Considering a solar power job? Learn what they pay!

Did you know that you do not even need a college degree for some jobs in the solar industry?  That’s the first part of the good news.  Experts predict that the number of solar jobs will continue to rise as both public and private property owners realize the value of saving money and the environment by making a switch to solar energy.  Installation of solar panels will continue to boom in 2012 as prices have dropped making solar power cost competitive with coal and other traditional energy resources.

But what does a solar job pay?  How much can you make with a solar power career?

We found the following charts at this post on Solar Energy World, published on December 26, 2011:

Solar energy jobs that only require a High School diploma or G.E.D. :

Solar careers for people with a Bachelors degree, Trade School Training, or Apprenticeship:

If you are considering a solar power job, now might be just the time to get your application materials and resume together.  The solar industry is continuing to expand and – unlike coal and gas – it is not a finite resource.  As the world more seriously considers the toll of global climate change, the U.S. will be a leader in solar power growth.

That means they need people like you to add to the solar power job workforce!

SolarCity providing green jobs

The SJF Institute handed out its 2011 Green Jobs Awards recently, honoring the San Mateo, California company SolarCity.

Green jobs have experienced a tremendous growth during the recession, with solar power one of the leading industries providing such employment opportunities.  SolarCity currently employs 1,350 people full time and provides a full health package and retirement plan.  Not only that, but entry level photovoltaic (PV) solar panel installers have the opportunity to move quickly up the ranks into supervisory and management positions within 1-2 years of hire.

Linda Keala, SolarCity’s VP of human resources commented on its receipt of the 2011 Green Jobs Award:

“Our more than 1,300 employees make it possible for many homeowners and businesses to switch to clean, solar power for less than they pay for utility power.  Every SolarCity employee supports and plays a key role in increasing the use of clean power or using power more efficiently to make our country less dependent on energy sources that pollute our environment.”

Despite recent economic conditions, SolarCity has more than 20,000 clean power projects completed or underway in 11 states.

Regarding the 2011 Green Jobs Award, Bonny Moellenbrock, SJF Institute Executive Director, stated:

“By acknowledging the tremendous work these companies are doing, we hope to both support their efforts and inspire other businesses to follow their lead.”

What do you think about solar power and green jobs?

U.S. Conference of Mayors shows strong support for solar power

At a recent municipal conference last week, a survey revealed that solar power is supported by American mayors, overwhelmingly.   The U.S. Conference of Mayors included leaders from all cities of more than 30,000 people, and took place in Baltimore, Maryland.

Among the issues facing municipal leadership are the development of clean energy technology, deployment of solar power and the creation of green jobs.  To get to the heart of the matter, a Siemens survey was revealed to illustrate the fact that renewable energy resources for clean power is a high priority for American mayors across the country.  This moves solar power, and other technologies, to the forefront.

According to Deborah Dehaney-Howard, spokeswoman for the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the survey did not focus exclusively on solar power.  However, the results did show that many city leaders believe solar electricity production, along with energy-efficient building technologies and LED lighting systems, is among the top three most promising clean energy technologies.  However, even though the mayors admitted that the Recession has impacted city budgets, they still plan on increasing use of green energy over the next 5 years.

Overall, one quarter of the cities represented at the conference have already established renewable energy production standards.  In fact, notwithstanding the absence of a national policy on green energy, many cities have incorporated policies to encourage clean energy like solar power within their master plans.

Cities encouraging solar power growth

Even with solar power supported by American Mayors, there are still some geographical differences across the country.  Generally speaking, you’ll find more solar electricity being developed in the West and Northeast.  Yet, overall, 46% of the cities surveyed responded in the survey that they see solar power as one of the most promising clean energy technologies.

In Portland, Tennessee, 400 new solar jobs will be created over the next four years as Shoals announced it will be making solar energy system components at a new facility.

Green solar jobs at Shoals in Portland, Tennessee

The 75,000 square foot facility will open this month, costing about $10.5 million.  Shoals Technologies Group has “re-tooled” over the past year, changing its focus from an automotive parts manufacturer to the solar industry.  Since its shift in 2009, the company has experienced double-digit growth.  In fact, Shoals’s diversification into renewable energy manufacturing has resulted in a significant boost for the green energy economy.

Shoals is one of Sumner County’s top employers.  It manufacturers  solar components, which are sold to India and China.  People that are hired for one of the 400 new solar jobs will work on the assembly line, or fill new slots in the engineering department.

Evergreen Solar moves U.S. production of solar panels to China

Since the recession began in 2007, the United States government has purported to try to stimulate the economy and create new jobs.  Green jobs have been one of the Administration’s focuses, but apparently not enough so.

Last week, Evergreen Solar – the third largest maker of solar panels in the United States – announced that it was closing its main factory here and moving production to China.  The stated reason?  Higher government support there.

Evergreen Solar is entering a joint venture with a Chinese company and laying off about 800 American workers in Devens, Massachusetts by the end of March 2011.  Not surprisingly, the move of the solar panel maker to China has resulted in a political outcry.  Here in the U.S., people are wondering how many more green solar jobs will be lost to China.  And the Obama Administration is investigating whether China has violated free trade rules of the WTO by offering extensive subsidies to manufacturers of solar panels.

