The solar industry is booming and employs more people than most other energy sectors — more than 230,000 people in 2020, according to a recent SEIA study. This growth is projected to continue — to reach President Biden’s goal of 100% clean energy by 2035, that number will have to grow to over 900,000.
While we know that solar offers meaningful career opportunities with good wages, studies like SEIA’s also show that the industry still has a sizable representation gap.
In this entry of our business operations series — created in conjunction with The Current, Aurora’s weekly newsletter — we’ll discuss the people behind your business, and review the resources solar employers can use to recruit the best talent for their teams and ensure an inclusive work environment with plenty of advancement.
Find the Best Candidates for Solar Jobs with This New Tool
According to the Solar Training Network 84% of installers have difficulty finding qualified applicants, with 26% finding it “very difficult.” But what if you could connect with solar job candidates that you might not otherwise reach, more easily compare candidates, and help increase diversity at your company at the same time? Read more about the new solar hiring tool that can do just that!
Why Diversity Matters for Your Solar Company—and How You Can Advance It
Clean energy represents the future. The industry advocates for supportive energy policies but also needs diversity advocates within the workplace.
This article digs into the U.S. Solar Industry Diversity Study’s findings to examine where the solar industry currently stands on diversity and what solar businesses can do to close representation gaps in their teams.
Solar’s Role in Job Creation and Economic Growth: Trends You Should Know
As an employer, connecting with programs that offer training and experience can provide a pipeline of qualified hires. Another potential source of great hires is the Solar Ready Vets program, which trains exiting military personnel for careers in solar. Interviews with industry employers have indicated a high degree of skill transferability between military occupations and solar jobs. Interested companies can sign up to be added to the program’s employer directory.
Facilitating an inclusive hiring process is imperative for businesses. With the resources highlighted above, employers can recruit the best solar talent, increasing job satisfaction and creating a diverse, productive work environment.
We’ll continue next week with an article on best business operations practices to help streamline your business processes and improve overall performance.
Featured image by Josh Calabrese.