatives find new clients and prepare quotes, proposals, presentations, and contracts to oversee the complete sales cycle from initial contact with customers to selling them the right solar tools and services.
Helpful skills:
- Renewable energy knowledge/degree
- Leads generation
- Reporting skills
- Customer service
- Verbal and written skills
- Active listening
- Persuasion skills
- Negotiation skills
- Decision making
Job Growth Rate: 4% (2022-2032)
Annual Salary: $62,173
Solar Engineer
Solar engineers are experts in designing solar power equipment, its installation, and management. They improve existing solar technology and also work to develop new systems based on their research on efficient solar power generation.
Being in senior roles in the solar department, they work as a bridge between manufacturers and other solar experts to improve energy efficiency and solve complex technical problems. If you are interested in system design and juggling with electronic equipment, this might be the best field for you.
You might need a PE license in addition to your engineering degree to tap management positions in solar companies.
Valuable skills:
- Solar technology and installation
- Site assessment
- Construction documents
- System design
- Project management
- AutoCAD
- Solar energy systems
- Creativity
- Analytical skills
Job Growth Rate: 3% (2022-2032)
Average Annual Salary: $83,351
Project Manager
Project managers are the key players in deploying solar energy projects as they oversee the planning and execution of the solar projects. They deal with various project management-related activities like budgeting, logistics, and installation.
To succeed in this role, a person needs to have a higher understanding of projects with strong management and leadership skills. They are essential in overseeing the planning, execution, and completion of solar projects.
Required skills:
- Interpersonal skills
- Budgeting and planning
- Project management
- Verbal and written skills
- Leadership skills
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Organizational skills
- Identifying risks
- Disaster management
Job Growth Rate: 6% (2022-2023)
Average Annual Salary: $92,495
Reasons to Consider a Career in Solar
Solar energy might be your best choice if you are an environmental advocate and vocal about sustainable practices.
Let’s have a look at some of the compelling reasons to join this amazing field:
- Job Prospects
- Personal Fulfillment
- Variety of Roles
- Lucrative Opportunity
Job Prospects
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job openings for solar PV installers are expected to increase by 22% from 2022 to 2023, four times more than the average for all other occupations. This trend shows the potential growth of solar energy jobs, making it a worthwhile field for fresh graduates.
Personal Fulfillment
Most people feel dissatisfied with their careers as they offer nothing beyond financial benefits. Working in the solar sector gives one a sense of purpose as they feel a part of something more significant and worthwhile. A solar energy career can be fulfilling because you work for a sustainable environment that reduces global warming and contributes to the Earth’s longevity.
Variety of Roles
Individuals with varied skill sets and degrees can enter the solar energy field as it requires employees in many domains:
- System design
- Installation and operations
- Project construction and development
- Manufacturing
- Marketing and sales
On top of that, you can join the solar sector with diverse degree backgrounds.
Lucrative Opportunity
Solar energy jobs are not only rewarding personally. They also offer reasonable remuneration. For instance, the demand for solar installers has spiked by 315%, making it among the fastest-growing jobs in 2023.
There are a lot of companies hiring graduates with sustainability-related degrees.
Solar Power Generation
Solar power is used to power grid stations, residential buildings, and commercial offices. As solar energy is readily available in any geographical area, it can be used to power up buildings in almost every main area of the country.
Methods of Solar Power Generation
Two standard methods for generating electricity from solar power are Photovoltaic and Concentrating Solar Power.
Photovoltaic Solar Power
In the PV solar method, semiconducting material absorbs sun rays and turns them into electricity. It’s carried out with the help of solar panels consisting of solar cells, which are responsible for turning light particles into electric current, which is used to power homes and businesses. These solar panels are often used in multiple pairs to power entire buildings, effectively using sunlight.
Concentrating Solar Power
Another method to extract power from sunlight is Concentrating Solar Power (CSP), which gathers sun rays and turns them into heat. This heat changes into steam, which can power generators. The sunlight is collected with the help of giant mirrors, which also collect light before turning it into steam. Solar power towers are used to carry out this whole procedure effectively.
Growth of Solar Power in the US
According to the latest SEIA (Solar Energy Industries Association) report, the US solar industry installed 6.5 gigawatts-DC of capacity in the 3rd quarter of 2023. It is a 35% increase from the previous quarter of the same year.
Solar power totaled a whopping 48% of overall new energy generating capacity added to the grid in the first three quarters of 2023, showing the commitment of the US to a sustainable environment by utilizing green energy resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Programs for Veterans in the Solar Industry?
Yes, veterans can have a lucrative post-military career in the solar industry. Programs like the Solar Ready Vets Fellowship offered by IREC facilitate veterans’ gaining hands-on experience and technical expertise to succeed in this field.
What Is the Future Work of Solar Energy?
The current trend shows that solar energy will play a significant role in the transportation sector and residential usage in the coming years. Solar-powered vehicles will potentially be the next big thing in this industry.
What Skills Are Required to Succeed as a Solar Installer?
The most essential skills to succeed as a solar panel installer are communication skills, physical strength, and attention to detail. You don’t need a higher degree to start your career as a solar installer; however, willingness to learn and practice is essential, along with maintaining your health to undertake demanding tasks requiring physical stamina.
Summary
If you are considering a career in solar energy, it’s advisable to research possible career paths and their suitability with your skills, experience, and interests. Solar is expected to grow manifolds in the coming years, so level up your skills and build networks within the industry to secure a decent career.