Evergreen’s CEO Michael El-Hillow commented that the decision to close the U.S. manufacturing plant was in response to dropping prices for solar panels, down about 2/3 over the past three years.  Chinese manufacturers of solar panels have been able to push prices down because costs to build them are generally lower in China:

“While the United States and other Western industrial economies are beneficiaries of rapidly declining installation costs of solar energy, we expect the United States will continue to be at a disadvantage from a manufacturing standpoint.”

Cheap solar panels produced in China

Consider these facts:

• Chinese solar panel manufacturers made up over 1/2 of the world’s production of PV
• U.S. consumers are purchasing China solar panels at an increasing rate – they make up 23% of the market currently and still rising
• China is also making gains in the wind energy markets, surpassing the U.S. as the world’s largest manufacturer and installer of turbines
• Factory labor in China is especially cheap – workers draw about $300 a month, vs. $5,400 a month for U.S.-based workers
• Government loans in China offer exceptionally low interest rates from state-owned banks

So, what can be done to keep green solar jobs in the U.S.?  More federal support?  Better incentives?

Can we compete with the clean energy policies of China that offer such attractive financing and other assistance to solar panel manufacturers?

Residential Solar Industry Growth

A recent white paper published by SunRun discusses residential solar industry growth and includes projections for the future of solar energy.

Over the past year, the number of people with jobs in the solar industry doubled to over 100,000 in 2010.  Further increase in solar jobs will continue into 2011, with a projected rise of an additional 26%.  In short, the solar industry is creating employment opportunities faster than the overall economy in the United States.  Residential solar demand is responsible in large part for the increase in the number of solar jobs.

With more homeowners installing solar panels, demand rises for both solar products and qualified installers.  In turn, the more solar industry jobs there are, the more people are available to serve the very consumers that are wishing to go solar.  Its a positive “vicious circle.”  As described in the SunRun white paper on residential solar industry growth:

“SunRun not only directly employs workers, but also partners with 25 installation companies across the country, that in turn employ 3,000 green collar workers. The more homes that install solar, the more installation crews are needed, and the more tools and inventory are required. One local job is created for every six homes that go solar. The impact of residential solar extends from the panel manufacturer to the auto repair shop that services the installation trucks, to the local coffee house that keeps the installers on their toes.

When a homeowner installs a solar system on their home, they automatically invest in green jobs and clean energy companies, ranging from those researching new solar technologies to installing panels in their neighborhood. A Navigent Consulting study found that for every six homes that go solar, one local green job is created.”

To learn more about projected residential solar industry growth, read Residential Solar Jobs Will Fuel the Future.

Solar panel installation jobs will be increasing over 5 years

In the next 5 years, experts predict that new solar jobs will top 200,000.  In fact, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) estimates huge growth in the solar industry by 2016 that will result in $48 billion in investments and 207,000 green jobs in the solar field.

There are a number of factors at play here, including a continued push for renewable energy options.  Tax breaks for solar installations are also giving rise to increased demand, as well as falling prices for solar panels.  Perhaps two of the biggest contributors to the increase in solar jobs are the extension of the federal Treasury Grant Program and a new solar manufacturing investment tax credit.

The grant program extension alone could create 67,000 new solar jobs as projects that begin construction by the end of 2012 may be eligible for funding.

More solar jobs on the way!

If 207,000 green jobs isn’t enough, we could possibly add an additional 158,000 solar jobs to the mix.  Business Green‘s Danny Bradbury believes that if solar equipment manufacturers are covered by a manufacturing tax credit, more than $22 billion could be created.

The report from SEIA also importantly notes that the tax incentives offered for solar growth will actually have a positive impact on the federal budget.  Not only in energy savings, but also in a decrease in unemployment compensation benefits that would have to be paid and an increase in taxes being paid by working employees!

Do you know of green solar jobs in your region?

Be sure to post a comment below!

Solar installers put panels on a rooftop

Do you wonder what it takes to put solar panels on your home?  What about the people that help you with a home solar install?

Let’s walk through a solar installation, step by step.  In some instances, it can be done in a single day!  And, for those of you that are considering becoming a solar installers, you may just be inspired to go after one of these great green jobs.

Typically, a team of 3-4 workers can complete a solar installation within several days, depending on weather conditions, the size of the solar array, and whether the roof is flat or sloped.  Flat roofs will need a mount rail system to set up the solar panels at an angle.

Sure, you could try to do-it-yourself… and there are plenty of videos and websites set up to inspire the “Tim the Toolman Taylor” in you or your handyman friend.  Yet, you do get what you pay for.  This is arguably one of the home improvement projects for which you’ll want to call in professionals.

So let’s get started!

1.  Brackets on sloped roofs or a mount rail system on flat roofs often are the first items to be installed.

2.  A solar inverter is usually required and can be installed in a garage or outbuilding.  The inverter takes direct current (DC) and converts it into usable alternating current (AC).

3.  Solar panels – of course!  They need to be hoisted to the roof, laid out one by one, and then screwed into the brackets or rail system.

