Employers
Solar energy installation managers work for installation companies with residential and commercial customers. They may work as independent contractors, hired to develop and manage solar energy installation projects. There are about 249,983 Americans employed in the solar energy industry, according to the 2019 National Solar Jobs Census. The Southwest has the greatest potential for solar energy, although many other areas of the United States have been developing solar energy projects. The Solar Energy Foundation reports that the top states for solar jobs are California, Florida, New York, Massachusetts, and Texas.
Starting Out
Many installation managers get their start through apprenticeship programs. Ask your school's career services office for help with finding apprenticeship opportunities. Some managers have prior experience working with roofing companies, learning skills that are needed for installing solar energy panels on the roofs of buildings. Search for jobs on Web sites such as Glassdoor, Indeed, and SimplyHired, as well as by contacting local companies directly. Professional associations also provide job listings and career development support. The Solar Energy Industries Association offers a company membership directory at https://www.seia.org/directory. This is a good place to start to learn more about potential employers.
- Bioenergy/Biofuels Workers
- Biofuels Processing Technicians
- Biofuels Production Managers
- Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
- Biomass Plant Technicians
- Biomass Power Plant Managers
- Energy Brokers
- Energy Conservation Technicians
- Environmental Engineers
- Environmental Lobbyists
- Environmental Planners
- Environmental Scientists
- Environmental Technicians
- Fuel Cell Engineers
- Fuel Cell Technicians
- Fuel Cell Technology Workers
- Futurists
- Geotechnical Engineers
- Geothermal Energy Industry Workers
- Geothermal Production Managers
- Geothermal Technicians
- Green Builders
- Green Transportation Careers
- Hydroelectric Plant Technicians
- Hydroelectric Production Managers
- Hydropower and Marine Energy Industry Workers
- Renewable Energy Careers
- Renewable Energy Engineers
- Renewable Energy Site Assessors
- Solar Energy Industry Workers
- Solar Energy Sales Representatives
- Solar Engineers
- Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians
- Wind Energy Engineers
- Wind Energy Industry Workers
- Wind Energy Operations Managers
- Wind Energy Project Managers