U.S. Solar Jobs Census Finds Solar Employment Soars As U.S. Economy Lags

Solar Jobs Growing Nearly 10 Times Faster Than Employment as a Whole

The Solar Foundation, a nonprofit solar education and research organization, in partnership with GreenLMI and Cornell University, released its second annual review of the U.S. solar workforce. The report, titled, "National Solar Jobs Census 2011: A Review of the U.S. Solar Workforce" found that solar workforce hiring is on the rise. Well over 100,000 Americans are now employed in the solar industry.

See the below graphics and key finding bullets, to learn how 2011 experienced tremendous solar industry growth and how 2012 is projected to continue this exciting upward trend. To learn more about The Solar Foundation and see the full National Solar Jobs Census 2011: A Review of the U.S. Solar Workforce report, click HERE

Solar education is not a "silver bullet" solution to the nation's very real unemployment situation. While Solar may be adding about 24,000 jobs in the coming year, that will be little comfort to the millions of other unemployed Americans. Boots on the Roof is focused on teaching the skills most in demand in this growing industry, to those that are otherwise qualified for those positions.
Our courses are designed for working professionals who already have relevant skills, and who need additional solar knowledge to advance. Our solar manufacturing and distribution partners work closely with us as we design solar training for working professionals.
Boots on the Roof courses have always included sales and marketing, starting with our very first classes. We even hold classes exclusively on Commercial Solar Sales and Business. Several Boots alumni are currently working in a variety of front-office roles with solar manufacturing companies. Here in Silicon Valley, many of the skilled labor positions in manufacturing solar components are more closely related to microelectronic manufacturing, than they are to selling, designing, and installing solar power systems.