Are you ready for a series of exciting announcements that get better and better? Here we go…The Solar PV Industry wants you to join! Demand for qualified people with formal solar education with hands on experience is on the rise!

2012 was a record-breaking year for solar – especially in the US.  While most industries across the nation continue to battle their way out of a recession that has lasted for almost 5 years, solar PV has consistently grown year after year – with 2012 setting a new bar.

In fact, it is one of the fastest growing sectors of the entire economy. How fast is fast?

According to the US Solar Energy Industries Association and GTM Research, the number of solar installations increased 76% in just 1 year – nearly doubling the total installed PV capacity of the entire United States.

From 2011 to 2012, we went from 3.3 GW to 7.2 GW.  Just to put that in perspective, 7.2 GW is roughly equivalent to 7 nuclear reactors or the energy needed to power nearly 1 million homes.

And by the end of this year, we could exceed 10 GW. Want even better news?

You can expect more record-breaking years ahead.  As solar panel costs continue to plummet and utility rates keep going up, more and more homeowners will make the transition.  Last year saw 83,000 residential solar installations.  This year will be more.  Next year even more.

Wait – it gets better.

There’s a labor gap in the solar PV industry – especially amongst installers.  You heard correctly.  Despite high unemployment in nearly every other sector of the economy, solar installation companies are desperate for more talent.

But (and there’s always a but) – jumping into the solar PV industry is not as easy as snapping your fingers.  Although installation companies are eager for more professionals, they want trained and certified professionals.  They’re desperate but not that desperate.

You might be thinking – “But training is such a hassle – I don’t have the time or money to go back to school.”

I’ve got more good news for you.  But first let’s take a look at some quick numbers:

  • Training and certification to become an IT specialist – 2 years
  • Training and certification to become a nurse – 3 years
  • Training and certification to become a doctor – 7 years
  • Training and certification to become a solar PV installer – 40 hours

I won’t lie to you.

40 hours of solar PV training is the bare minimum needed to become a proficient installer.  To become a great one, you’ll want to invest an additional 40 or 80 hours in solar PV training to really take your skills to the next level.

But still, we’re talking about weeks and not years.

Even during economic booms, there are very few careers that enjoy such high demand.  And fewer still are those for which you can become certified in as little as 3 weeks.

As far as career fields go, you could do a lot worse.  Contact us today if you’re ready to take the plunge.