U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 1

Green Jobs: Solar Power

Careers in Solar Power

 James Hamilton

Sunlight is the most abundant source of potential 

energy on the planet. If harnessed properly, sunlight 

could easily exceed current and future electricity 

demand. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 

every hour enough energy from the sun reaches Earth to 

meet the world’s energy usage for an entire year.1

 Creating 

solar power by converting sunlight into electricity would 

lower emissions from electricity generation and decrease 

long-term energy costs. As solar power becomes more 

cost-effective, it has the potential to make up a larger 

share of growing U.S. energy needs. And as it expands in 

usage, there will be a growing need for more workers—

manufacturing workers to make solar panels, construction 

workers to build power plants, solar photovoltaic installers 

to install solar panels, and so on.

This article provides information on the process of generating solar power and details various occupations in the 

solar industry. The first section details a brief history of 

solar power in the United States, followed by an overview 

of how solar power is generated, which entities use it, and 

the technology involved in supplying solar power. 

The second section provides occupational information 

highlighting a brief job description of several noteworthy 

occupations that are related to solar power; the credentials needed to work in the occupation, such as education, 

training, certification, or licensure; and wage data. Occupations are listed under relevant occupational categories 

such as manufacturing, construction, installation, etc.

Using the data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 

(BLS), Occupational Employment Statistics program and 

the Solar Foundation, this article represents the second 

publication in the Bureau’s green careers series. 

Growth of solar power in the United 

States

Because of a growing interest in renewable energy and 

the increasingly competitive prices of alternative energy 

sources, solar power has received a lot of attention over 

the past several years. However, solar power generation 

itself is not new; it has been used for more than half a 

century, mostly on a small scale or for specialized purposes, such as generating electricity for spacecraft and 

satellites or for use in remote areas. Large scale solar 

generation was mostly developed in the 1970s and 1980s, 

and is considered a clean energy because of its lack of 

emissions. Continued growth is expected because solar 

power has many environmental benefits and is decreasing in price, which will allow it to become increasingly 

competitive with fossil fuels. 

James Hamilton is an economist in the Office of Occupational 

Statistics and Employment Projections, BLS. James is available at 

(202) 691-7877 or hamilton.james@bls.gov. Illustration 1. Sunrise over a solar power plant

U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS

BLS

 June 2011 – Report 2
Green Jobs: Solar Power

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2

The relatively steep cost of solar power compared with 

traditional sources of electricity generation is caused by 

the high cost of manufacturing and installing solar panels. 

However, the cost of solar power has been trending downward as technology has improved and manufacturers have 

learned how to improve production efficiency. In addition, 

as solar power generation becomes more widespread, the 

cost of installing solar-generation capacity will continue 

to fall. And as the price of fossil fuels increases, solar power will become more cost effective relative to traditional 

sources of energy. 

The solar power industry has experienced rapid growth 

in the past decade. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), total U.S. solar electric capacity surpassed 2,000 megawatts in 2009, enough to power 

over 350,000 homes. In 2009 alone, the residential market 

doubled in size and three new concentrating solar power 

(CSP) plants opened in the United States, increasing the 

solar electric market by 37 percent.2

 Despite this growth, 

solar power is still a minute portion of total energy generated in the country. In 2009, solar power provided less 

than 1 percent of total electricity generated in the United 

States.3 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not currently have employment data for the solar power industry.4 

However, the Solar Foundation, a nonprofit organization 

that promotes the use of solar energy technologies to help 

meet the world’s energy needs, estimates that in August 

2010, 93,000 workers spent more than half of their work 

hours on projects related to solar power.5

 The solar industry includes workers in science, engineering, manufacturing, construction, and installation. Scientists, for example, 

Map 1. Available solar energy in the United States
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 3

Green Jobs: Solar Power

are involved in the research and development of new and 

more efficient materials, and engineers design new systems and improve existing technologies. Manufacturing 

workers make the equipment used in solar power generation, such as mirrors and panels. Construction workers 

build solar power plants. Electricians, plumbers, and solar 

photovoltaic installers install residential and commercial 

solar projects. The Solar Foundation estimates that the 

largest growth in the solar industry in 2011 will be in 

occupations in solar installation, including photovoltaic 

installers and electricians and roofers with experience in 

solar installation.6 

Solar power generation 

Solar power is a versatile means of generating electricity. 

It can be used for such purposes as heating water, heating and air conditioning homes and commercial buildings, and powering streetlights. Because sunlight is readily 

available almost everywhere and doesn’t require fuel or a 

connection to a power grid (an interconnected network 

used to deliver electricity from suppliers to consumers), 

solar power is particularly useful for supplying power to 

remote areas and to some portable devices. 

Solar power is used to generate large amounts of power 

on a utility scale and to supply individual residences and 

businesses with electricity. This report focuses mainly on 

utility-scale, commercial, and residential solar power. 

Utility-scale solar power plants supply large amounts of 

electricity to the power grid along with traditional sources 

of power, such as coal and natural gas plants. Solar power 

plants typically generate several 

megawatts of power, comparable 

to small or medium coal- or gasfired plants. Plants only now in 

the planning stages are expected 

to produce several hundred 

megawatts,7

 which would be 

comparable to a medium to large 

coal plant or nuclear plant.

Commercial solar power is used 

by business establishments, such 

as office buildings, warehouses, 

and retail stores, which are able 

to install large groups of solar 

panels known as photovoltaic 

(PV) arrays, on unused land, 

rooftops, or parking structures. 

These panels supplement the 

building’s power supply, and, at 

times, may generate more electricity than the building 

consumes. Often, this excess power can be sold back to 

the local utility company.

Residential solar power is generated by homeowners 

who have solar panels installed on their roofs in order to 

provide power to their homes. This form of solar power 

is increasing in popularity. Residential solar power usually 

must be supplemented by traditional electricity from the 

power grid to provide additional electricity when the solar 

panels cannot meet energy needs, such as when it is nighttime or extremely cloudy. 

Although some areas of the United States are better 

suited for solar power than others, solar energy can be 

harnessed in any geographic area because of the sun’s vast 

reach. In 2009, California had by far the most solar power 

capacity at 1102 megawatts, followed by New Jersey with 

128 megawatts.8

 Nearly all states in the United States receive more sunlight per square mile than Germany, the 

world’s leading producer of solar energy.9

 Manufacturing of solar power equipment and components is located 

throughout the United States, with large plants in Massachusetts, Michigan, Ohio, Oregon, California, Wisconsin, Tennessee, New Mexico, Colorado, Georgia, and 

Texas. Other large solar panel manufacturing facilities are 

planned to begin construction over the next few years in 

many states. 

Methods of solar power generation

There are two basic methods for generating electricity 

from solar power. The first method uses photovoltaic 

Diagram 1. The photovoltaic effect
Green Jobs: Solar Power

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 4

(PV) solar panels to generate electricity directly from 

sunlight. The second method is known as concentrating solar power (CSP) and converts sunlight into heat 

to produce steam, which is then fed through conventional steam-turbine generators to generate electricity. 

