Workforce Development

workforce

Introduction

The solar industry is growing rapidly, and we need a well-trained, expanded workforce to keep pace with this growth. SEIA is leading the industry in coming together to build a more diverse, inclusive, equitable, and resilient solar+ storage workforce.

At SEIA, we believe that a diverse workforce creates a more resilient organization - one that supports a strong, equitable solar industry.

Workforce Development

Workforce development is the ongoing engagement, skilling, reskilling, and upskilling of future, incoming, and existing industry workforce members to strategically meet the current and future needs of the industry, while also motivating and meeting the needs of individuals in the workforce. Our members are part of a larger ecosystem of organizations that we must work with to be successful.

SEIA’s member companies will need a pipeline of trained workers across the spectrum of roles from project managers to engineers, salespeople, technicians, installers, electricians, system designers, operations managers, executives, and a variety of business professionals. Roles involving solar installation and installation of related technologies including battery storage, field service maintenance, electrical work, and often sales roles to name a few, are some of the fastest growing roles in the industry, and they do not typically require a college degree.

SEIA is working to create and facilitate the development of programs, tools, resources, and networks that benefit our member companies, partner organizations, and solar industry workers. Building a robust workforce can only be achieved through the active involvement of solar companies that want to work with community-based organizations, training providers, educational institutions, and other workforce organizations.

growing the solar workforce

Short-term Needs

Address immediate recruiting, training, apprenticeship, and career development needs, with a focus on reaching diverse, underserved communities and expanding the size of the workforce. Highlights of SEIA’s work in this space to date include these resources for employers:

Use this linked resource for tips for attracting and retaining the highly sought-after military talent pool. Employers can also visit this Solar Ready Vets Network site for general information and tips.

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Explore apprenticeship options for creating an in-house apprenticeship program at your company, participating in a union-based apprenticeship program, or participating in a non-union based group apprenticeship program.

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SEIA’s Solar Job Board is a platform for job seekers and employers to learn about opportunities in the solar and storage industry by posting and applying for jobs, and also to access community intel, valuable information that will help jobseekers make more informed decisions about where to live and work.

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Strengthening workforce experiences, policies, and culture is key to attracting and retaining the workforce we need as an industry. SEIA’s DEIJ resources are tools to support employers with that effort.

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SEIA’s Solar 101 Program is an all-inclusive platform for solar energy professionals to access expert knowledge on specific industry topics and trends. The program includes a diverse set of courses that will provide value to both new entrants to the industry and established professionals who are looking for a refresher on certain solar subjects.

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Medium-term Needs

Attract future potential employees to solar by introducing solar concepts, hands-on construction experiences, and career pathway opportunities at high schools, vocational/trade schools, and community colleges. Provide workforce pipeline partners and training entities with and understanding of industry needs and industry-approved standards for training.

SEIA is actively participating in discussions with union organizations, community-based organizations, the Department of Energy, educational and training providers, the Interstate Renewable Energy Council, member committees, and other partners about the best way to address these needs
SEIA’s Standards team takes proactive steps to advance the solar and storage industries by establishing national standards. The standards ensure workers are trained to responsibly design, install, and maintain systems, thereby supporting the industry’s growth and long-term sustainability.

Long-term Needs

Bring awareness of solar energy as a mainstream electricity source and an attractive industry for career consideration to elementary and middle school students. By 2030 – 2035, these students will be the newest solar industry workforce entrants.

SEIA engages with its members and partners in various ways to gather the data and input needed to communicate industry successes, challenges, and needs around workforce development. These efforts include but are not limited to the following:

Solar Jobs Census in partnership with Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC)
Workforce Development content at RE+ and SEIA national, regional, and virtual events
- Engaging members in through SEIA’s Workforce Development Committee and IRA Apprenticeship Task Force. Send us a message if you’re interested in learning about the Workforce Development Committee or the IRA Apprenticeship Taskforce.

get involved

Join SEIA's Workforce Development Committee

SEIA engages members through SEIA’s Workforce Development Committee and IRA Apprenticeship Task Force. Send us a message if you’re interested in joining these groups.

The Military-Connected Community and the Solar Industry

According to the 2022 National Solar Jobs Census, the solar industry employs over 20,000 military veterans throughout the United States, or 8% of all solar workers.

Apprenticeships in the Solar Industry

Apprenticeships are a time-tested and powerful tool for workforce development. Check out SEIA's resources for solar employers looking to explore, develop, or participate in registered apprenticeship programs.