The solar energy industry is driving global adoption of clean, renewable energy, offering exciting opportunities for those passionate about making a difference. Solar energy jobs are critical to minimizing climate change and span diverse roles such as solar system installation, design, and project management.
At GreenLancer, we have over a decade of experience in the solar energy industry, and many insights to share. Let’s examine some of the skills in high demand for careers in solar energy.
Why Pursue a Career in Solar Energy?
A career in solar energy offers you job security in a growing, sustainable industry while allowing you to contribute to environmental and societal goals. Whether you're skilled in hands-on work or strategic planning, there are diverse opportunities for various interests and expertise levels.
By joining the field with a solar energy job, you can turn your passion for clean energy into a rewarding profession. Start exploring careers in solar energy and discover jobs that align with your aspirations and values.
High-Demand Jobs in Solar Energy
Careers in solar energy are rapidly expanding as the industry grows to meet global clean energy demands. From installation to design and project management, high-demand roles offer diverse opportunities with competitive salaries and job security.
Solar PV Installer is one of the fastest-growing solar energy jobs working with renewables. These professionals often work on roofs or inside with electrical panels. They typically need the ability to lift and maneuver heavy equipment weighing around 50 pounds. Many solar companies offer on the job training for new solar installers, but electrical experience is helpful.
Description: Responsible for installing and maintaining solar panel systems.
Skills Required: Basic electrical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and physical fitness.
Solar Installer Salary: $37,000–$70,000 annually, based on experience and location. It can be higher with certifications, such as NABCEP or electrical licenses.
Solar Engineer
Solar engineers are responsible for designing solar energy systems, ensuring they meet energy needs, optimize performance, and comply with regulations. They often perform engineering reviews and provide engineering stamps on solar drawings to certify system designs. Solar engineers must be licensed in the state where their projects are located, and proficient in CAD software is critical for system design and analysis.
Required Solar Job Skills: Engineering degree, CAD software proficiency, engineering review expertise, state certification.
Salary: $60,000–$120,000 annually, depending on experience and location.
GreenLancer offers engineering review services, including reviewing permit plan sets and PE seals for jurisdictions. In addition, we offer electrical, structural, and civil analysis, digital stamps, and wet stamps from licensed professional engineers for solar energy, EV charging stations, and generator projects. Create a free account to start shopping for solar engineering and design services.
Solar Salesperson
Solar sales consultants, including those in solar telemarketing, are essential for connecting customers with tailored solar solutions. Whether working in-person or over the phone, you’ll assess customer needs, explain the benefits of solar panels, and provide competitive quotes. Strong communication, customer service skills, and a solid understanding of solar technology are vital for this job in solar energy.
Required Solar Job Skills: Strong communication, customer service, and technical understanding.
Salary: $50,000–$120,000 annually, with commission-based solar job earnings.
Solar Project Manager
A solar project manager is responsible for overseeing the entire lifecycle of a solar installation project, from initial planning to final execution. This solar energy job involves coordinating teams, managing budgets, ensuring projects meet timelines, and liaising with clients to ensure satisfaction.
Required Solar Job Skills: Project management, leadership, budgeting, and problem-solving.
Salary: $75,000–$130,000 annually, depending on experience and project scope.
Solar Operations and Maintenance Technician
As the number of aging solar systems increases, the demand for skilled technicians in solar operations and maintenance grows. These solar energy jobs involve monitoring system performance, troubleshooting issues, and performing necessary repairs to ensure optimal functionality. Having certifications like NABCEP or being a licensed electrician can benefit candidates seeking to enhance their qualifications.
Required Solar Job Skills: Troubleshooting, electrical repair, and diagnostic skills.
Salary: $50,000–$90,000 annually, based on experience and location.
Solar Panel Manufacturing
The manufacturing of solar panels is a critical part of the solar industry, with an increasing focus on producing panels within the United States. This shift has been driven by the demand for energy independence and government tax incentives to create solar energy jobs. Professionals in this field work to design, test, and assemble photovoltaic (PV) panels, ensuring they meet high quality standards.
Required Solar Job Skills: Manufacturing processes, quality control, and technical knowledge.
Salary: $45,000–$90,000 annually, depending on role and experience.
Skills and Qualifications For Solar Energy Jobs
To excel in solar energy jobs, you'll need strong general skills like communication, adaptability, and a willingness to learn. Technical qualifications, such as NABCEP certifications, engineering degrees, or electrician licenses, are highly valued.
If you're just starting, Solar Energy International (SEI) offers a free Renewable Energy 101 (RE101) course online, providing an excellent introduction to the field. Entry-level solar energy job opportunities are also available for those with basic skills or apprenticeship training, creating a solid pathway into this rapidly expanding industry.
How to Start a Career in Solar Energy
To start a career in solar energy, begin by seeking training programs and certifications, such as NABCEP for solar PV installers. Networking is key—attend renewable energy job fairs to connect with industry professionals. Consider gaining hands-on experience through internships or entry-level positions to build your skills and resume. These steps will help you establish a strong foundation for a successful job in solar energy.
Solar Energy Jobs Outlook
The solar energy job market is experiencing rapid growth, with projections indicating a surge in demand due to the increasing shift toward clean energy. As technology advances, emerging roles, such as solar storage specialists, energy management professionals, and system designers, are becoming more prominent.
To stay competitive, it's essential to keep up with industry trends, pursue relevant certifications like NABCEP, and seek out training programs. This continuous learning ensures you're well-prepared for evolving solar energy jobs and can capitalize on new opportunities in the sector.
Empowering Women in Solar Energy Careers
Women are making significant strides in solar energy careers, representing 30% of the workforce in 2023, an increase from previous years. These gains highlight progress toward inclusivity in an industry traditionally dominated by men.
Groups like Women in Solar Power provide training couses, scholarships, and sponsorship opportunities for women seeking careers in solar energy. Grid Alternatives has a Women in Solar Program to build pathways to tehnical solar energy jobs for women. Also, companies such as Sunrun and Tesla promote gender diversity by implementing recruitment efforts and leadership development programs tailored for women.
Promoting Inclusivity in Solar Energy Jobs
The solar energy industry shows a committment to fostering diversity and inclusivity, ensuring individuals from underrepresented communities have opportunities for careers in solar energy. Solar training programs like those offered by GRID Alternatives focus on diversity in the solar energy workforce, providing hands-on training, mentorship, and job placement support.
Similarly, SEI fosters inclusivity by offering scholarships, affordable training programs, and courses in Spanish to make solar energy job training more accessible. These efforts help break down barriers for underrepresented communities in the renewable energy field.
Exploring Careers in Solar Energy
The renewable energy industry provides a wide range of solar energy job opportunities across various fields, including engineering, installation, and project management. As the sector expands, so does the demand for skilled professionals to help power the transition to sustainable energy.
By pursuing a career in solar energy, you can contribute to environmental sustainability while securing a rewarding career. Now is the perfect time to explore solar energy jobs and accelerate the clean energy transition.
You will likely encounter solar permitting and engineering challenges once you launch your solar technician career. GreenLancer helps solar professionals overcome these challenges with our solar permit design and engineering services. Sign up today for free or complete the submission form below to learn more.
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