Why Gen-Y (Millennials) Should Learn About Solar

Whether it’s closer to 400,000 or 1 million solar jobs that are created in 2010, as has been forecasted, numbers alone do not tell the story of why college students and recent grads want to bone up on their solar know-how. Although I’m confidant that the U.S. is still very much transitioning into a green economy, just as we entered a technology-based economy at the end of the twentieth century, solar panels have yet to become the new personal email account. Nor will they anytime soon. With our continuing recession, climbing unemployment, and millions of foreclosures still to take place as interest rates continue to reset, most Americans just can’t make the $40-$50K investment.

Nevertheless, many homeowners can and are taking advantage of the usually free home energy audits that public and private energy providers are offering. The goal of course is to sell the consumer on a range of units that cut down on energy wastage and boost efficiency. Many of these technologies- such as attic fans, pool pumps, and water heaters- run on solar energy.

As I tell college students, recent graduates, job seekers, and career transitioners whenever I speak, you always want to know and be able to communicate how you are uniquely poised to produce results that are needed and will be well compensated. You also want to ask yourself: How might I bring my strengths to the green sector? And as you continue to flesh out how green tech might utilize your experience in PR, advertising, teaching, finance, etc., get educated about solar. While those looking to do installation work will need to pass an OSHA PV Installer Licensing Exam and become a Licensed Electrician, professionals looking to start businesses, market or sell products and services, or recruit, manage, and grow talent in the green sector can take some basic courses in solar to give themselves the competitive edge.

In Las Vegas, nonprofits like Solar Forces educate community members about PV systems and solar economics. In the solar-centric Bay Area, approximately fifteen community colleges and universities such as DeAnza College and Mission College offer some kind of solar training or certification program. And for those interested in solar engineering careers, the University of Wisconsin-Madison and University of Massachusetts Lowell offer two of the most noteworthy programs.

Even Thomas Edison knew that solar was the wave of the future. He’s quote as saying, “I’d put my money on the sun and solar energy, what a source of power! I hope we don’t have to wait until oil and coal run out, before we tackle that.”