Photovoltaic panels have traditionally been used 

for smaller scale electricity generation, particularly 

for residential or commercial use in individual buildings or complexes, while CSP is used for utility-scale 

electricity generation in solar power plants. However, 

photovoltaic solar plants recently started generating 

electricity in California, Illinois, New Jersey, Nevada, 

and Florida. CSP is also being adapted for smaller 

scale electricity generation. 

Photovoltaic solar power 

Modern photovoltaic solar cells were developed in 

the 1940s and 1950s, and the technology has evolved 

rapidly over the past several decades. The space programs of the United States and the Soviet Union 

first used photovoltaic cells as a source of energy to 

generate electricity for satellites and spacecraft. Solar 

energy is still used to power the International Space 

Station and the vast majority of satellites. Photovoltaic panels have also proven useful for providing electricity to remote locations that are not supplied by a 

local electric utility. 

Photovoltaic power uses solar cells that convert the 

energy of sunlight directly into electricity through the 

photovoltaic effect. (See diagram 1.) The photovoltaic 

effect is a process by which light from the sun hits a 

solar cell and is absorbed by a semiconducting material 

such as crystalline silicon. The photons in the sunlight 

knock electrons loose from their atoms, allowing them 

to flow freely through the material to produce direct 

electric current (DC) electricity. For household or utility use, an inverter must be used to convert the electricity to alternating current (AC).

The individual solar cells are arranged onto a solar 

panel. The solar panel is coated in glass or another 

laminate to protect the cells from damage. A new 

technology allows solar panels to be placed on a thin 

strip of backing, usually aluminum, and covered with 

a plastic film, which decreases the weight and cost of a 

solar panel. These thin-film solar panels are becoming 

more common, although traditional glass- or laminatecoated panels continue to make up the majority of the 

solar panel market.

Usually, several panels are arranged into an array, 

which can be scaled to produce enough capacity to 

generate the desired amount of power. A single cell 

can produce enough electricity to power a small device, such as an emergency telephone, but larger arrays 

are required to power a house or building. Utility-scale 

photovoltaic plants consisting of thousands of solar 

panels are a more recent occurrence.

Concentrating solar power

The first large-scale solar power plants in the United States 

were concentrating solar power (CSP) plants. Built in the 

California desert in the 1980s and 1990s, these plants are 

Illustration 3. Parabolic trough solar concentrators

Illustration 2. A solar cell
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 5

Green Jobs: Solar Power

Diagram 2. Parabolic trough solar power plant

still among the largest, most 

powerful solar generating 

plants in the world. Several 

plants have also been in operation since the 1980s in 

the southwestern United 

States, and many more are 

currently in the planning 

and construction stages. 

Although there are several 

different CSP technologies, 

they all involve reflecting 

sunlight onto a focal point 

that contains a heat-transfer 

material. The heat-transfer 

material, usually synthetic 

oil or molten salt, is collected in a heat storage unit 

and eventually used to create steam that powers conventional generators. One advantage of CSP is that at night or on extremely cloudy 

days, the conventional generators can be run on natural 

gas or petroleum, allowing the plant to continue to generate power when the sun is not shining.

All CSP plants consist of arrays of mirrors. The first 

type of CSP technology (still used today) works through 

the use of parabolic troughs, long, curved mirrors that move 

to follow the path of the sun, and focus the sun’s heat onto 

a tube in front of the mirror. This dramatically increases 

the temperature of the heat-transfer material, which in 

turn boils water and creates steam that drives a generator. 

(See diagram 2.)

Solar power towers, another type of CSP technology, 

were first used at experimental power plants in the California desert during the 1980s and 1990s; improved solar 

power towers are currently being developed for newer 

CSP plants. In these plants, a large array of flat mirrors 

(called heliostats) is focused on a central tower that contains the heat-transfer material. The transfer material is 

pumped into storage tanks that can contain the heat for 

up to a day. It is then passed through a heat exchanger, 

where it produces steam that drives the generators. (See 

diagram 3.)

Engineers and scientists have recently developed a new 

Diagram 3. Solar power tower plant
Green Jobs: Solar Power

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 6

form of CSP technology called the dish system. In this system, the mirrors are arranged in a parabolic shape, similar 

to that of a satellite dish, which focuses the heat onto a 

central receiver mounted above the center of the dish. 

(See diagram 4.) The receiver contains an engine known 

as a Stirling engine that converts heat to mechanical power by compressing a cold fluid, which could be water or 

synthetic oil. The heating of the fluid causes it to expand 

through a turbine or a piston, which produces mechanical 

power. An electric generator or alternator then converts 

the mechanical power into electricity. Large scale electricity is produced by arranging several dishes into a larger array. New power plants using this technology have recently 

been approved for construction in California.

The linear Fresnel system is one of the newest CSP technologies. This system is similar to the parabolic trough 

system, but it uses multiple 

rows of flat mirrors to focus 

light onto a set of tubes, increasing the temperature of 

the heat-transfer fluid. (See 

diagram 5.) The advantage 

of the linear Fresnel system 

is that it is much less expensive to manufacture flat mirrors than curved ones. 

Solar water heating 

Solar power can be used 

for another important purpose: the heating of water 

for residential, commercial, or industrial purposes. 

Residential solar water heaters generally consist of roofmounted solar water collectors that directly heat water 

using sunlight or indirectly heat water by using solar 

collectors to increase the temperature of a heat-transfer 

material and pump it to a heat exchanger, which creates 

the hot water. Solar water heating systems may be used 

to provide hot water to a home, a swimming pool, or for 

commercial purposes. 

Solar water heating systems are best suited to warm 

climates, but they can be effective in colder climates as 

well. Most systems provide a majority of a home’s hot 

water needs, but are backed up by a conventional water 

heater for times when there is a lack of sunlight.

Usually, solar installers mount the thermal collectors 

for solar water heating using similar equipment as used 

to install photovoltaic panels, but thermal collectors are 

Diagram 5. Linear Fresnel solar power plant

Diagram 4. Solar dish power plant
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 7

Green Jobs: Solar Power

used instead of panels. A plumber is needed to connect 

water pipes to the plumbing system of the house, pool, 

or commercial building.

Occupations in solar power

The solar power industry employs a wide range of occupations in a number of major industry segments: research 

and development, manufacturing of solar power materials, construction of solar power plants, operation of solar 

power plants, and solar power installation and maintenance. Sales occupations are also integral to the solar 

power products industry. 

Following are descriptions of the most common jobs 

in the solar power industry; for each occupation, job duties are listed, along with the credentials needed for the 

occupation, including education, training, certification, or 

licensure. Certification demonstrates competency in a skill 

or set of skills, typically through work experience, training, 

the passage of an examination, or some combination of 

the three. Licensing is done by individual states, and typically requires the passage of an examination in addition 

to fulfillment of eligibility requirements, such as a minimum level of education, work experience, training, or the 

completion of an internship, residency, or apprenticeship. 

