Get a Solar Job

Are you ready to get a solar job?

With the passage of the U.S. stimulus bill earlier this year, investment in a green economy is well on its way.  That, coupled with concerns about global climate change and foreign oil dependence has made it easier than ever to get a solar job.

President Obama even stated that his Green Agenda begins with jobs.  So far, that emphasis does seem to be translating to employment for people that are transitioning away from construction or high-tech industries.

Expect green jobs to rise at unprecedented rates, starting in late 2009, through 2030.  Recent statistics are quite encouraging for those looking for jobs in the solar industry.

Consider this, from a LiveScience post this week:

“About $155 billion was invested in 2008 in clean energy companies and projects worldwide, according to a new report out today. That’s four times a much as the 2004 investment.”

Of other renewable resources, such as wind and biofuels, solar investments made the largest jump – 49%, or $33.5 billion in 2007 alone.  Add that fact to estimates that the price of photovoltaic panels will drop by over 40% in 2009 alone, and suddenly the demand for solar energy will go through the roof!

Is there a solar job for you?

So, while we know that solar industry growth is the fastest-growing RE sector, will that translate to green jobs?

First of all, you have to be qualified for a solar job before you can successfully gain employment.  Because some experts predict that green jobs will have their greatest growth in 2010, its time to hit the books to obtain certifications and/or a college degree.  Community colleges are filled to capacity with new students that are taking advantage of unemployment to bolster their resume.

Second, you need to know where the solar jobs are.  This also requires a general knowledge of where government funding will be directed.  In the U.S., the stimulus bill has authorized funds as follows:

• $11 billion for a smart grid
• $2.3 billion for advanced battery technology
• $6.3 billion to states and local governments for greater energy efficiency
• $60 billion in guaranteed loans for renewable energy power generation projects
• $2.5 billion for clean energy research

You can get a solar job in the U.S. (more than 110,000 new jobs are expected by the end of 2010), or in Canada (which expects a 100% solar job growth during the same time period).  Of course, solar installers, research and development, marketing and more are required all over the world.  Germany, in particular, is a global leader with respect to solar energy!

Do you know of a company that’s currently hiring?  Please be sure to pass along some information about jobs in the solar industry!

Tags: get a solar job, green economy, green jobs, jobs in the solar industry