Environmentally friendly industries in the country are definitely on the rise. One of the fastest growing fields is the solar industry — turning solar energy into electricity. Just in the first part of 2011 alone, the U.S. installed enough solar power grids to service over 50,000 homes. At the moment, there are over 100,000 current jobs in the solar industry, with a growth expected this year of nearly 50,000 additional positions.
Where can interested job-seekers get the education to fill such jobs? More importantly, what kinds of salaries exist in the solar industry?
Let’s look at the salaries first. Entry-level solar installers can expect a starting salary in the mid-$20,000 range, but more experienced installers approach $50,000. Engineers can earn in the high 5-figures. Solar industry real estate brokers can anticipate $40,000 or more and physicists in this field might make in excess of $100,000. Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it?
So where can you go to get the education to make it in the solar industry and what kind of training can you expect?
There are learning institutions around the country offering courses for careers in the solar industry. One is the US Solar Institute in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, which offers unique opportunities and possesses some of the highest credentials in the country, for those who want to get in on the ground floor of the solar profession.
US Solar Institute’s Department of Education licensed diploma program starts with a 40-hour course dedicated to introducing students to photovoltaic design and installation. This is then followed by another 40-hour course focusing on advanced design with an emphasis on the National Electric Code (NEC). Then the student spends an 80-hour internship to gain real-life experience in the solar industry. A US Solar Institute diploma is highly respected in the solar industry and the entire program can be completed in as little as one month.
US Solar Institute students are also eligible to sit for the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) PV certification exam as well as the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) PV certification exam.
Click here to download the NABCEP Practice test.
Solar power is a rapidly developing field and an increasing number of jobs are opening up. As part of the solar industry, you not only have the security of a well-paying job, but also have the satisfaction of knowing you’re a part of America’s efforts to use natural and eco-friendly energy.