4.  Wiring is one of the most complicated aspects of a solar installation.  Three different wires are required: negative, positive and ground wire.  I find that its usually best to leave this up to the experts – the electricians!

Once the panels have been aligned in place, wiring needs to be connected underneath, with care to ensure that wire doesn’t touch the actual roof.  Then the wiring from the panels needs to be connected to the power meter and inverter.

As you can see, it can be relatively easy to install solar panels on your home.  The payoff is immediate – many see their power bills go from several hundred dollars down to practically nothing!

With spring around the corner, you’ll want to schedule a solar panel installation soon.  Beat the rush now and be the first home on your block that doesn’t have to worry about the high cost of air conditioning when temps start rising.

Earn college credit and renewable energy certification from home!

Out of work and looking to build your resume for green jobs?  Its the perfect time to sign up for Solar Energy International (SEI)’s online sustainability class.  Learn about green building techniques, earn college credits and obtain a valuable certification in renewable energy.  Without having to leave the comfort of your home – or the local coffee shop – you can take online college classes that will prepare you for some of the most sought after jobs in the green industry.

A certification in renewable energy is practically a requirement these days if you are an architect or contractor.  Its also useful if you’ll be building your own home in the future.

There is an impressive list of topics to be covered in the Solar Energy International course, including:

• Building Orientation
• Solar Site Analysis
• Building Science
• Moisture and Air Leakage
• Super-Insulation Strategies
• New Window Technologies
• Passive Solar Designs
• Energy Efficient Technologies
• Indoor Air Quality
• Healthy/Green Building Materials
• Domestic Solar Hot Water
• Renewable Energy Options
• Sustainable Back-Up Home Heating Systems
• Practical Building Techniques

Learn about installing solar panels through the SEI online course

Is the Solar Energy International online sustainability class for you?  Only you can decide how you want to invest your time and money.  Yet, if you will be involved in building construction at all in the future, its likely a great investment.

Here’s all the details:

What: “Building for the Future: Sustainable Home Design”

When:

1. Feb 1-Mar 14, 2010
2. June 21-Aug 1, 2010

Where:  Where ever you have a laptop and Internet connection!  Plan on between 8-15 hours per week, depending on your prior experience with the subject.

Why:  We already covered that above!  Oh, and you’ll receive a Renewable Energy Certificates from Madison Area Technical College (MATC) when you complete the course.

How Much: $750

Both sessions are open for enrollment, so don’t delay if you want to jump into the February 1 session!  Contact SEI for more information or call (970) 963-8855.  To register for the class, visit the registration page here.

Renew the Nation Bring Solar Power to Cities

Solar Energy Initiatives, Inc. is working to bring solar power to cities across the United States.  Through a grassroots campaign entitled “Renew the Nation,” efforts are focused on weaning America off fossil fuel dependence through increased reliance on solar thermal and photovoltaic (PV) solar panels.

Renew the Nation is the cornerstone of the company’s mission statement:

Solar Energy Initiatives, Inc. was formed to execute on a grass roots campaign, “RENEW THE NATION”, to help redeploy a portion of the U.S. work force and focus on reducing the world’s dependence on fossil fuels by selling solar thermal and photovoltaic (PV) technologies, while building a profitable company.

Not only will Renew the Nation result in a cleaner, brighter future for consumers, but thousands of green jobs are expected to be created in the immediate future.  In fact, most of the new projects to be commenced under the grassroots campaign will be completed by the end of 2010.

Solar Energy Initiative to bring Solar Power to cities

A Reuters article published today noted that Solar Energy Initiatives announced letters of intent (LOI) with a number of U.S. municipalities for the installation and operation of PV panel systems on government buildings.  Under the terms of the LOIs, the company will provide solar equipment to participating municipalities, including installation and maintenance.  Solar Energy Initiatives will sell back to the cities clean, solar-generated electricity at a rate lower than other power providers.

The LOIs are a classic example of a Power Purchase Agreement under which the provider will finance, install and own your solar panels, without any initial outlay of money from the consumer.  The provider acts in many ways as a utility company.  You will be billed for the electrical output of the solar panel system at a discounted rate.

This financing option for solar power allows government to switch to cleaner energy without the initial investment costs.  In short, the cities get to lower energy expenditures and significantly reduce carbon emissions without taxpayer burden.  David Fann, CEO of Solar Energy Initiatives stated:

Management is pleased with the Company’s ability to attract these profitable government ventures.  We are encouraged with the recent influx of projects that the Company is being offered, as well as, our ability to secure multiple agreements simultaneously.  Solar Energy’s proven business model which offers low cost, high return energy production to municipalities is rapidly being accepted throughout the alternative energy markets.  The Company will continue to leverage its strategic business model and growing market presence in order to expand its geographic presence, increase earnings, and improve shareholder value.”

The solar powered municipal buildings will join a list of other locales across the nation, including a solar firehouse in Pittsburgh, courthouses in Oregon, and government-subsidized housing in Massachusetts.

Work in local government?  Regularly attend Council or Commission meetings?  Be part of the grassroots effort to Renew the Nation!  Urge your municipality to install solar panels on its government buildings.