Solar Energy Careers Hold Promise
NOTE: This post was updated on June 17, 2019 to include revised projections and reflect changes to Lincoln Tech’s program curriculum.
Working in the solar energy industry can be a smart career choice. Earlier this year, “Solar panel installer” was named the fastest-growing career in the country by Yahoo! Finance, in an article which compiled data directly from the U.S. Department of Labor. And the U.S. Department of Energy has consistently ranked the number of Americans working in solar electricity generation as greater than the combined number working in oil, coal and gas since 2016. Despite a slight decline in the number of solar energy workers in 2018 compared to 2017, there were still more than 340,000 such professionals in the American workforce last year.
A Sunny Outlook for Solar Energy Careers
As the electrical industry continues its progress on green technology and energy efficiency initiatives, more than 800,000 electrician jobs are slated to become available nationwide by 2026*. Many will focus on alternative energy technologies like fuel cells, photovoltaic systems and wind turbines and their applications in residential and commercial settings. The profession of electrician has also been tabbed as “Green/Increased Demand” in occupational database Onetonline.org.
Lincoln Tech Programs Include Career Skills for the Solar Energy Industry
To help meet demand, Lincoln Tech includes hands-on solar energy practice in its Electrical and Renewable Technology programs at three of its campuses: East Windsor, New Britain and Shelton, all in Connecticut. Students perform work in labs and shop classes on wiring connector boxes, service panels, light fixtures and alarm systems. Training also builds experience in residential, industrial and commercial wiring on circuit boards, lights, switches and appliances. One hundred lab and classroom hours are dedicated to courses on “green” photo-voltaic systems. After graduation and licensing, electricians can pursue solar energy careers as independent contractors or work with residential, commercial or industrial construction firms across the nation.
Put your potential to work and power up your own career prospects – get plugged into hands-on training for careers in solar energy at Lincoln Tech’s Connecticut campuses!
* Source: onetonline.org for the years 2016-2026.