In a bid to combat climate change, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) set an ambitious target in 2021: to elevate solar energy production to 30% of the total energy used in the United States by 2030. However, as of 2022, only 4.7% of the nation's energy was derived from solar sources. Achieving the 2030 goal necessitates an annual addition of approximately 48 GW of solar capacity, accompanied by a monumental workforce expansion. SEIA estimates that an impressive one million solar workers will be required to scale, maintain, and operate the clean energy infrastructure essential to meeting climate objectives—a staggering 278% increase from the 263,883 solar workers reported in 2022.
The challenge is substantial, as the solar energy workforce grew by only 3.5% from 2021 to 2022. The Interstate Renewable Energy Council’s 2022 National Solar Jobs Census revealed that 44% of solar industry employers find it "very difficult" to locate qualified applicants. Addressing this shortage demands a concerted effort across the value chain to educate, train, and equip workers with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in solar professions.
Tapping into Existing Skills
As demand for clean energy workers rises, the declining job opportunities in the oil and gas industry present an opportunity. A 2021 survey of oil and gas professionals indicated that 56% expressed interest in pursuing opportunities in the renewables sector. These individuals possess the skills and industry knowledge crucial for rapidly building a highly skilled solar workforce. Outreach efforts should inform these workers about the professional opportunities available in the solar sector and the training resources facilitating their transition into solar energy careers.
Industry and Government Support
Effective training is pivotal in ensuring the quality and efficiency of new solar power solutions. The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office offers resources to attract more individuals to the solar energy workforce and funds training programs. In July 2023, SEIA gained approval to develop 11 new national solar and energy storage standards, including those governing training for solar installation, operations and maintenance, and health and safety. These standards aim to establish consistent quality in solar workforce training programs, providing reliable guidance for assessing potential hires' skills.
Making Training Accessible
Expanding the solar workforce swiftly requires accessible training for individuals transitioning from other industries and those just entering the field. The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) offers board certifications and associate credentials, providing accessible and affordable training across various economic levels. Recognizing the value of apprenticeships, SEIA is developing resources to help employers implement registered apprenticeship programs, further encouraged by tax incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act.
Equipping the Workforce
Once solar arrays are installed, ongoing monitoring and maintenance are essential for optimum efficiency and safety. Research indicates that solar assets underperform by an average of 8%, highlighting the need for skilled technicians. Purpose-built multifunction tools and testers, like the Fluke SMFT-1000, equipped with integrated software, enable solar workers to analyze system performance quickly and accurately, identifying and resolving issues. These tools maximize performance, uptime, and workforce efficiency in a rapidly accelerating industry.
In conclusion, building a solar workforce one million strong by 2030 requires a holistic approach—from tapping into existing skills and fostering industry and government support to making training accessible and equipping the workforce with the necessary tools. With concerted efforts and collaboration, the solar industry can meet its ambitious goals and contribute significantly to a sustainable energy future.
Based on: https://www.renewableenergyworld.com