In addition, wage data are included in the occupation 

descriptions. Although BLS does not have wage data specifically for occupations in the solar industry, BLS is currently in the process of collecting data to measure green 

jobs. This is expected to be available in 2012. The wages 

listed represent the larger industry or industry group 

that would employ solar power workers, when applicable. 

Wage data do not include benefits or other compensation.

The majority of the occupations listed here are not specific to the solar power industry—they exist in many other 

industries as well. Although many of these occupations 

require special skills unique to solar power, skills can be 

acquired in other industries in most cases. For many positions, experience in other industries is desired by employers in the solar power industry. For example, solar photovoltaic installers need to have specialized knowledge and 

training, but many installers have previous experience as 

roofers, electricians, or construction workers. 

Occupations in scientific research

Solar power is still gaining popularity and acceptance, so 

research and development are key aspects of the industry. 

Continued research and increased returns to scale as production has increased have led to many developments that 

have decreased costs while increasing efficiency, reliability, 

and aesthetics. For example, new materials have been developed that allow for low-cost and lightweight thin-film 

solar panels that are less expensive to produce and easier 

to transport than glass- or laminate-coated solar panels.

Occupations in scientific research and development 

have become increasingly interdisciplinary, and as a result, 

it is common for physicists, chemists, materials scientists, 

and engineers to work together as part of a team. Most 

scientists in the solar industry work in an office or laboratory and also spend some time in manufacturing facilities 

with engineers and processing specialists.

Job duties

Physicists observe, measure, interpret, and develop theories 

to explain physical phenomena using mathematics. In the 

solar power industry, physicists work with chemists, materials scientists, and engineers to improve the efficiency of 

solar panels. Physicists also find new materials to use for 

solar panel generation, such as the thin-film photovoltaic 

solar panels.

Chemists investigate the properties, composition, and 

structure of matter and the laws that govern the reactions 

of substances to each other. Using this knowledge, chemists in the solar power industry are able to improve on 

solar cell design, develop new materials for making solar 

cells, or improve existing materials. They typically focus 

on semiconducting materials, which are usually siliconbased materials or organic compounds, because most solar 

panels are made of semiconducting materials and some 

Illustration 4. Solar water heaters on a roof
Green Jobs: Solar Power

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 8

newer thin-film panels are made out of organic materials.

Materials scientists study the structures and chemical 

properties of various materials to develop new products or 

enhance existing ones. Current research in the solar power 

field is focused on developing new materials, especially 

thin-film cells, and decreasing the cost of photovoltaic 

panels. Materials scientists are also seeking to increase 

solar panel efficiency. Efficiency refers to the percentage 

of available energy that is actually harnessed by the solar 

cells. Most modern solar cells can only harvest about 10 

to 15 percent of solar energy, with some types of panels 

capable of 25 to 30 percent efficiency. Finally, material scientists are seeking to create building-integrated solar energy technologies that address common complaints about 

solar panels taking away the aesthetic appeal of a building 

because of their large and bulky nature. 

Credentials

A doctoral degree is a necessity for scientists that conduct original research and develop new products; however, 

some workers may enter the scientific fields with a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Computer skills are essential for 

scientists to perform data analysis, integration, modeling, 

and testing. Certification or licensure is not necessary for 

most of these scientists.

Wages

BLS does not currently have wage data specific to the solar power industry. The table that follows shows wages for 

selected scientists for May 2010. The wages are median 

annual wages for the United States as a whole; wages vary 

by employer and location. 

Occupations in solar power engineering 

Engineers apply the principles of science and mathematics to develop economical solutions to technical problems. 

Their work is the link between scientific research and 

commercial applications. Many engineers specify precise 

functional requirements, and then design, test, and integrate components to produce designs for new products. 

After the design phase, engineers are responsible for evaluating a design’s effectiveness, cost, reliability, and safety. 

Engineers use computers extensively to produce and analyze designs, and for simulating and testing solar energy 

systems. Computers are also necessary for monitoring 

quality control processes. Computer software developers 

design the software and other systems needed to manufacture solar components, manage the production of solar 

panels, and control some solar generating systems.

Most engineers work in offices, laboratories, or industrial plants. Engineers are typically employed by manufacturers of solar equipment and may travel frequently to different worksites, including to plants in Asia and Europe.

Engineers are one of the most sought-after occupations 

by employers in the solar power industry. According to 

the Solar Foundation, 53 percent of manufacturing firms 

reported difficulty in hiring qualified engineers in 2010.

Job duties 

Materials engineers are involved in the development, processing, and testing of the materials for use in products 

that must meet specialized design and performance specifications. In the solar industry, they work with semiconductors, metals, plastics, glass, and composites (mixtures 

of these materials) to create new materials that meet 

electrical and chemical requirements of solar cells. They 

create and study materials at an atomic level, using advanced processes to replicate the characteristics of those 

materials and their components using computer modeling 

programs.

Chemical engineers apply the principles of chemistry 

to design or improve equipment or to devise processes 

for manufacturing chemicals and products. In the solar 

power industry, they design equipment and processes 

for large-scale manufacturing, plan and test methods of 

manufacturing solar cells, and supervise the production of 

solar cells. Chemical engineers in the solar industry typically focus on semiconductors or organic chemistry, since 

most solar panels are made of semiconducting materials 

and some newer thin-film panels are made out of organic 

materials.

Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacture of electrical components. They are 

responsible for designing the electrical circuitry of solar 

panels and supporting devices for panels, such as inverters 

and wiring systems. 

Selected scientific occupations Median annual 

wages, 20101

Physicists $106,370

Chemists 68,320

Materials scientists 84,720

1

The Occupational Employment Statistics data are available 

at www.bls.gov/oes. The data do not include benefits.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 9

Green Jobs: Solar Power

complexity of some systems, a significant number of jobs 

require a master’s or doctoral degree. Engineers are expected to complete continuing education and keep up 

with rapidly changing technology. 

Certifications are usually required and depend on the 

systems used by a particular manufacturer. Licensure as a 

professional engineer (PE) is desirable and often required, 

depending on an engineer’s specialty.

Entry-level engineers may be hired as interns or junior 

team members and work under the close supervision of 

senior or supervisory engineers. As they gain experience, 

they are assigned more complex tasks and are given greater independence and leadership responsibilities.

Software developers typically have at least a bachelor’s 

degree in computer science or a related discipline, combined with experience in computer programming and 

software design.

Engineering technicians typically have an associate’s 

degree or certification from a community college or technical school. Technicians participate in on-the-job training and are closely supervised by engineers.

Wages

BLS does not currently have wage data specific to the solar power industry. However, BLS does have wage data 

for the Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component 

Manufacturing industry group, which includes production of solar panels. The following table shows BLS data 

for selected occupations in this industry group for May 

2010. The wages shown are median annual wages for the 

United States as a whole; wages vary by employer and location.

