If you have been keeping up with the latest news on solar energy employment, you’ve probably seen a lot of emphasis on highly technical positions. The solar installation job does have numerous possibilities for persons with degrees and expertise in STEM subjects, but there are also many additional changes in the market.
Sales, labour, and customer service are a few examples of these disciplines. Solar energy workers might also find work in education. Anyone willing to put in the effort to learn the basics of solar technology career has a great possibility of achieving great success in the field. Employment growth for photovoltaic solar contractors has been estimated at 24% by the Bureau of Labour statistics.
This increase in employment is well above the national average. There is little chance of sudden layoffs in other solar-related occupations, which are also predicted to increase rapidly.
The expansion of solar energy will continue until enough people and companies begin to utilize it. Jobs inside the solar business are very lucrative, and income increase is commonplace.
As a result, you should expect a rise in your salary as you acquire more knowledge and expertise. Industrial and residential solar installers, for example, may expect a starting income of about $24,000. An experienced solar installation, on the other hand, may earn well over $50,000 annually.
Designers, engineers, sales clerks, and others should anticipate a steady rise in their pay if they choose to work in these professions.
How To Become A Solar Installer?
In the skilled and qualifications trades business, solar installers are among the most exciting & fastest-growing jobs. From 2016 through 2026, the employment of solar panel installers is expected to rise at a rate of 105%, according to the U.S. Bureau for Labor Statistics (BLS).
With a projected employment growth rate of more than ten per cent by 2026, it is the most in-demand profession in eight states nationwide.
Solar power is a kind of renewable energy that is becoming more popular as the globe moves toward utilizing more environmentally friendly forms of power.
Career in solar energy is in high demand since solar panel costs have decreased dramatically in the previous several years, enabling solar panel installation to be more affordable.
- Build a Business Network Within Your Sector
Connecting with people in the business is the excellent method to locate learning and employment possibilities. They may be able to provide you with helpful information that you cannot get by reading a book, reading a trade magazine, or attending a classroom.
Trade exhibitions, conferences, and events dedicated to solar power may be found throughout the United States. You may meet people from smaller solar groups in your area if you attend certain events.
- Seek Out Possibilities for Education and Training
A growing number of community colleges and vocational institutions are now providing courses in solar technology. In addition, not all of those courses may be used to get a certificate, although some of them are accredited.
While federal or state certification is not necessary to work as a solar technician, some firms may demand it in the future.
Those interested in a career in solar may also benefit from on-the-job training. It might take anything from one week to a year for field training to be completed. Some producers of solar components also provide education for their equipment.
With ever-expanding educational technologies like online learning, it is possible to get a solid foundation in PV Installation theory from the comfort of home. Before starting any training programme, be sure you have the skills and qualifications you need to advance in your solar profession.
- Gain Experience In The Real World
After completing your training and certification, obtaining additional hands-on experience is next. Getting your first job may be difficult in any industry since many businesses prefer candidates with prior work experience.
However, in today’s world, you do not have to scale roofs to have your first taste of adventure.
Virtual reality and 3D simulations are two of the most effective ways to learn how to install solar panels presently available on the internet. Complex topics such as how to accomplish Array Assembly Installations may be learned via 3D sim training.
Simulated training systems have become so realistic that they may be applied to the actual world. When applying for a job, it’s a good idea to include these modern technological advancements on your resume.
How To Find A Solar Installation Training Near Me?
Steps 1:
It is all about the jobs you can get after completing solar installation training. Why? Because a school with a long history and strong market connections can help you get the most excellent job possible and provide the training you need to succeed.
Steps – 2:
Solar Installation Training institutes may learn a lot about their present and future by looking at their history.
A good university may be distinguished from a poor one by several defining characteristics, including a long and distinguished history, a broad geographic reach, and a large and loyal alumni base.
It is a good idea to go with a school that has been around for a long time.
How Do I Become A Certified Solar Engineer?
A bachelor’s degree in electrical or mechanical engineering is often necessary for solar engineering professions. In certain places, higher certification may be necessary. Having a degree in industrial, chemical, or software engineering on your resume is also a good idea.
Licensure as a Professional Engineer or Engineer in Training (EIT) is often required for many positions. Licensing typically requires:
- Accreditation by the American Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET)
- Securing an engineering fundamentals pass rate of at least 70%
- Typically, at least four years of relevant job experience is required.
- Professional Engineering (PE) test passing score
College graduates may take the Fundamentals in Engineering (FE) test immediately. These individuals are referred to as technicians in education (EITs) or interns in engineering (EIs).
EITs and EIs may take the Principles & Practice of Engineering test after completing four years of work experience.
Professional development activities are required by several states for engineers to maintain their licences. As long as a state’s licencing criteria match or surpass their own, most states will accept a licence from another state.
Eng. Matthew Joseph Nandirio is the Founder of walkingsolar.
After graduating from the University of Houston in 2002, matt started working as a Solar Electrical Engineer for several multi-national solar energy companies.
He has a wide range of experiences including solar system requirement analysis, planning, maintaining, debugging and even solar device development through research.
He now shares his 20 years of expertise through his articles on the walkingsolar website.
Further, he is also the author of two books on Solar Technology, “Solar Power for Villages” and “DIY Solar System for Dummies”.