The Role of Solar in Workforce Development: Powering Jobs and Opportunities

Solar energy isn’t just about going green—it’s also creating thousands of jobs across the U.S. As the demand for renewable energy rises, the need for skilled workers to install, maintain, and sell solar systems is booming. This means there are more opportunities than ever for people looking to break into the solar industry, especially veterans and individuals from underrepresented communities.

Solar Jobs Are Growing Fast

In the last decade, the number of solar jobs has shot up by 167%, making it one of the fastest-growing sectors in the U.S. economy. In 2022 alone, the solar industry added 23,000 new jobs, bringing the total to over 255,000 workers nationwide. (U.S. Department of Energy’s report on this: Solar Jobs Census 2022.) This growth is fueled by government incentives like the Inflation Reduction Act and an increasing shift toward clean energy by businesses and homeowners alike.

Why Veterans Are a Perfect Fit for Solar Jobs

Veterans have been finding a natural fit in the solar industry, thanks to programs like Solar Ready Vets. These programs help veterans transition into civilian jobs by offering training and job placement in solar energy roles. As of 2022, veterans make up about 9% of the solar workforce, which is higher than the national average across other industries.

Solar companies value veterans for their leadership, technical skills, and discipline—qualities that make them stand out in roles like solar installation and project management. Many solar firms are actively hiring from veteran workforce development programs, making this a great option for vets looking for a stable and rewarding career.

Learn more about veterans in solar from the Solar Energy Industries Association: Veterans in Solar.

Expanding Opportunities for Marginalized Communities

Beyond veterans, the solar industry is focusing on creating jobs for women, people of color, and those from low-income backgrounds. Women only make up 30% of the renewable energy workforce and just 8% of solar installation roles. This is a huge opportunity to increase diversity in the sector, and many programs are working to recruit and train people from underrepresented groups.

Programs like the Solar Workforce Diversity Initiative aim to boost inclusion and provide the training necessary for these groups to succeed in the solar industry. The goal is not just to diversify the workforce, but to provide high-quality, well-paying jobs to communities that have traditionally been left out of such opportunities.

For more info, you can visit the International Renewable Energy Agency's page on Renewable Energy Jobs.

Training and Good Wages in Solar

One of the great things about working in the solar industry is that the jobs are high-quality and accessible through training programs. Many solar companies partner with local trade schools and nonprofits to offer hands-on training that leads to certification and job placement. Schools like Fort Myers Technical College and the Solar Energy Institute are great examples of this.

Solar installers, for instance, earn a median salary of about $48,020 per year, which is higher than the national average wage for many other industries. These jobs are physically demanding and require technical knowledge, but they also offer good wages and room for advancement.

You can read more about solar installer wages from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Solar Photovoltaic Installers.

The Future of Solar Jobs

With the solar industry growing rapidly, there’s never been a better time to explore careers in this field. Programs that focus on training veterans, women, and people from marginalized communities are ensuring that these opportunities are available to everyone. As the push for clean energy continues, the solar industry will keep expanding, creating more high-quality jobs that contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.