5 Reasons to work in Solar

Why would anyone want to work in solar?

Well here are my top 5 reasons

1. You are working in an industry that is helping combat climate change.

The solar industry is creating a better future for generations to come. The average residential solar system offsets about 45,000kg. of carbon dioxide over 20 years – the equivalent of driving a car for 100,000 miles. Working in the solar industry allows you to leave work every day feeling satisfied, knowing that you are contributing to a world run on clean, renewable energy.

Solar helps fight climate change by providing an alternative energy solution that is both clean and affordable. 

2. There is a huge potential for job growth.

Clean energy is building a new workforce worldwide. Renewable energy sectors aren’t slowing down anytime soon.

The industry has a wide range of well-paying jobs for workers of all backgrounds. According to the 2018 National Solar Jobs Census released by The Solar Foundation – The United States has 242,353 solar workers. In the past 10 years, the solar workforce has grown by 159 percent adding around 150,0000 jobs. As of 2020, an estimated 3,900 people were employed full-time in the sector in England, compared to a total 5,500 people employed across the United Kingdom.

As the UK has surpassed the 15GW mark (https://www.energylivenews.com/2022/07/15/uk-solar-boom-sees-new-highs/)  that equals 366 Solar workers per GWh in the UK.

Making us far more efficient when it comes to solar compared to the 2,545 workers per GWh helping the USA to produce their 95.2GW.

With many GW of planning and approved sited coming through, the UK is committed to installing more solar year after year.

 3. The industry is constantly evolving.

The world is showing increasing support for the clean energy economy. More businesses, utility companies, and homeowners are investing in solar. Demand for clean energy is growing as new PV technology is gaining momentum.

When you choose a career in the solar industry you are choosing to be part of a movement that is constantly advancing. Each day new technology is being developed to create more efficient and affordable solar panels, inverters, and racking systems. 

4. Love what you do.

You don’t always have the chance to lower people’s bills, champion a cause, and save the planet. This can be done all in a day’s work in the solar industry. The majority of people in the solar industry work there because they are passionate about renewables and truly want to make a difference through the work they do. Working in solar allows you to surround yourself with people who share the same enthusiasm.

5. Make great money.

Starting salaries in solar are high compared to other industries. As you gain more experience over time, your pay will likely increase as well. There is an increasing demand for skilled professionals like electricians, photovoltaic installers, tech support, and sales representatives.

Finding a career in solar that is right for you 

Installer

Solar installers are responsible for installing and maintaining the solar equipment to meet standards. They oversee each installation and assemble the solar modules and mounting hardware.  Other various tasks performed by solar installers include: connecting solar panels to inverters, and assembling, testing, and maintaining electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. Installers must be comfortable with climbing ladders and being on roofs for extended amounts of time. A Solar installer’s scenery changes day-to-day as they are installing at different locations. This is a great job for people who love working outdoors and being physically active. 

Electrician

Being an electrician in the solar field requires proper certification and expertise. As an electrician, you would be responsible for understanding PV standards, installing, testing and commissioning the electrical portion of the installation; including wiring, mains service panels, and other various components. Electricians are responsible for completing projects within time frames and budgets while still maintaining high quality and safety standards. 

System Designer

PV designers complete the electrical and structural designs for photovoltaic systems. They are responsible for doing all the necessary calculations to size the solar system and select its components. Designers establish the project’s electrical and mechanical specifications. A postgraduate or master’s degree in engineering/renewables is preferred, however, with the right training experience you can become a photovoltaic rooftop / Commercial solar designer. 

Project Manager

Project managers are responsible for coordinating, planning, and providing a dependable service to customers throughout the duration of their solar projects. Project managers must be proactive and have strong problem-solving skills. As a project manager, you will find yourself speaking with customers, councils, and utility companies on a daily basis. This job is perfect for individuals who are great at multitasking and handling high-stress situations. 

Warehouse/Inventory

Warehouse and inventory employees are the logistics behind the industry. In order to ensure that demand is met, they must develop inventory monitoring processes. Solar Fleet Managers work closely with third parties and oversee the logistics of the solar equipment. To hold a position as an inventory or warehouse you must hold a technical understanding of solar energy systems and the industry as a whole. This is the perfect position for someone who enjoys complex problem-solving and critical thinking. 

Sales

Sales representatives are a crucial aspect of any solar business. They bring in the customers while acting as the face of the company. Their job is to identify and contact potential customers and sell them a solar solution that fits their energy needs. Other jobs in sales include appointment setter, inside salesperson, sales support representative, and sales recruiter.

Working in sales requires not just a borderline psychopathic ability to handle rejection, but also the skill to control the conversation, identify problems and offer solutions via a persuasive but consultative style.

Sales isn’t for everyone. Even though Solar is a Buoyant industry, there is still a recession and a cost of living crisis. As a result, there is no room for order takers in solar, so if you are able to find, disqualify and convert potential clients (See Benjamin Dennehy if you need training), you will do well. If you prefer taking orders, solar isn’t the industry for you.

Proposals Specialist

Proposal Specialists work closely with sales representatives to prepare clean, and viable proposals to be presented to potential customers. They must prepare accurate savings estimates for customers using Aurora. Must be able to work with deadlines and make necessary changes quickly on the fly. 

If you are interested in a new role in solar;

   📧 Drop me an email to [email protected]

📞Call me on 02380 981969

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