MAY 19

Jobs in the solar business are expected to grow by an average of nearly 50 per cent over the next 12 months, says a new survey of the industry in the San Francisco Bay region and California.

The industry is struggling to fill new solar jobs, according to the joint study by two community colleges in the Bay Area. Solar companies in California currently employ between 16,500 to 17,500 people. Within the next year, another 5,000 positions are being added.

Most of those jobs are in the Bay Area, which has about half of those jobs. Three-quarters of the 77 employers surveyed said they expect to be hiring. But employers say it's increasingly getting more difficult to find qualified entry-level workers. The biggest demand is for workers to install the photovoltaic panels on homes in California.

John Carrese from City College of San Francisco and Jennifer Oliver of West Valley College in Saratoga co-authored the study, which can be read here. (PDF) The jobs pay well, ranging from starting salaries of $31,200 to $60,000. Solar designers and engineers earn a median salary of $83,000.

The industry, which is still dependent on government programs to spur interest in solar panels, is hoping to gain workers from the construction sector that has been sputtering because of the housing slump.

Comments (11)

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TRACTO TRAILER DRIVER
written by MANUEL MEDINA, May 19, 2008

INTERESTED TO LEARN ALL TYPE OF WORK RELATED TO SOLAR POWER. ALSO WILLING TO START THE LOWEST SALARY THAT CAN BE OFFERD. WILLING TO SACRIFICE FOR THE FUTURE.

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written by marguerite manteau-rao, May 20, 2008

How about Van Jones green collar initiative? I have been following him for a while. I am surprised you don't mention him:

http://lamarguerite.wordpress.com/2007/10/18/van-jones/

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written by yla, June 03, 2008

What about solar industry in the Philippines? Here, only the rich can avail of solar panels because of the really high price. Electicity in this country is the most expensive in Asia. So its ironic that the poor cant afford this money-saving not to mention, earth-friendly device. Help!

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written by John Pomfret, July 01, 2008

I've 30yrs exp within the plumbing and heating sector, and bpec ticket for solar having fit three systems already. Finding it impossible to find employment within the solar sector. this contradicts the above. I'm even prepared to relocate anywhere but this has been to no avail.

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written by Stephen, February 01, 2009

Thgis will only put illeggal mexicans to work not the legal population, Don't you people get it

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written by Stephen, February 01, 2009

John... you cannot get a job because you not an illegal mexican working for cheap labor wages

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jobs
written by JB, February 20, 2009

Then why not become a Solar System Designer or work in Business Development with the right training under your belt I am sure you will beat out the illegal workers.

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written by Mark fulton, March 01, 2009

Just saw Van Johnson on C-span, would love more informatio on free green collar training jobs in Atlanta Ga area ready to train and work

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Construction Manager / Project Manager
written by Tim, July 10, 2009

I am here in Atlanta Ga. and have been in the telecommunications industry for 15 years. I have built and or managed communications towers and roof top communication sites all across the US; but for some reason I have been unable to connect with anyone that is in the so called GREEN Industry; is the industry a myth or does it exist and where is it at?

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Energy Alternatives
written by Rudy Nino, July 11, 2009

When it comes to solar or energy alternatives, we at our firm at SA Building & Remodeling, Co., we are opened minded when it comes to free power from the sun, wind, water, and vegetation.

We are located in the Central-South(San Antonio-Austin-to the Texas Hill Country)Texas area, it's everyday that hear on the news how advance we are here in Texas. You will find that schooling is being offered in most metro cities.

Google your town with the following words: solar schools (your town goes here).

Most of us are not fortunate enough to have a next door neighbor that's a grass root solar expert. However, you can still be the next millionaire when in comes to energy-let's get started.

Rudy @ http://www.sabuilding-remodeling.com/

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WOULD LOVE TO BREAK INTO THE SOLAR INDUSTRY!!
written by Robert Forgette, August 04, 2009

Despite countless searches, employment opportunities seem to be limited. While this article professes the abundance of opportunities, I have yet to encounter. My background is one of a business owner/operator in the telecommunications industry. I've brought in excess of 1.7 million yearly, up to 2002. With each year, this has decreased to a point where I'm considering unemployment. What money I do manage, comes from spreading myself across several job types. I'm taking what work I get from the Alarm, cameras, voice services and telecom. With my ability to adapt and adopt new abilities across these job descriptions, it still leaves me out in the cold. At this point, I am desperate to break into solar. If you know of any job search tips which may assist me, I'd be so greatful. I live Orange County California. (So Cal) and my number is: 949-677-4767 Thanks!! Rob Forgette

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