Outlook for Careers in Solar Power

By: EconomyWatch   Date: 30 April 2010

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Growth in the solar energy sector creates thousands of job opportunities. While the solar power sector in the US is latent, countries such as Germany are forging ahead in the industry and creating an increasing number of jobs, harnessing optimum growth and turnover in the solar power industry.

Despite a slowdown in the global economy in 2008 caused by the financial crisis, job opportunities in the solar power sector have risen in many countries.

Growth in the US solar power sector has underperformed its potential. Dr. Alex Marker, a research fellow for SCHOTT Solar, said before the US Helsinki Commission that the country is a “sleeping giant when it comes to solar energy.” Dr. Marker added that the extension of investment tax credit (ITC) could stimulate growth and investment in the sector. The solar power job market would in turn receive a boost if the investment is siphoned into the right avenues.

It's not only researchers and scientists who get the best opportunities to work in the solar power industry. There are numerous job opportunities for roofers, electricians, plumbers and carpenters as well. There is great demand for unskilled workers who can install solar thermal collectors in commercial office buildings or in residences.

The demand for accountants, project managers, customer service representatives and marketing professionals is also growing.

Job opportunities for engineers, operators, chemical technicians, dispatchers, electrical grid repairers and power plant operators are also expected to grow in the years to come.

In Germany, the photovoltaic technology segment has strengthened the country's job market. In June 2008, Bosch, a global giant and automotive supplier, announced aggressive plans to purchase the leading German solar energy equipment manufacturer, Ersol. Analysts expect this bold move to not only encourage hundreds of entrepreneurs to come forward and invest in this highly competitive industry, but to help generate nearly 200,000 new jobs by 2020.

In Singapore, the Solar Capability Scheme is expected to fuel significant job opportunities in it’s solar power industry. This new scheme will enable private sector participation in the integration of world-class solar technologies across new building developments. According to media sources, nearly 7,000 new jobs will be generated by in Singapore by 2015.


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