With the cost of living continuing to rise in areas such as electricity, gas, and groceries, more and more people are looking to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and switch to renewable energy sources. As the United States becomes more aware of climate change and the impact it’s having on the world, many industries will be affected, and one of the most prominent is solar power.
Although there are many ways to generate your own electricity using solar power technology, it’s not for the faint of heart. Becoming a solar contractor requires years of training and licensing, plus you’ll need the necessary equipment to get the job done. Individuals who successfully build a career in this field are in high demand, and with good reason.
Here’s a closer look at the state of solar in Colorado and the job opportunities that exist within it.
The State Of Solar In Colorado
Since 2009, the cost of solar power in Colorado has decreased by more than 70%, which is amazing when you consider that solar was nearly impossible to find a couple years ago. Today, it’s incredibly easy to purchase a system and have it installed on your roof, saving you hundreds of dollars per month on your electric bill and providing you with a clean energy source.
These economic and environmental benefits are making solar power an increasingly popular option for homeowners and businesses throughout Colorado.
The Rising Cost Of Living
According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the cost of living in Colorado is increasing. In fact, since 2014 it’s risen by more than 4% compared to the rest of the country. This can be largely attributed to the increased prices of food and fuel, which are both required to generate electricity using solar power. Living in a state that’s rich in fossil fuels is getting more and more expensive.
It’s not just the cost of living that’s increased, either. The average price of a home in Colorado is now $245,900, which is a 13% increase from a year ago. This is likely because of increased demand due to the growing population and limited housing inventory. While the demand for solar power is high, the availability of skilled labor is becoming a limiting factor as the cost of training and licensing grows.
Skilled Labor Shortage
In order to become a solar contractor, you’ll need to complete an apprenticeship and receive licensing. These are not easy processes, and given the current climate, the cost of training is on the rise. For a company to afford this, they’ll either need to accept cuts to their budget or find additional investors or lenders to cover the costs.
The good news is that as demand for solar technicians and installers increases, so does the demand for those with the necessary training. Take a look at what some of the top employers in Colorado have to say about their training programs:
- “Our training program is extensive, covering everything from safety to quality and efficiency. In addition, we encourage our employees to continue their education by offering tuition assistance.”
- “Our training program is very similar to industry standards and is accredited by the American Institute of Stress (AIS). We believe this gives us a distinct advantage in the increasingly competitive field of solar.”
- “Our training program was developed with the help of a mechanical engineer who has extensive knowledge in solar technology and installation. We believe this puts us ahead of the competition.”
- “Each of our team members has a mechanical background, so they are well-equipped to handle any task that may come up during the installation process.”
- “We offer comprehensive training, including classroom learning and hands-on practice with real-world projects. In addition, we have a certification exam that all of our employees must pass.”
- “All of our installers must regularly obtain professional licenses and carry liability insurance.”
Opportunity To Work Remotely
One of the things that makes the field of solar so attractive is the ability to work remotely. Thanks to the development of remote monitoring and controlling technology, installers no longer need to be on site during the installation process. This makes it much easier for contractors to get the job done without being in the area.
In fact, with the advancement of technology, many solar contractors now have the opportunity to operate from home offices, handling all of the communication and project management remotely. Due to the increased demand for rooftop solar energy and the high demand for contractors, employers are now able to offer competitive salaries and excellent benefits packages.
If you’re looking for a new career, you have an opportunity to work in a field that is experiencing exponential growth. The sky is the limit on the salary you can make as a solar technician, and with good benefits, you couldn’t find a better job. Make sure to invest in quality equipment and have the appropriate licenses before you start your career, as doing so can greatly increase your earning potential.
If you’re looking to become a solar contractor, there’s plenty of opportunity in the state of Colorado. The cost of living is increasing, which makes it more expensive to operate there, but the energy savings and environmental benefits more than make up for it.