It should come as no surprise that many people are interested in pursuing a career in solar energy. After all, the industry was one of the first to truly emerge as a job creator after the pandemic. Now that businesses are looking to get back on their feet, there are new opportunities in the energy field – and perhaps none more enticing than entering the solar industry.
Although the benefits of the renewable energy source are numerous, it can still be difficult to understand exactly what they are and how they apply to you as an individual. Here, we will discuss some of the most important things you need to know about solar energy so that you can make the right decision about joining the industry.
Everything You Need To Know About Solar Energy
With the world’s leading solar power producers looking for new talent, there has never been a better time to get into the industry. One of the major takeaways from the pandemic is that the demand for solar power greatly outstrips the supply, leading to significant price fluctuations and shortage concerns. To ensure you are employing the most qualified individuals and preventing any potential employee frustration, it pays to be familiar with as much as you can about the sector.
The Role Of Government
As a society, we need to ensure the production and installation of solar energy is as safe and efficient as possible. This is where government involvement comes in. In the U.S., the role of the federal government is heavily regulated, leading to a number of important benefits for consumers. When it comes to purchasing a home solar power system, for example, federal government support includes:
- up to a 30% federal government subsidy
- low-interest loans from the federal government
- tax deductions for interest and equipment
- state rebates on installation
- net metering
- quality control testing and inspection
- and more
The Growth Prospects Of The Sector
It’s not all sunshine and rainbows in the solar energy sector, though. While the industry has seen an extraordinary amount of growth over the past year, it still faces a number of challenges. One of the primary ones being the cost of solar power. As the supply greatly outstrips demand, the price has plummeted – but since the price is all-inclusive, it can still be difficult for some consumers to justify the high cost.
Where To Start
With all the information you need about solar energy in one place, it’s a great place to start your research. Below, we have compiled a list of some of the most significant websites and online platforms where you can learn more about the industry. By diving into the details of each site, you will have a much better understanding of what makes the sector so special:
- CleanTechnica – An excellent resource for anyone interested in pursuing a career in solar energy. The site covers everything from technology to business planning, providing you with the information you need to begin your research.
- Energy Central – Another great resource for those interested in the solar industry. The site provides you with daily news updates and relevant tips on taking your career to the next level.
- GreenTechica – Another really interesting blog focused on providing information about sustainable energy technology. You will find a wide range of content here, from informative articles to more entertaining features – including a job board.
- GreenTec Smarts – A free blog that covers all things related to sustainable energy. You will find a variety of content here, from informative articles to more entertaining features including a daily update email.
- GreenTechGuide – An award-winning blog that covers all things related to sustainable energy technology. You will find a wide range of content here, from informative articles to more entertaining features including a daily update email.
- Solar Impulse – This is the website of the Solar Impulse project, designed to change the way we think about clean energy. The project is the brainchild of entrepreneur Bertrand Delort, whose goal is to bring affordable and accessible renewable energy to the masses. You can still donate via the website with a credit card if you want to help support the project.
- U.K. Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC)
- Solar Power World – A well-established news website covering all things related to solar energy. You will find a wide range of content here, from informative articles to more entertaining features including a job board.
- Solar Powered Systems – Another great resource for anyone interested in pursuing a career in solar energy. The site covers everything from business planning to technology, providing you with the information you need to begin your research.
- Green Tech Corporation – A blog covering all things related to renewable energy technology. You will find a variety of content here, from informative articles to more entertaining features including a job board.
- Solar Decentral – Another blog covering all things related to renewable energy technology. You will find a variety of content here, from informative articles to more entertaining features including a job board.
- Solar America – A blog focusing on renewable energy technology in America. You will find a wide range of content here, from informative articles to more entertaining features including a job board. If you are looking for America-specific content, this is a great site to check out.
- Green Engine – A blog covering all things related to renewable energy technology. You will find a wide range of content here, from informative articles to more entertaining features including a job board.
Key People
One of the things that makes the solar energy industry so special is the caliber of the individuals working within it. Many of the sector’s leading lights started out as students, seeking a way to fund their education. Since then, they have gone on to change the way we look at clean energy, benefitting individuals and society as a whole.
There are a number of key players you need to know about if you are looking to get involved in the industry. One of the leading lights of solar power in America, for example, is Erin Brochu. A graduate of Yale Law School, Brochu is best known for her work on California’s SB32, which established net metering as we know it today. Before California passed SB32, utility companies had discretion over whether or not to allow homeowners to sell their excess power back to the grid. Under the new law, homeowners could decide what to do with their power.
Other well-known figures in the renewable energy industry include Steve Chiang, who co-founded the widely-used crowdfunding platform Kickstarter; and David Crane, who invented the selfie stick. Crane’s invention made him a billionaire – and since then, he has devoted his life to fighting climate change. He established a renewable energy fund to encourage others to follow his lead.