Solar Energy Industry Workers

Opportunities in solar energy should be stable through the end of the decade. "The industry forecasts that solar deployment will stay at a roughly level rate between 2024 and 2029, with about 3% growth each year," the Interstate Renewable Energy Council explains. "The solar industry continues to be buoyed by favorable economics and supportive policies like the IRA. However, there are key long-term challenges that threaten to put a ceiling on growth." Challenges during the mid-2020s included trade disputes, a slowdown in residential solar installations, and a skilled labor shortage. The political climate and government support for renewable energy initiatives also have the potential to impact job growth.

Solar energy use is already well established in high-value markets such as remote power, satellites, and communications. Industry experts are working to improve current technology and lower costs to bring solar-generated electricity, hot water systems, and solar-optimized buildings to the public. The manufacturing of photovoltaic cell systems also presents many employment opportunities.