There's a clean energy shift underway across the globe as society looks to move away from fossil fuels and embrace systems that generate energy with little to no greenhouse gas emissions. The shift is driven by a need to reduce carbon emissions and greenhouse gases that lead to climate change.

Aside from a reduced reliance on fossil fuels, other key components of this clean energy shift include technological advancements and policy and regulatory support for renewable energy sources. While there's still much work to be done to limit global temperatures within 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels to mitigate the worst effects of climate change, renewable energy sources like wind, hydroelectric power and solar are playing a major role in ushering this shift — and such technologies will play a role moving forward as well.

In this post, we’ll explore the growing shift toward solar energy and how this rise in technology is driving demand for skilled professionals in the clean energy sector. If you're interested in learning more, George Brown College offers resources and training in this field.

Solar Energy Adoption: What to Know

Solar energy adoption is on the rise both throughout the United States, Canada and globally. In the United States, it's estimated that about 5 percent of single-family homes have installed solar panels — and this number is expected to triple by 2035. Energy providers are also investing in solar. Currently, solar farms throughout the United States have a capacity of more than 100 GW, which is enough to power about 22 million homes.

In Canada, there's enough power derived from solar energy to power about 470,000 homes, as solar power generation has increased by more than 55 percent since 2017. Solar accounts for a small number of Canada's current renewable energy output, but similar to the trend in the United States, the number is growing and expected to continue growing over the coming years.

The U.S. solar industry currently employs around 261,000 Americans throughout all 50 states — and this number is expected to increase as solar becomes more mainstream. In Canada, the solar industry is also experiencing strong economic growth. The industry today consists of about 10,000 professionals, and an additional 16,000 jobs in construction, manufacturing, operations and maintenance are expected to be created by 2031 as market expansion and solar adoption continue.

Solar installers and technicians are expected to be in demand for years to come. Read on to learn more about the role of a solar technician and installer, the need for such professionals and how to become one.

Solar Installers/Technicians

Solar installers and technicians are professionals who are largely responsible for setting up and maintaining solar systems. Some of the common duties they perform include:

•        Planning system layouts    
•        Installing panels    
•        Connecting panels to the electrical grid    
•        Testing and panel activation    
•        Troubleshooting solar issues    

The job requires a mix of technical and problem-solving skills. Such positions can also be physically demanding and require lifting of heavy equipment on occasion. Lastly, solar installers and technicians also need to have people skills to communicate effectively with customers and clients.

Rising Demand for Solar Technicians

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for solar installers is expected to increase by 48 percent over the 10 years from 2023 to 2033, which translates to about 4,100 new jobs each year. This projected job growth is largely due to the increased focus on renewable energy resources, which are being made even more attractive thanks to government incentives, technological advancements and the cost savings associated with moving away from fossil fuels.

Currently, skilled technicians are somewhat scarce, which results in high demand and the potential for higher salaries and benefits packages. What's more is that there are career growth opportunities in solar once you get your foot in the door.

How to Become a Solar Technician

So how do you take advantage of the strong job outlook and become a solar technician? The path usually involves gaining the right technical skills, learning how to troubleshoot and solve problems, and developing strong communication abilities to work effectively with clients and team members. Many training programs also offer hands-on experience to help prepare you for a successful career in the solar industry.

George Brown College's Solar Technician Program offers students and adult learners a means of becoming a solar technician thanks to its robust curriculum and hands-on training. 

Contact George Brown College Today

Take the first step toward a career in the booming renewable energy sector with George Brown College’s Solar Technician Program. As a fully accredited public college of applied arts and technology, Get started today by calling 1-888-553-5333 to learn more about the program and how you can enroll in this high-demand field.