This week, I heard from two readers, Bruce and Rich, who both have past experience in solar:
Q:
Dear Liz,
Short story — I was involved in the solar business in the late ’70s and early ’80s. I transitioned into the construction business when solar fizzled out and President Reagan pulled the solar system off the White House. I am an experienced residential job supervisor and project manager. I would like to use these skills to transition back into the solar business. I have taken two continuing education courses to date (a one-week “solar boot camp,” followed by an intermediate hands-on course). I was able to sit for the NABCEP [North American Board of Certified Energy Practicioners] entry-level test, which I passed. My goal is to work for a renewable energy/solar company in some type of system design and project management capacity. I feel I have a good, basic understanding of photovoltaic (PV) systems as well as solar domestic hot water systems, though I admit there is much more to learn.
I am looking for input on how to proceed. I am thinking of taking an advanced PV design course as well as some electrical introductory courses. On the other hand, there is nothing like field training. Given the economic climate, I am not too sure there are many jobs available right now, though I am convinced there will be over the next year or so. I would like to position myself to be on the top of the list when things pick up. Thanks in advance for any of your thoughts. — Bruce Friedman, Acton, Mass.
Hi Liz,
I am a 54-year-old with successful experience in solar sales, solar service management and quality control. However, my experience was back in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Since then, I have been teaching in public schools and designing Earth education curriculum. I have kept up to date with SOLAR TODAY and other readings. I see the potential for solar to finally take a foothold in our nation's economy. I have a strong desire to get back into the solar industry, but where do I begin and where can my skills best be used? I am interested in educating the public either through solar sales, seminars and/or curriculum development. Are these growth areas? Is a career in quality control more promising? Can you suggest where I should begin? I have at least 10 to 15 years of good productivity left in me, and my passion for solar remains as strong as ever. — Rich Stever
A:
Many of you might be in the same boat as Bruce and Rich. You were in the solar business in the 1980s, during the last solar boom time, but the industry collapsed once the federal tax credit was removed. You still love the technology and think this might be the time to transition back into the industry. Where to start?
First, good thinking. The industry is much more mature than it was in its first incarnation, and solar energy is one of the keys to slowing down the increase in CO2 emissions. We simply can’t afford not to use solar power.
And, as you will read in daily articles through
RenewableEnergyWorld.com,
Greentech Media,
PV-tech.org and
SolarBuzz.com, it’s still a down market. In addition to the credit drought, the halt in the construction industry means there is a glut of well-qualified contractors available to work on projects. The industry is still consolidating through mergers and acquisitions and laying staff off in the process. If you’re looking for a job in solar, it’s a great time to build your skills, make contacts and position yourself for the expected growth trend in late 2009 and onward.
Second, if you haven’t already taken a course or two on current solar electric and solar thermal technology, that should be your first step. In those courses, you should take every opportunity to network with the instructors and other students to research your opportunities. If the course doesn’t provide the NABCEP entry-level exam, it should at least follow the NABCEP task analysis for the technology.
Third, can you move? Due to varying policies, net-metering standards and energy rates, some states are real “hot beds” for solar, while others are — even with a 30 percent federal tax credit available to all customers — still swimming upstream. Check out the maps at
dsireusa.org to assess which states have net metering, renewable portfolio standards and solar incentives. Where you have all three of these, you have a growing solar market.
To do a quick market assessment, check out the state fact sheets from the Solar Energy Industries Association (
seia.org/cs/state_issues). These sheets list the solar-related organizations and businesses in each state to give you a sense of how busy, or crowded, the market is. Another good resource is
SourceGuides, which has a large up-to-date database of solar companies searchable by business type and location.
Finally, identify what you can offer a solar company, and be open to different types of companies and technologies. Your experience in the ’80s demonstrates your early affinity for solar, and your careers to date demonstrate your work ethic and extensive knowledge base. Don’t underestimate the value of your experience, but don’t rely on it alone. Employers in this fast-paced industry are looking for team players willing to play any role and go the extra mile in varying circumstances.
Have fun on the journey!
