As oil and gas prices soar, pushing energy prices through the roof, the solar power industry stands to benefit greatly. When you take into account the global concern about the impact of carbon emissions on the world's climate, the future of solar power looks positively sunny.
Government funding is also increasingly directed towards this industry. Pennsylvania, for example, recently passed a bill to create a $650-million energy fund to support the solar energy sector. The U.S. Senate recently introduced the 10 Million Solar Roofs Act of 2008, while in the House, Democrats have proposed additional legislation for renewable energy products.
Greentech Media recently published a report by J.P. Morgan claiming that the growth in the solar energy market is being driven by a combination of economic, technological, and social trends. These include decreases in the relative costs of solar energy technologies, national security issues concerning dependence on foreign energy, and global warming and other environmental concerns.
Innovations in solar technologies have broadened the market and caused a number of smaller businesses to enter the sector and serve niche areas in their communities. Improved technology has also improved the viability of larger solar-based energy production facilities.
Over the past five years, solar panels have not only become more efficient, but production costs have lowered as well. In 2007, there were 2,826 megawatts of photovoltaic (PV) installations — more than a gigawatt over the 2006 installations (1,744 megawatts).
Solar energy is freely available and virtually unlimited. As the technology improves for converting sunlight to usable energy, the solar power industry will increasingly be looked to as an affordable alternative. Solar energy provides less than 1% of America’s energy needs, so opportunities to increase market share abound. As carbon fuels become more expensive, and solar energy more affordable, this industry is set to become a major producer and consequently a major employer in the United States.
So, what are the job prospects in the solar power industry? Over the next decade, it is predicted that the industry will become a major employer of applied science graduates, physicists, technicians, construction workers (for power plants), researchers, engineers, project and other managers, accountants, and administrative and customer service staff. When considering all of the different aspects of the solar power industry, from development and management to construction and funding, it is clear that the growth of the industry could provide a staggering number of jobs.
Changes to our economy resulting from a reduced dependence on fossil fuels have opened up new jobs in the solar power industry. If you are interested in pure science, mathematics, and research and development, the drive toward alternative energy sources is opening up wonderful new opportunities for science graduates. If you are more interested in practical applications, then many applied science and engineering courses are now taking a good look at the science of solar energy conversion. Some universities are actively involved in the search to improve the practical applications of these new technologies.
Students considering employment in the solar power industry should look for internships in businesses that are actively involved in testing, designing, producing, marketing, building, or providing solar energy. Small-to-medium businesses that produce components that contribute to larger solar energy products are springing up across the country. New ways to catch the sun, such as thin-film solar panels, are constantly being tested, evaluated, and produced. Thin-film solar panels have the advantage of being much cheaper to produce and purchase, but have the disadvantage of being only half as effective as regular panels. However, with intense research into improving the performance of thin-film panels, this is likely to change.
The solar energy industry is young and vibrant. It is an industry that can make a huge difference to the wellbeing and survival of the planet, and is attracting idealists who are willing to invest in it.
If you want to work in the solar power industry, the qualifications you will need depend on the type of job you want. You will need the typical formal qualifications that your profession or job requires. However, some indication of special interest and training in alternative energies, particularly solar energy, can give you a competitive edge in applying for jobs in the solar power industry. This is a relatively new sector, so now is the time to get in on the ground floor if you are so inclined.
