This could be you - working a solar job
Are you one of thousands of U.S. workers that has recently lost their job? If you are in good shape and looking for a well-paying job (from $16-$30 an hour with benefits), you may want to consider getting a solar job. You don’t need to have an advanced degree for many of the positions – simply a high school diploma and/or a certification from a trade school. Construction workers in particular would be well-suited for one of the thousands of solar jobs that are out there and the thousands more to be created in the near future.
The Solar Energy Industries Association released new figures last week which showed a 45% increase in solar panel installations from 2006 to 2007. That is a huge jump for a single year! What does this translate into as far as real solar jobs? Consider these fast facts:
Number of U.S. Companies in the Solar Business: Over 3,400
Current Number of Workers for such companies: 25,000-35,000
Industries Represented: Solar panel and solar thermal collector installers, manufacturers, distributors, materials suppliers and project developers
Future Outlook: By the year 2016, experts estimate that the number of solar jobs will climb to over 100,000!
You could be a solar panel installer
But these jobs are probably affected by the recession, right? Not at all! Many solar workers are putting in overtime hours regularly. The Solar Center, a company in New Jersey is continuing to hire a new solar installer every month. Those that are drawn to solar jobs include former construction workers and people that want to make a difference for the environment. In addition to laborers, college grads are flocking to solar jobs in order to move into design, supervision or management positions.
Even if homebuyers are not snapping up new homes right now, many homeowners are considering ways to improve the value of their home, cut energy costs and take advantage of tax incentives to go solar. With rebates and other programs, the cost of installing solar panels can be cut by up to 2/3! A system that might originally cost $60,000 to install, is a bargain at about $20,000.
Where can you find a solar job? Check with your local Chamber of Commerce to see about solar industries in your area. Here in Central Oregon, Cascade Sun Works and PV Powered are two companies that come readily to mind. I have also researched some helpful links. Check out:
Solar jobs can be a reliable source of income in these difficult economic times. The industry is growing, and if you get a position now, you’ll have more seniority when things really turn around and demand for solar power increases to an even greater degree.
I wish you all the best in finding a new solar job this year!
Tags: find a solar job, solar energy industries association, solar jobs
December 18th, 2008 at 8:09 am
I’m the perfect example; laid off in October from an “Old Economy” job in magazine distribution …hired in December by a solar/wind power distributor. What a relief, I wanted to work in this industry forever, but it took the Invisible Hand of Advanced Capitalism to swat my little rear into it.
The website where I found my job was
Thank you for publishing all this great stuff, Stephanie, it’s helping me learn my new industry faster than any other. It’s written from passion, not pure commericialism, like so many others.
December 18th, 2008 at 8:26 am
Hi Ken,
Congratulations on your solar job! So glad to hear from someone who has secured work in the industry. I appreciate your comment and support on the blog. It really is my passion.
Best, Stephanie
April 12th, 2009 at 11:43 am
Hello Ken
In all hard economical times I personally would like to extend my sincere congratulation on your solar job! I Wally Nassif President of Wally Nassif Electrical Contracting Service a State of Florida Licensed Contractor have taken a business decision in go Green and designated our Service to Solar Power (PV) and presently we are looking forward to represent (PV) Solar Energy manufacturers’ in order to hire Energetic people like yourself.
Best of Luck
Wally Nassif
President
April 12th, 2009 at 11:45 am
In all hard economical times I personally would like to extend my sincere congratulation on your solar job! I Wally Nassif President of Wally Nassif Electrical Contracting Service a State of Florida Licensed Contractor have taken a business decision in go Green and designated our Service to Solar Power -PV and presently we are looking forward to represent -PV Solar Energy manufacturers’ in order to hire Energetic people like yourself.
Best of Luck
Wally Nassif
President
April 12th, 2009 at 11:47 am
Hello ken,
In all hard economical times I personally would like to extend my sincere congratulation on your solar job! I Wally Nassif President of Wally Nassif Electrical Contracting Service a State of Florida Licensed Contractor have taken a business decision in go Green and designated our Service to Solar Power -PV and presently we are looking forward to represent -PV Solar Energy manufacturers’ in order to hire Energetic people like yourself.
Best of Luck
Wally Nassif