Industrial engineers determine the most effective ways 

to use the basic factors of production—people, machines, 

materials, information, and energy—to make a product 

or provide a service. In the solar power industry, they are 

concerned primarily with increasing productivity through 

the management of people, the use of technology, and the 

improvement of production methods of solar cells or mirrors. To maximize efficiency, industrial engineers study the 

product requirements carefully and design manufacturing 

and information systems with the help of mathematical 

models.

Mechanical engineers research, design, develop, manufacture, and test tools, engines, machines, and other mechanical devices. Engineers in the solar power industry 

work on the machines used in the manufacturing of solar 

panels. In the United States, solar photovoltaic manufacturing is highly automated. Machines do the majority 

of work: cutting semiconducting materials, such as crystalline silicon, into wafers, turning them into solar cells, 

and assembling the solar cells into solar panels. Besides 

machines, mechanical engineers also design and test the 

electric generators and pumps that are used in concentrating solar power plants.

Computer software developers are computer specialists 

who design and develop software used for a variety of 

purposes. In the solar power industry, computer software 

is used in forecasting weather and sunlight patterns to assess the feasibility and cost of generating solar power in a 

particular area. In power plants, software is used to monitor the equipment and to adjust the direction of mirrors 

or photovoltaic panels so that the maximum amount of 

energy is captured as the sun moves in the sky. Software 

developers are responsible for updating, repairing, expanding, and modifying existing programs.

Engineering technicians assist engineers with solving 

technical problems in research, development, manufacturing, construction, inspection, and maintenance. Their 

work is more narrowly focused and application-oriented 

than that of engineers or scientists. Engineering technicians who work in the research and development of solar 

panels or machines will build or set up equipment, prepare 

and conduct experiments, collect data, and calculate or 

record results. They may also help engineers or scientists 

to make prototypes of newly designed equipment or assist with computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) 

equipment.

Credentials

Engineers typically enter the solar industry with a bachelor’s degree in engineering. However, because of the 

Selected engineering and computer 

occupations in the semiconductor 

and other electronic component 

manufacturing industry

Median annual 

wages, 2010

Materials engineers $86,380

Chemical engineers 92,820

Electrical engineers 92,070

Industrial engineers 83,620

Mechanical engineers 78,910

Software developers, applications 96,230

Electrical and electronics engineering 

technicians

 51,060

1

The Occupational Employment Statistics data are available 

at www.bls.gov/oes. The data do not include benefits.
Green Jobs: Solar Power

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 10

Occupations in manufacturing for solar 

power

Manufacturing in the solar industry focuses on three 

technologies: concentrating solar power (CSP), photovoltaic solar power, and solar water heating. However, the 

vast majority of solar manufacturing firms focus mainly 

on photovoltaic solar power and producing photovoltaic 

panels. The production process for photovoltaic panels is 

more complex than for CSP components, and it involves 

complicated electronics. Making photovoltaic panels requires the work of many skilled workers, including semiconductor processors, computer-controlled machine tool 

operators, glaziers, and coating and painting workers. The 

manufacture of CSP mirrors includes many of the same 

occupations 

Job duties

Semiconductor processors are workers who oversee the manufacturing process of solar cells. Semiconductors are unique 

substances, which act as either conductors or insulators 

of electricity, depending on the conditions. Semiconductor processors turn semiconductors into photovoltaic 

cells. The process begins with the production of cylinders 

of silicon or other semiconducting materials, which are 

called ingots. The ingots are sliced into thin wafers using 

automated equipment, and are sometimes polished. The 

wafers are then connected to metal strips and placed into 

the cells. These cells are then arranged into larger solar 

panels. 

The electrical circuitry of solar cells is very small, and 

microscopic contamination can render the cell useless. 

Because of this, most of the manufacturing processes are 

automated, and it is important to have workers to monitor 

the equipment and make adjustments as necessary. They 

also perform necessary maintenance and repairs on equipment. Semiconductor processors test completed cells and 

perform diagnostic analyses. Workers are required to 

wear special lightweight outer garments known as “bunny 

suits” and spend most of their day working in clean rooms 

to prevent contamination of the cells and circuitry.

Computer-controlled machine tool operators are workers 

who run computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines, a machine tool that forms and shapes solar mirror 

or panel components. Some of the more highly trained 

CNC workers also program the machines to cut new 

pieces according to design schematics. CNC operators 

use machines to mass-produce components that require 

highly precise cutting. In the solar power industry, they 

manufacture precisely designed mirrors for CSP plants 

and many of the components of photovoltaic panels.

Welding, soldering, and brazing workers apply heat to 

metal pieces during the manufacturing process, melting 

and fusing them to form a permanent bond. Welders join 

two or more pieces of metal by melting them together. 

Soldering and brazing workers use a metal with a lower 

melting point than that of the original piece, so only the 

added metal is melted, preventing the piece from warping 

or distorting. Solar panels are made up of many small cells 

that are soldered to electric circuitry. This process may be 

automated, with workers monitoring the machines.

Glaziers are responsible for selecting, cutting, installing, replacing, and removing glass or glass-like materials. 

Photovoltaic panels are placed in an aluminum frame 

and are typically encased in glass or laminates to protect 

them from the elements. The glaziers are responsible for 

measuring and cutting the glass or laminate to cover the 

panel; securing it in place; and sealing it using rubber, vinyl, or silicone compounds. It is important to prevent the 

cover from cracking or scratching thereby reducing the 

efficiency of the solar panel. 

CSP plants are made up of many highly reflective mirrors manufactured to exact specifications. Many of these 

plants use curved mirrors, which are challenging to produce. Glaziers are instrumental in the manufacturing, 

installation, and maintenance of these mirrors. Glaziers 

ensure the mirrors maintain maximum reflectivity in order to perform at desired levels. Because these mirrors are 

located outdoors and are expensive to make, glaziers must 

often refinish and refurbish them. Mirrors also break frequently, and glaziers produce the replacements. 

Illustration 5. Workers in a clean room
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 11

Green Jobs: Solar Power

Coating and painting machine setters, operators, and tenders apply coatings to solar panels, which can be a complicated process that must be done with a high level of 

precision. Mirrors in CSP plants are typically coated to 

protect them from the environment and to make them 

resistant to scratches and corrosion. Solar photovoltaic 

panels are also covered in protective coatings, and these 

coatings increase the efficiency of the panels. Special coatings, such as titanium oxide, make solar panels less reflective and therefore able to absorb more sunlight (or lose 

less sunlight.)

Before painting or coating a mirror or panel, workers prepare the surface by sanding or grinding away any 

imperfections. After preparing the surface, it is carefully 

cleaned to prevent any dust or dirt from becoming trapped 

under the coating. The coating is then applied by spraying it onto the panel. Many manufacturers apply coatings 

through an automated process. It is the workers’ job to set 

up the systems, add solvents, monitor the equipment, and 

feed the pieces through the machines. 

