Green solar jobs - for you?

These days, its all about green solar jobs.  With record high unemployment, an economy in ruins and global climate change news grabbing headlines each week, what is the real story about jobs in the renewable energy industry?  Are we really heading towards a green economy?

Wired Science.com recently published a report showing that growth in the green jobs sector outpaced other classifications by about 250% over the past 10 years.  Between 1998-2007, renewable energy jobs grew by over 9%, compared to less than 4% for the overall job market.

For more good news, a report from the Pew Charitable Trust says that 68,200 businesses employ 770,000 green workers.  Lest you are not impressed with those figures, note that the overall segment of jobs in the RE sector is approaching the same percentage as those in “traditional” energy (coal mining and big oil).

Finally, progress!

Ready for a green solar job?

Green solar jobs may be an even better place to seek employment than biotechnology, in fact.  Notes the Pew Charitable Trusts researchers:

“Although our numbers are conservative, our report provides the most precise depiction to date of the clean energy economy in the United States.”

With the Obama administration pushing a renewable energy economy, along with its plan for economic recovery, one can expect to see even greater growth in green solar jobs in the coming years.  Predicted a team from the Goldman School of Public Policy:

“Across a broad range of scenarios, the renewable energy sector generates more jobs than the fossil fuel-based energy sector per unit of energy delivered (i.e., per average megawatt).”

The U.S. economy will be able to create even more green solar jobs, if pending climate and energy savings bills pass Congress and become law.  If cap and trade becomes law (let alone targets for renewable energy generation), we’ll soon be seeing a significant increase of employment in the green energy sector.

Be sure to check your local papers for information on green solar jobs.  In the meantime, you may want to go back to community college to obtain any additional certifications that may be needed, whether you are an engineer, construction worker, or something in between.

What is going on in your community?  Please let us know in the comments below.

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!