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Advancing Your Career after Solar School


Let's talk numbers first to emphasize the growth of the solar industry, of which an education in solar school coupled with its practical applications will come in most handy in advancing your career. Because of the extension of solar tax credits until 2016 under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act, investments amounting to $232 billion will pour into the solar industry that, in turn, will create 440,000 jobs. And that's for the US alone! Globally speaking, from 2001 to 2008, the solar industry had a 41 percent average growth annually. Though it has been slowed down to just 25 percent in 2009 due to the worldwide economic crisis, the future looks as bright as the sun itself.

Jobs Available

Your education in solar school may secure you a job in the solar industry based on many factors. Keep in mind that the industry is a buyer's market where companies have greater leeway and higher requirements in their hiring process. The jobs available in the industry range from manufacturing and installation, sales and marketing to engineering. However, job hunters must be very clear on many things before attempting to enter the industry.

First, determine the industry sector you want to work in. Installation companies have different sets of requirement qualifications than, say, Global 1000 companies and PPA providers.

Second, determine the type of company you want to work in. Keep in mind that companies in the solar industry differ in terms of target market (i.e., residential, industrial and commercial, even government), finance approaches, technology applications, and industry regulations.

Third, determine the skills you bring to the table. An education in solar can be an advantage only if you bring your other skills sets to fit into the job requirements. For example, if you have a finance background, applying in a Global 1000 company is the best option instead of, say, in an installation company that prefers those who have a construction background.

These three factors of must be considered during the job hunt simply because you want to become the best fit for the position. Although your skills may have been a strong suit in one company, it may not be so desirable in another company, even within the same industry.

Resources Available

In advancing your career after solar school, you have to tap into available resources and read up on as much solar power information as you can which will provide an edge over your competitors. Even with the hundreds of thousands of projected jobs in the industry, you can either have a harder or easier time finding one depending on how well you know the industry. As such, do your research and get your hands on as much solar power information as you can, do your apprenticeships, and do your work. More knowledge, more work experience and more skills definitely do not hurt your chances at a career in the solar industry especially when you are either a newbie or a career changer.

Indeed, there are many benefits to be had from your solar school education! As the opportunities within the solar industry grow as brought about by the increasing need for renewable energy, it is up to you to make full use of your time by acquiring both the theory and the experience.