The solar job market in Texas is booming thanks to a variety of factors including favorable regulatory policies, abundant solar resources, growing demand for clean energy, and a need to improve the resilience of the state's electrical grid. According to the SEIA.org, Texas ranks third in the nation for solar jobs, with over 11,250 workers employed in the industry. This doesn't include electricians that work in solar. This figure represents a 30% increase from 2022, showing that many new jobs are available in the state and growth is subtantial.
This growth is partly driven by state and local policies that incentivize solar energy development. The state's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) required utilities to obtain a certain portion of their power from renewable sources but that goal was met long ago. The state has a property tax exemption for the value added by solar installations, making it more financially viable for homeowners and businesses to invest in solar power.
Find your next job in Solar in Texas!
Job Market Overview
Solar jobs in Texas are not just limited to installation and maintenance. The state is also home to a number of solar manufacturing companies which are hiring to fill production and other roles. There's also a growing need for people to support solar-related services such as sales, marketing, and project development. The state's solar industry is diverse and robust, offering a wide range of job opportunities.
Solar Job Training Opportunities
For those interested in beginning a career in solar, or transitioning into a new role, there are numerous opportunities for in-person or online learning. If you are interested in solar installation or technician jobs, I highly recommended getting North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) certirfied. NABCEP certification which is known and respected throughout the industry, and the organization offers a variety of certifications for solar system installation and sales professionals. I often recommend that people start with a course like the 18-Hour Solar Bootcamp from Heatspring which is one of the top solar education providers.
For in-person or hybrid education there are trade schools, community colleges, and universities throughout Texas that offer programs in solar energy, including photovoltaic (PV) system design and installation, solar thermal systems, and solar sales and marketing. These programs equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the solar job market. Here some examples of community in Texas offering solar or renewable programs:
- Houston Community College
- Austin Community College
- El Paso Community College
- Texas State Technical College
In addition to formal education programs, there are also numerous job training resources available. Various organizations and initiatives in Texas provide solar job training, aiming to equip individuals with the necessary skills to enter the solar workforce. These programs often include hands-on training, giving participants the opportunity to gain practical experience in the field.
The Future of the Solar Industry in Texas
The solar industry in Texas shows no signs of slowing down. As more residents and businesses recognize the benefits of solar power, the demand for skilled solar workers will continue to grow. Many more jobs will be created out of the state's need to diversify and strengthen its power grid over the next decade.
The solar job market in Texas is thriving, driven by incentives and supporting policies. With a strong labor pool and access to great educational and training resources, the state is well-positioned to continue building out their renewable grid at a rapid pace.
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