Coating and painting workers may be exposed to dangerous fumes from paint and coating solutions and other 

hazardous chemicals. Workers are usually required to wear 

masks and special suits to protect them from the fumes 

produced by paint, solvents, and other chemicals.

Electrical and electronics installers and repairers work on 

a number of the complex electronic equipment that the 

solar industry depends on for a variety of functions. Manufacturers use industrial controls to automatically monitor 

and direct production processes on the factory floor.

Electrical and electronic equipment assemblers put together the final products and the components that go into 

them. They are responsible for assembling the complex 

electrical circuitry in a photovoltaic panel, as well as assembling the components, such as inverters or controls, 

that connect to solar panels. Many of these assemblers 

operate automated systems to assemble small electronic 

parts that are too small or fragile for human assembly.

Industrial production managers plan, direct, and coordinate work on the factory floor. They determine which 

machines will be used, whether new machines need to be 

purchased, when overtime shifts are necessary, and how 

to improve the production process. They keep production 

runs on schedule, and are responsible for solving problems 

that could jeopardize the quality of the components. 

Credentials

The level and type of training necessary for occupations in 

the solar power manufacturing process varies. Most production workers are trained on the job and gain expertise 

with experience. Workers in more skilled positions, such 

as computer-controlled machine tool operators, may attend formal training programs or apprenticeships. Experience working with electronics or semiconductors may be 

helpful for some of these occupations.

Industrial production managers are typically required 

to have college degrees in business administration, management, industrial technology, or engineering. 

Wages

BLS does not track wage data specific to the solar power 

industry. However, BLS does track wage data for the 

Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing industry group, which includes production of 

solar panels. The following table shows BLS data for selected occupations in this industry group for May 2010. 

The wages shown are median annual wages for the United 

States as a whole; wages vary by employer and location. 

Occupations in solar power plant 

development

Building a solar power plant is complex and site selection requires years of research and planning. The proposed 

Selected occupations in the 

semiconductor and other electronic 

component manufacturing 

industry group

Median annual 

wages, 20101

Semiconductor processors $32,880

Computer-controlled machine tool 

operators, metal and plastic

 31,470

Welders, cutters, solderers, and 

brazers

 27,590

Glaziers2 36,640

Coating, painting, and spraying 

machine setters, operators, and 

tenders

 32,520

Electrical and electronics repairers, 

commercial and industrial 

equipment

 47,480

Electrical and electronic equipment 

assemblers

 27,500

Industrial production managers 97,330

1

The Occupational Employment Statistics data are available 

at www.bls.gov/oes. The data do not include benefits.

2

 Wage data are not available for the industry group specified. 

Wages listed are for the occupation as a whole.
Green Jobs: Solar Power

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 12

site must meet several criteria: large, relatively flat site, 

adequate sunlight, and minimal environmental impact 

once built. Prior to beginning construction on a new solar 

plant, real estate brokers and scientists must ensure the 

site is suitable and that the proper federal, state, and local 

permits are obtained for construction of a power plant. 

Job duties

Real estate brokers are instrumental in procuring land on 

which to build power plants. They are responsible for 

obtaining the land by purchasing or leasing it from land 

owners. Real estate brokers must work with local, state, 

and federal government agencies, community members 

and organizations, utility companies, and others that 

have a stake in the proposed power plant. They work 

alongside lawyers, accountants, and project managers. 

Real estate brokers also consult with atmospheric scientists to determine if the land is suitable for a solar 

power plant. 

Real estate brokers in the solar industry must have 

specialized knowledge of property specifications for solar power plants and the regulations in place for obtaining the property. Currently, many large solar plants in 

the United States have been built on—or are proposed 

to be built on—federal lands, so brokers have to work 

with the Bureau of Land Management to obtain leases 

for these properties.

Atmospheric scientists (including meteorologists) study 

the atmosphere and weather patterns. In the solar power 

industry, they study particular areas being considered 

for development of a solar power plant. Because the efficiency of solar panels and concentrating solar power 

plants is highly dependent on the weather of a particular 

area, atmospheric scientists are needed to study atmospheric and weather conditions prior to the development 

of plants or large commercial solar projects. They can 

help determine if solar power will be a cost-effective way 

to generate energy in a particular area by studying past 

weather patterns and using computers to create models 

of expected weather activity. Although many atmospheric scientists work for companies that develop large-scale 

solar projects, some work for smaller consulting firms 

that provide these services to individual customers who 

are considering installing solar power in their homes or 

small businesses.

Environmental scientists ensure that environmental 

regulations and policies are followed and that sensitive 

parts of the ecosystem are protected. Many solar power 

plants are built in desert areas that have fragile ecosystems and numerous protected species. Construction and 

operation of plants must have minimal impact on the 

surrounding environment. Environmental scientists use 

their knowledge of the natural sciences to minimize hazards to the health of the environment and surrounding 

population.

Credentials

Real estate brokers typically have a bachelor’s degree or 

a higher degree in business, real estate, law, engineering, 

or a related discipline. Experience with obtaining land 

permits and an understanding of tax and accounting 

rules are necessary, as well as familiarity with local environmental and energy regulations. Experience working 

with relevant government agencies, such as the Bureau 

of Land Management, is also desirable. Companies typically hire people with experience in land acquisition and 

management and train them to their specific needs.

Atmospheric and environmental scientists typically 

need a bachelor’s degrees, but scientists with a master’s 

or doctoral degree are preferred, depending on the scale 

of the projects they work on. Many of these scientists 

are hired on for the length of specific projects, and more 

education and experience makes them more attractive to 

hire full time. Atmospheric and environmental scientists 

may also need to be licensed, depending on local regulations. Illustration 6. Man at a solar power plant
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 13

Green Jobs: Solar Power

Wages

BLS does not currently have wage data specific to the 

solar power industry. The following table shows BLS 

data for selected occupations for May 2010. The wages 

shown are median annual wages for the United States as 

a whole; wages vary by employer and location. 

Occupations in solar power plant 

construction

Once a site has been selected, civil engineers are responsible for the design of the power plant and related structures. When construction begins, workers are needed to 

build the actual plant. For a concentrating solar power 

(CSP) plant, large mirrors are arranged to catch and focus sunlight for power generation, therefore storage tanks, 

pipes, and generators must be installed before the plant is 

connected to the electrical grid. Photovoltaic plants are 

less complex, requiring installation of arrays of photovoltaic panels before they are connected to transformers and 

the grid. Construction managers have the responsibility 

of managing the entire construction process.

Job duties

Construction managers oversee the construction of solar 

power plants, from site selection to the final construction 

of the plant. They supervise a team of diverse occupations, 

including engineers, scientists, construction workers, and 

heavy-equipment operators. Construction managers are 

employed by large construction companies, energy companies, or utilities companies and work under contract or 

as salaried employees. Because of the size of a power plant 

and the complexity of the construction, a project manager 

will typically oversee several construction managers, who 

then supervise individual aspects of the construction. 

