Careers in Solar Energy

Did you know that there is enough solar energy in 1.5 hours of sunlight hitting the earth’s surface to power the whole world’s electricity for an entire year? What about that you can be paid to get trained, learn new skills, and start your career working with this powerful source of clean energy?

Solar helps people and businesses save money on their electric bills while creating less air pollution from burning fossil fuels like oil and gas. That makes solar an increasingly popular choice for New Yorkers. It also makes a career in solar a really smart path for job seekers who want to set themselves up for a rewarding, stable, and successful future—and even if you don’t know much about solar energy now, that doesn’t mean you can’t learn!

Why Work in Solar?

• You don’t need a degree to work in solar.
• You can get free training (or even get paid for your training time!) to learn new skills.
• Demand for solar is expected to grow in the next few years due to new rebate and tax credit programs that will give people money to choose clean energy.
• Careers in solar energy typically pay well, come with good benefits, and give you solid job security.
• You can provide a service that helps people spend less money on their bills and produce cleaner energy!

Key Career Opportunities in Solar

1. Solar Installer

A solar installer is an entry-level position that is great for New Yorkers who love to work outside. Solar installers typically work on a team to install solar panels on rooftops and other structures, so if you have an interest in construction, this could be a great opportunity to start your career in clean energy. Some solar companies are willing to provide on-the-job training to workers with little or no experience doing solar installations.

2. Solar Engineer

A solar engineer is responsible for understanding how to use solar panels to generate electricity. That means, when a solar project is developed, it is the job of the solar engineer to plan exactly how it should be designed and built. Becoming a solar engineer typically requires a college degree. Once you become a solar engineer, you will use your expertise to help New Yorkers harness the power of the sun.  

3. Solar Sales

Most solar projects start with a conversation between the customer and a solar sales representative. When you join a solar sales team, you will work directly with New Yorkers to build relationships and understand their clean energy goals. If you feel passionate about helping New York get more energy from the sun, a career in solar sales can be a great way to help New Yorkers switch to clean energy. Many solar companies have entry-level sales positions to get started.

An Inclusive Career

For the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy to work, we need to make sure that everyone gets a seat at the table. That includes clean energy career opportunities like solar.

New York State works hard to meet the needs of all New Yorkers. Specialized services, programs, and specially trained staff are available to assist job seekers.

Check Out These Additional Programs and Resources for Job Seekers

• Roadtrip Nation – Meet Roadtrip Nation’s team of young New Yorkers who are out to explore clean energy career opportunities in our State. Along the way, the road trippers interview a variety of clean energy professionals throughout the State about how they landed their jobs and learn about the exciting work they do.
• Clean Energy Workforce Development & Training – NYSERDA offers a variety of programs and resources for New Yorkers who are interested in a clean energy career. Opportunities include paid internships, fellowship programs, and free online learning opportunities that can help jumpstart your future in the clean energy field. 
• NYS Department of Labor – New York State offers registered apprenticeships to help you start your clean energy career. Apprenticeships let you earn while you learn with a combination of classroom training and hands-on work under the supervision of an expert.