Learn how to get a job in the solar industry and if you want to learn more check out the Udemy course bit.ly/solarjobcourse. Use the code "SolarCareer" for $25 off.

1. How to Get a Job in the
Solar Industry
By Yoni Binstock

2. Learn the Terminology
Solar Energy: Taking direct sunlight and turning it into electricity.
PV: Short for Photovoltaic, PV cells are made up of 2 semiconductor layers, which
when exposed to sunlight creates electricity.
Net Metering: A technology that allows residential and commercial customers who
generate their own electricity from solar power to feed electricity they do not use back
into the grid.
CSP: Short for Concentrated Solar Power, CSP generates electricity by using mirrors
or lenses to concentrate a large area of sunlight onto a heat engine (usually a steam
turbine) connected to an electrical power generator.

3. Understand the Solar Market
In 2014, according to a new report from the Solar Foundation, the solar industry added
workers almost 20 times faster than the overall U.S. economy, accounting for almost
1.3 percent of all jobs created.
There are now over 20,000 MW of cumulative solar electric capacity operating in the
U.S., enough to power more than 4 million average American homes. In 2014, with
over 195,000 installations, a new solar project was installed every 2.5 minutes.
For the last 14 years, global solar PV production and installation has been more than
doubling every two years. In the first three quarters of 2014, nearly 4000 megawatts of
solar capacity were installed in the U.S.

4. Search What Roles Are Most Common
Solar Sales: Also known as a solar sales person, this individual contacts prospective
customers to determine their solar energy needs. They evaluate and recommend
systems, estimate cost benefits, provide written summaries, and follow-up with
customers.
Solar Installer: They are responsible for installing the solar power system onto the
roofs of homes and commercial buildings.

5. Search What Roles Are Most Common Cont.
Solar Engineer: Their primary responsibility is the design and development of solar
energy systems. They play an important role in almost all aspects of the solar power
operation.
Solar Surveyor: Also known as solar assessors/auditors, they evaluate sites in-person or
remotely to determine how much energy can be harvested at a given location, then
make written and verbal system recommendations to potential customers.

6. Find What Who's Hiring
Nonprofits / Advocacy: A nonprofit’s focus may be on educating the populace on
residential solar, others may lobby to change policy to promote solar subsidies, and
others support workers in the solar field.
Government: There are many people in government, both in DC and in state capitals
who have significant influence over the success of the solar industry.
Manufacturers: The goal of a solar manufacturer company is to get parts from other
factories around the world and create a complete solar system.

7. Find What Who's Hiring Cont.
Academic / Private Research: You can do research at an university, potentially as you
continue your advanced studies. Or there are several companies solely dedicated to
advancing in material science and advanced engineering. There are also research
organizations who focus on the solar economics and industry and publish reports and
newsletters. And there are research laboratories funded by the government that work
on some of the latest technology.
Solar Providers: Many of these companies are now household names and are providing
an ever increasing share of electricity to the American population.

8. Figure Out How to Land the Job
Niche: Focus on just 5 different companies. Do everything you can to do deep
research, build connections, and make very specific cover letters.
Use your network: Utilize LinkedIn to find friends, second degree connections, fellow
alumni that work at your target company or in the solar industry.
Join the solar community: Find local groups through Meetup.com, join forums and
subreddits, subscribe to newsletter, and attend conferences.

9. Learn more
Sign up for the Udemy course “How to Get a Job in the Solar Industry”
bit.ly/solarjobcourse and use the code “SolarCareer” for $25 off.
In the course, you’ll find over an hour and half of video content, quizzes, and
many more resources to help you land a job in the solar field.
Schedule 1:1 coaching with me at https://clarity.fm/yonibinstock
On Clarity, you can book as much time as you want for personalized coaching
and feedback. I can help you discover what role to apply for, how to nail the interview
process, and possibly an introduction at a solar company you’re applying to.