The construction manager’s time is split between working at the construction site and an office, which may be 

located onsite or offsite. Primary office responsibilities include management of permits, contracts, and the budget. 

At the site, the construction manager monitors progress 

and performs inspections for quality control. Construction managers oversee the contracting process and manage various contractors and subcontractors. They are 

responsible for ensuring a safe work environment where 

workers adhere to strict site safety policies.

Civil engineers design and supervise the construction 

of power plants. Solar power plants can take a number of 

forms and sizes. CSP plants are more like typical power 

plants and require incorporating large steam turbines and 

storage tanks, plus a large, flat area for the solar array. 

Photovoltaic plants are less complex, but are a challenge 

for engineers to design because the panels are optimally 

configured to efficiently harvest solar power. Engineers 

ensure that the land is graded properly and is flat enough 

to support large arrays of mirrors or photovoltaic panels. 

Civil engineers are also responsible for designing necessary infrastructure, including roadways, support structures, foundations, and plumbing systems.

Construction laborers perform a wide range of construction-related tasks. Most construction laborers specialize 

in one component of construction, such as metalworking, 

concrete pouring and setting, assembly, or demolition. 

Laborers prepare the site for construction by removing 

trees and debris. They are also responsible for monitoring 

and repairing compressors, pumps, and generators, and for 

erecting scaffolding and other support structures, as well 

as loading, unloading, identifying, and distributing building materials in accordance with project plans.

Construction equipment operators use machinery to move 

construction materials, earth, and other heavy materials at 

a construction site. Many plants require flat, unobstructed 

ground in order to line up the solar panels or mirrors, and 

equipment operators operate machinery to clear and grade 

the land. They also operate cranes to lift and place heavy 

objects, such as photovoltaic arrays, large mirrors, and turbine generators. They set up and inspect their equipment, 

make adjustments to the equipment, and perform some 

maintenance and minor repairs.

Welders who work in solar power plant construction are 

important for both CSP and photovoltaic plants. In CSP 

plants, the work of welders includes joining structural 

beams together when constructing buildings, installing 

the structures that support the mirrors, and joining pipes 

together. At photovoltaic plants, welders are instrumental in building the solar panel mounting systems. Panels 

must be mounted on the ground or on a roof using metal 

beams, and welders are responsible for attaching these 

beams together to form the mounts.

Selected occupations in solar 

power plant development

Median annual 

wages, 20101

Real estate brokers $54,910

Atmospheric and space scientists 87,780

Environmental scientists and 

specialists, including health

 61,700

1

The Occupational Employment Statistics data are available 

at www.bls.gov/oes. The data do not include benefits.
Green Jobs: Solar Power

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 14

Structural iron and steel workers use blueprints to place 

and install iron or steel girders, columns, and other structures to form the support structures for power plants. 

These workers also cut the structures to proper size, drill 

bolts for holes, and number them for onsite assembly by 

construction workers or solar photovoltaic installers. The 

structures are then shipped to worksites where they will 

be erected by structural iron and steel workers on a construction site. 

Credentials

In most construction occupations, workers are trained on 

the job. Laborers typically work under supervisors, who 

direct them to complete tasks. As laborers gain more experience and prove their abilities, they may move up to 

become supervisors. Equipment operators often learn on 

the job or complete a formal training program, or a combination of both. Certain equipment requires operators to 

be certified, which involves some training and testing to 

ensure competence and safety.

Construction managers are typically educated in construction management, business management, or engineering, and usually have experience working in construction. Experience is important for construction managers, 

so it may be substituted for some educational requirements. Large, complex projects such as power plants, 

however, require specialized education. Workers with a 

degree in construction management or engineering, but 

without significant experience, may be hired as assistants 

to construction managers.

Civil engineers have at least a bachelor’s degree in civil 

or structural engineering. Lead engineers on large projects, such as power plants, have specialized experience and 

typically have at least a master’s degree. Licensure as a 

professional engineer (PE) may be required.

Welders usually learn their trade through on-the-job 

training or a formal apprenticeship program, or they may 

attend a formal training program at a trade school or 

community college. There are many different techniques 

that welders may use that also require additional training. 

Structural steel and iron workers are typically trained on 

the job and may complete additional specialized training. 

Wages

BLS does not have wage data specific to the solar power 

industry. However, BLS does track the wage of occupations in the Utility System Construction industry group, 

which includes construction of solar power plants. The 

following table shows BLS data for selected occupations 

in this industry group for May 2010. The wages shown are 

median annual wages for the United States as a whole; 

however, wages do vary by employer and location. 

Occupations in solar power plant 

operations

Workers at solar power plants install, operate, and maintain equipment. They also monitor the production process 

and correct any problems that arise during normal operation. Concentrating solar power (CSP) plants require 

more workers than photovoltaic plants; photovoltaic 

plants can sometimes even be run remotely.

Job duties

Power plant operators monitor power generation and distribution from control rooms at power plants. They monitor 

the solar arrays and generators and regulate output from 

the generators, and they monitor instruments to maintain 

voltage to regulate electricity flows from the plant. Power 

plant operators communicate with distribution centers to 

ensure that the proper amount of electricity is being generated based on demand. They also go on rounds through 

the plant to check that everything is operating correctly, 

keeping records of switching operations and loads on generators, lines, and transformers. Operators use computers 

to report unusual incidents or malfunctioning equipment, 

and to record maintenance performed during their shifts.

Some CSP plants have a secondary source of power 

generation, such as natural-gas powered turbines, that 

will generate power at night or when the weather doesn’t 

Selected occupations in the utility 

system construction industry group

Median annual 

wages, 20101

Construction managers $83,170

Civil engineers 74,620

Construction laborers 29,600

Operating engineers and other 

construction equipment operators

 43,240

Welders, cutters, solderers, and 

brazers

 45,990

Structural iron and steel workers 44,890

1

The Occupational Employment Statistics data are available 

at www.bls.gov/oes. The data do not include benefits.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 15

Green Jobs: Solar Power

allow for sufficient solar power generation. Power plant 

operators are responsible for monitoring this equipment 

and deciding when to switch from solar generation to the 

secondary source. 

Pump operators tend, control, and operate pump and 

manifold systems that transfer oil, water, and other materials throughout the CSP plant. CSP plants use mirrors to heat fluids like molten salt or synthetic oil, which 

are pumped through the solar heating devices and into a 

heat-transfer device to produce steam. 

Pump operators maintain the equipment and regulate 

the flow of materials according to a schedule set up by the 

plant engineers or production supervisors. The work tends 

to be repetitive and physically demanding. Workers may 

lift and carry heavy objects and stoop, kneel, crouch, or 

crawl in awkward positions. Some work at great heights, 

and most work is done outdoors.

