With the cost of solar energy falling and the technology improving, more and more individuals are considering going down this route to generate their own electricity. If you’re considering making the switch yourself, how do you go about choosing a state to settle in to? What are the opportunities like in terms of landing yourself a quality job in the sector? How does the income compare to what you might earn doing other types of work? These are just some of the many questions that you might have in mind, so let’s dive into the data to see what the future holds for those interested in working in the solar energy sector.
How Does Solar Energy Work?
At its most basic level, solar energy works because of the Sun. During the day, the Sun provides us with a large portion of the world’s energy needs, and what’s more is that it does so freely, regardless of whether or not we use it. As a result, many industries, both traditional and otherwise, rely on the energy that the Sun provides to keep the world turning. One of the primary methods of extracting energy from the Sun is through photovoltaic (PV) cells, which are essentially pieces of plastic that convert light into electricity. This electricity can then be stored and used later, when needed. To put this into perspective, a large commercial-scale solar farm, called Great Dagon, produces more than enough electricity to supply a small city.
The Renewable Energy Opportunity
If you’re considering a career in renewable energy, then Arizona is a great place to do so. Much of the country is blessed with abundant sunshine and four seasons, which provide the perfect growing conditions for solar farm projects. As a result, the state has the potential to fully supply its electricity demands through solar energy. In fact, nearly one in every four households in the state now receives solar power, which represents a massive opportunity for employers to take on new staff and grow their business. Furthermore, a career in renewable energy offers excellent job security and opportunities for personal and professional growth. If you’re looking for a new challenge, then this could be the perfect option for you.
The Cost Of Living & Getting Around
One of the biggest draws of living in Arizona is the low cost of living. This is largely thanks to the abundance of sunshine and good weather, making it easy to grow your own food and go on outdoor adventures. Similarly, the state’s excellent road network makes getting around easy and costs a lot less money than in other places. For anyone looking for a new challenge, living in Arizona with cheaper utilities and opportunities for personal growth, could be a dream come true.
The Availability Of Resources
Another perk of living in Arizona is the fact that it is abundantly teeming with resources. From water to land, the state has an abundance of everything needed to sustain life. As a result, anyone who decides to make the move and establish themselves there will have plenty to do and places to explore. This makes the state an excellent place to look for resources, and it’s another reason why so many individuals choose to make their home there.
The Talent & Education
Another great thing about Arizona is the amount of talent and education that it is home to. Not only does the state provide job opportunities in the solar energy sector, but it also has a lot of people with university degrees who are looking for new challenges. Similarly, the country is home to the #1 rated University of Arizona, which has a reputation for nurturing future leaders. If you have a talent for science and technology and are looking for a new challenge, then this could be the place to be.
More Than Meets The Eye
When considering a move to another state, it’s important to take everything into account, not just the obvious reasons for wanting to change your location. With that in mind, let’s take a quick look at some other perks that Arizona has to offer.
The climate is agreeable and there’s always something to do. The economy is stable and there are plenty of job opportunities. The cost of living is low, and so is the crime rate. What’s not to like?
Career Prospects
For those interested in pursuing a career in renewable energy, Arizona offers a lot of opportunities. The state is known for its sunny climate and warm, welcoming people, which make it an excellent place to establish yourself. As a result, job opportunities in the solar energy sector are expected to grow by 28% from 2016 to 2022.
A State With Big Potential
Based on this information, it would seem that Arizona is a desirable location for anyone hoping to relocate and establish themselves in the sector. Naturally, the state’s cost of living is something that you will have to take into account, along with all other aspects of life there, but if you’re looking for a new challenge and have the chance, why not give it a go?