Global solar installation increased by 33% from 2023 to 2024, and experts predict 10% growth in 2025. China and India, the world's two most populous nations, are driving growth, with India more than doubling its solar installation rate in 2024 alone. Five countries (Luxembourg, Yemen, Australia, Chile, and Jordan) get more than 10% of their energy from solar power. However, solar power does face some headwinds in becoming more widespread. Some countries are concerned that limiting fossil fuel power will negatively impact their efforts to raise their nations from poverty. The need for storage batteries and land for solar installations also limits the expansion of solar power worldwide.

Another challenge many countries face is a shortage of skilled Solar Technicians. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts demand for solar photovoltaic installers in the United States alone will grow by 48%, far faster than average. Germany, France, the UK, Italy, and Spain are all in need of more skilled renewable energy workers. Experts predict that India will need to fill more than one million new solar jobs in order to reach its long-term energy goals. 

What are the Opportunities?

The good news is that companies and governments around the world are rising to the challenge. Some businesses are putting a priority on reaching out to underrepresented minorities to give them opportunities to train for a successful, potentially lucrative career in the solar energy industry. Others are offering additional training to current workers who already have skills related to solar technology. Solar companies in the United States and Europe are partnering with trade schools, colleges, and universities to offer training and internship opportunities. States such as Massachusetts and California offer apprenticeship opportunities. New York, along with the U.S. government, offers funding and resources to train future Solar Technicians. Companies in the EU are urging their governments to allow Solar Technicians to take jobs in different countries with ease and provide benefits such as paid leave and flexible work hours. Non-profit organizations are sponsoring training programs to teach solar skills to students around the world.

International collaboration also plays a key role in the development of some of the world's largest solar power projects. Noor Abu Dhabi, the world's largest single-site solar power plant, was developed with help from solar companies from China, Japan, and India. Bhadla Solar Park in India was developed with assistance from Finnish energy company Fortum. Energy companies from the United States and Europe helped Egyptian solar companies develop the Benban Solar Park. The Korea International Cooperation Agency has helped train new Solar Technicians from Indonesia and Timor-Leste to install solar power in rural areas of their nations.

There are plenty of job opportunities for Solar Technicians who want to work in the United States. With the ongoing expansion of the renewable energy sector, skilled technicians are in high demand across the country. From residential solar installations to large-scale commercial projects, the need for qualified professionals continues to grow. Additionally, some companies offer remote roles related to solar technology, such as system monitoring and support, providing flexibility for those seeking non-traditional work arrangements.

Bridging the Green Skills Gap

As the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) explains, almost 40% of all CO2 pollution in the United States alone comes from power plants burning fossil fuels to create energy. Increasing the use of green energy can spell the difference between a clean, green planet and a polluted one plagued by climate change. What's more, solar power enables rural areas that cannot connect to a local power grid to obtain access to plentiful, affordable power. Becoming a Solar Technician isn't just about starting a new career; rather, it's a world-changing occupation that makes the planet a better place for future generations.

George Brown College is proud to offer two Solar Technician Training Programs for those who want to work in the solar energy industry. The Solar Panel Installer program is a seven-module course that will teach students how to install residential and commercial solar panels. It includes training on working with solar PV systems, DC and AC circuits, power electronics, and solar PV panels, arrays, and system sizing. The Solar Energy Technician course has twelve modules and includes training in topics such as solar energy theory, battery storage systems, electrical code and PV plan sets, and system sizing. Both courses can be taken online to allow anyone who wants to earn a certificate in this field to do so. Students who complete either course will earn a certificate and be able to apply for jobs in multiple industries involved in solar energy production, installation, and maintenance. 

Without more Solar Technicians, the growth of the solar power industry would be hindered, making it difficult if not impossible for many states and countries to make the switch to clean power sources. We welcome aspiring Solar Technicians from all walks of life and look forward to providing you with the training and hands-on experience needed to become successful in the field of your choice.

Learn more about the George Brown College Solar Technician Programs, contact a Program Consultant today for more information at 1-888-553-5333 or by email at [email protected].