Electricians are responsible for installing and maintaining the electrical equipment and wiring that connects the 

plant to the electrical grid. Electricians in power plants 

work with heavy equipment, including generators, inverters, and transformers. They must be familiar with computer systems that regulate the flow of electricity, and they 

must be comfortable with high-voltage systems.

Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters install, maintain, 

and repair pipe systems. Pipe systems in power plants 

carry the heat-transfer material—synthetic oil or molten 

salt—throughout the plant and into special heat containment units. Other pipes carry steam from the heaters 

to the turbines that generate electricity. These pipes often carry materials at both high temperatures and high 

pressure. The workers monitor, regulate, and control flow 

through the popes using automatic controls. 

Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters need physical 

strength and stamina. They must frequently lift heavy 

pipes, stand for long periods of time, and work in uncomfortable and cramped positions. They often must work 

outdoors and in inclement weather conditions. In addition, they are subject to possible injuries brought on by 

falls from ladders, cuts from sharp objects, and burns from 

hot pipes or soldering equipment. 

Electrical and electronics installers and repairers use electronic power equipment to operate and control generating plants, substations, and monitoring equipment. They 

install, maintain, and repair these complex systems. 

Electrical engineers are responsible for controlling electrical generation and monitoring transmission devices 

used by electric utilities in power plants. 

Credentials

Power plant workers generally need a combination of education, on-the-job training, and experience. Strong mechanical, technical, and computer skills are needed to operate a power plant. Certification by the North American 

Energy Reliability Corporation (NERC) is necessary for 

positions that could affect the power grid. Companies also 

require a strong math and science background for workers 

seeking highly technical jobs. Knowledge of these subjects 

can be obtained through specialized training courses.

Because of security concerns, many power plant operators are subject to background investigations and must 

have a clean criminal record. They must also be willing to 

submit to random drug testing. Electricians and pipefitters and steamfitters must be trained on the specific systems on which they work. They attend specialized training 

programs and undergo extensive on-the-job training.

Wages

BLS does not have wage data specific to the solar power 

industry. However, BLS does have wage data for occupaIllustration 7. A solar array

Illustration 8. Man wiring solar panels
Green Jobs: Solar Power

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 16

tions in the Electric Power Generation, Transmission and 

Distribution industry group, which includes the distribution of electricity generated by solar power plants. The table that follows shows BLS data for selected occupations 

in this industry group for May 2010. The wages shown are 

median annual wages for the United States as a whole; 

wages vary by employer and location. 

Solar photovoltaic installers

Solar photovoltaic installers are key to the process of solar 

panel installation and maintenance. They use specialized 

skills to install residential and commercial solar projects. 

They are responsible for safely attaching the panels to the 

roofs of houses or other buildings and ensuring that the 

systems work. Solar photovoltaic installers must be able 

to work with power tools and hand tools at great heights, 

and possess in-depth knowledge of electrical wiring as 

well as basic math skills. When necessary, installers must 

be problem solvers, able to repair damaged systems or 

replace malfunctioning components. Safety is a priority 

when installing solar panels because installers run the risk 

of falling from a roof or being electrocuted by high voltage.

Solar photovoltaic installers are often self-employed as 

general contractors or employed by solar panel manufacturers or installation companies. Installation companies 

typically specialize in installing certain types of panels 

and provide some maintenance and repair services. When 

a solar panel system is purchased, manufacturers may provide the buyer with installation services or maintenance 

and repair work. Self-employed installers typically have 

training and experience with installing solar power systems and are hired directly by the property owners or by a 

construction firm.

Job duties

The main component of a solar installer’s job is the 

preparation of the installation site. Before the installation 

process begins, a full audit of a structure is conducted, 

including a survey of the existing electrical system and 

developing safety procedures. The job is then designed 

based on the characteristics of the structure and the type 

of system being installed. After the layout and equipment 

are finalized, the permits are obtained from the relevant 

governments (local, state, federal, or a combination). If the 

installers do not do these preparations themselves, they 

must familiarize themselves with the site before they begin working on it.

Once installation begins, the proper safety equipment, 

such as a rope and anchor system, must be set up to prevent falls from the rooftop. Often, the building will have to 

be upgraded to support the solar panels; this may involve 

reinforcing the roof, replacing rafters, or installing supports to handle the added weight of the panels. The roof 

must be marked to show where the arrays will be placed, 

and holes are drilled in the roof to attach the mounting 

system. After the mounting system is in place, the solar 

panels can be installed. Workers use caution during installation because the panels are fragile, expensive, and weigh 

at least 40 pounds each. If the panels are damaged during 

the installation process, the company has to cover the cost 

of repair or replacement.

Credentials

Solar photovoltaic installers typically have a background in 

construction or as electricians. There is no formal training 

standard for installers, but courses are offered by a variety 

of institutions, such as trade schools, apprenticeship programs, or by photovoltaic module manufacturers. Training programs vary widely and can range from 1 day to 

several weeks. Many solar installers are licensed as general 

contractors and many are licensed by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). 

Certification, while not necessary, can improve the job 

prospects of installers, and many larger projects require 

workers to be certified. 

Solar installers may work alongside roofers, electricians, and plumbers in order to learn the variety of skills 

needed to complete an installation. Many installers enter 

the field with previous experience in one or more of these 

fields. Because of the high skill level required, clients may 

also ask that both lead installers and those installers who 

work independently obtain a general contractor’s license, 

Selected occupations in the electric 

power generation, transmission, and 

distribution industry group

Median annual 

wages, 20101

Power plant operators $64,270

Pump operators, except wellhead 

pumpers

 58,740

Electricians 59,020

Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters 66,080

Electrical and electronics repairers, 

powerhouse, substation, and relay

 66,230

1

The Occupational Employment Statistics data are available 

at www.bls.gov/oes. The data do not include benefits.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 17

Green Jobs: Solar Power

depending on regulations of the localities and states where 

they work.

Wages

BLS does not currently publish wage data available for 

solar photovoltaic installers, but these data are being collected. According to industry sources, solar installers usually have starting salaries between $30,000 and $40,000 

per year. Installers trained as electricians or those that 

are licensed as general contractors can make significantly 

more. As with any occupation, wages and benefits vary by 

employer and geographic location.

Other occupations in solar panel 

installation and maintenance

Other occupations in solar installation and maintenance 

are site assessors, electricians, plumbers, and roofers. 

These workers are involved in the installation process but 

are not classified as solar photovoltaic installers. However, 

solar photovoltaic installers posses many of the same skills 

as these occupations and often have work experience in 

these fields.

Job duties

Site assessors determine how much energy can be harvested 

at a particular location and then make recommendations 

based on that assessment. Site assessors help determine 

the best type, size, and layout of solar panels, and help 

draw up plans for installation crews. Assessors may take 

readings of sunlight at a proposed location, review weather patterns, and calculate potential costs and savings. Site 

assessors are usually hired for commercial projects by 

companies that are making substantial investments in solar power and therefore want to ensure maximum benefits 

from the project. Some site assessors may consult with 

homeowners or solar installation companies on residential 

projects.

