Joining the Solar Movement
Each year, the concern over global warming intensifies, and the number of conversations about alternative energy has increased. More and more citizens and scientists have been diving headfirst into the search for cleaner, renewable energy. Wind and hydrogen have been well researched over the past few decades, but the solar industry has particularly taken off. With the development of solar energy as a viable renewable resource, it’s time for more people to get involved.
The Solar Boom
Solar is a growing, prosperous industry. In fact, it’s been rated as the most lucrative sustainable technology. Each year is met with an average of 68% increase in annual growth, which has led to over a million homes across America being installed with solar panels. Customers enjoy solar panels because they save them money on electricity and help reduce carbon dioxide emissions with absolute ease. These points are important, as they emphasize the demand for solar. Additionally, with research and development always looking for new and improved renewable energy sources, solar will always be invested in.
Developments in Technology
The solar industry is a vast one, encompassing both the scientific side as well as the distribution side. Over the past twenty years, scientists have been working to improve the silicon solar cell’s efficiency and lower the manufacturing costs in order to make it cheaper to build and more affordable for customers. The costs have dropped dramatically over the past decade, but now, there has even been a shift towards new materials and designs. Perovskite, bi-facial panels, doped polysilicon, and more are now being considered as viable options for solar energy capture. These new developments increase the demand for researchers.
Job Opportunities
Because solar has become so popular, it’s essentially a race to find the most commercially viable solar cell. However, because so many different types are now in development, the solar industry is expanding, increasing the number of opportunities available to those who want to get involved in the industry. If you’re not scientifically minded, don’t worry. Solar still requires a hefty labor force to build the panels, distributors to ship panels across the country, and marketing personnel to help sell the most up-and-coming technology. Sales, consulting, mechanics, nonprofits, and product management are all essential pieces of the global industry. If you have any interest in renewable energy and want to tap into the lucrative options solar can offer, don’t hesitate to find where you fit in.