Electricians install and maintain all of the electrical and 

power systems in a home or business. They install and 

maintain the wiring and control the equipment through 

which electricity flows. Electricians are responsible for 

connecting the solar panels, inverter, and other equipment 

to a building’s power supply. Electricians may or may not 

specialize in solar installation; however, most electricians 

that work with solar panels have some experience or training on solar power equipment. If a new building or house 

is being constructed with a solar power generating system, electricians may be responsible for installing the solar 

power system along with the electrical wiring system, or 

they may be responsible for simply connecting the solar 

equipment.

Plumbers install solar water heating systems. These systems replace or augment a conventional water heater and 

must be connected to a house’s or building’s plumbing. To 

install these systems, plumbers require specialized training to work with solar water heater equipment.

Roofers install and repair roofs, and they ensure that 

any cuts or holes made in the roof during the installation 

of solar panels and mounting racks are properly repaired 

and sealed. They may also assist with the installation of 

mounting systems and structural supports. Roofers typically work with a variety of materials including tar, asphalt, gravel, rubber, thermoplastic, metal, and shingles. 

Roofing work is very strenuous. It requires workers to be 

on hot roofs for long periods of time, and it carries the risk 

of falls and other injuries.

Credentials

Site assessors generally have past experience with electrical or roofing work or experience as solar photovoltaic 

installers. They receive on-the-job training as well as specialized training in the equipment and techniques used 

Illustration 9. Large roof-mounted solar array
Green Jobs: Solar Power

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 18

to assess a site for a potential solar project. Some formal 

educational programs are available that teach basic site assessment including how to gauge the feasibility of solar 

generation, estimate costs, and determine which products 

to use. 

Plumbers and electricians receive training through 

supervised apprenticeships administered by technical 

schools or community colleges. Apprenticeships usually 

consist of 4 or 5 years of paid on-the-job training and 

at least 144 hours of related classroom instruction per 

year. Most states require plumbers and electricians to be 

licensed. Licensing requirements vary, but it is common 

for states to require between 2 and 5 years of experience, 

followed by an examination that tests knowledge of trade 

and local codes. Applicants for apprenticeships must be 

at least 18 years old and in good physical condition. Drug 

tests may be required, and most apprenticeship programs 

ask that applicants have at least a high school diploma or 

equivalent.

Plumbers and electricians working on solar installation 

projects must also have specialized training on the systems that they will be installing, or they must work under 

the supervision of a qualified solar photovoltaic installer. 

Certification by the North American Board of Certified 

Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is required for many 

jobs, particularly large commercial installations and residential installations. 

 Roofers typically have on-the-job training and may 

participate in 3-year apprenticeship program. Many roofers in the solar industry educate themselves through additional training, or they gain experience to become solar 

photovoltaic installers.

Wages

The following table shows BLS data for selected occupations in the Construction of Buildings industry group for 

May 2010. This industry group includes new residential and 

nonresidential construction and remodeling. BLS does not 

publish data for site assessors. The wages shown are median 

annual wages for the United States as a whole; wages vary 

by employer and location. 

Occupations supporting the solar power 

industry

The advancement of the solar power industry has led to job 

creation in a number of other occupations as well. Many 

of these jobs do not concentrate on solar power, but they 

provide support to solar energy production and contribute 

to the industry as a whole. For instance, the solar power 

supply chain consists of many different manufacturers of 

varying sizes. Foundry workers are an important part of 

this supply chain; they cast metal, plastics, and composites 

out of raw materials into individual components for solar 

energy production. 

Solar manufacturers need trained salespeople to sell 

their products to customers. Sales representatives, sales 

engineers, and sales managers are instrumental in matching a company’s products to consumers’ needs. They are 

responsible for making their products known and genIllustration 10. Solar Photovoltaic installer with safety gear

Illustration 11. Woman holding solar panel

Selected occupations in the 

construction of buildings industry 

group 

Median annual 

wages, 20101

Electricians $45,790

Plumbers, pipefitters, and 

steamfitters

 50,550

Roofers 30,290

1

The Occupational Employment Statistics data are available 

at www.bls.gov/oes. The data do not include benefits.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 19

Green Jobs: Solar Power

erating interest in the products. Sales professionals may 

work directly for manufacturers, distributers, installers, 

or consulting services. A salesperson must stay abreast of 

new products and the changing needs of customers. They 

attend trade shows at which new products and technologies are showcased. 

Conclusion

Clean energy such as solar power is expected to be a key 

piece of the growing “green economy,” and jobs in solar 

power show great potential for new employment opportunities. Jobs are expected to grow in all the major sectors of the solar power industry: manufacturing, project 

development, construction, operation and maintenance, 

and installation. This growth in the solar power industry 

is evidenced by the rapid increase in solar capacity over 

the past several years, leading to the increased the demand 

for skilled workers. Jobs in this industry are located in 

many states and cover a wide variety of occupations. As 

solar technology evolves and new uses for solar power are 

discovered, occupations in the industry will continue to 

grow and develop. 

The author would like to thank Andrea Luecke and Samantha 

Jacoby of the Solar Foundation and Justin Baca of the Solar 

Energy Industries Association for their support of this project 

and for reviewing a draft of this report.

Notes

1. “Frequently Asked Questions about Solar Energy Technologies,” SunShot Initiative (U.S. Department of Energy, Office of 

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, 2011), http://www1.

eere.energy.gov/solar/sunshot/faqs.html.

2. “U.S. Solar Industry, Year in Review 2009” (Solar Energy Industries Association, 2010), p. 2, htttp://seia.org/galleries/defaultfile/2009%20Solar%20Industry%20Year%20in%20Review.pdf.

3. “Electric Power Industry 2009: Year in Review,” Electric Power 

Annual (U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2010), http://

www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/electricity/epa/epa_sum.html. 

 4. The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not currently have employment data for the solar power industry. BLS has begun collecting green jobs data and it is expected to be available in 2012. 

For more information on the BLS green jobs initiatives please see 

www.bls.gov/green.

5. “National Solar Jobs Census 2010: A Review of the U.S. Solar Workforce” (The Solar Foundation, October 2010), p.4, http://

www.thesolarfoundation.org/sites/thesolarfoundation.org/

files/Final%20TSF%20National%20Solar%20Jobs%20Census%202010%20Web%20Version.pdf. 

6. Ibid., p. 17.

7. “Large Solar Energy Projects” (California Energy Commission, 2010), http://www.energy.ca.gov/siting/solar/index.html.

8. “U.S. Solar Industry, Year in Review 2009,” (Solar Energies 

Industries Association), p. 5.

9. “Photovoltaic Solar Resource: United States and Germany” 

(U.S. Department of Energy, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 2008), http://www.seia.org/galleries/default-file/PVMap_

USandGermany.pdf.