Careers in Solar Energy Sector

India is expanding its renewable energy capacity. Solar power in India has grown about 18 times over the last 7.5 years. India’s renewable energy sector ranks fourth in the world. It is the most attractive renewable energy sector. Solar and wind power are the country’s most abundant renewable energy sources.

Natural energy, such as solar and wind energy, has immense potential. Many programs were launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 30 July 2022. They are the best example of a bright future for India’s solar industry than the 

Solar power for homes and businesses is growing in popularity due to benefits such as zero greenhouse gas emissions. There are many jobs in the solar energy industry, and its popularity could lead to steady employee demand. Learning more about the open positions in this exciting field may help you choose a job that matches your interests and goals. Generating solar energy by converting sunlight into electricity reduces emissions. It also lowers long-term energy costs. As solar energy becomes more affordable, it has the potential to meet much of the growing energy demand.

Companies that take their environmental policies need their employees to complete solar education programs to learn how solar energy technology works and how to install solar panels. But what if you are not an employee? How do you train to become a solar energy expert? Luckily, with his online solar courses such as Solar Training-Be a Solar Energy Expert, you can do it at your own pace in the comfort of your home or office and can complete the training.

In this article, we explore why you should consider a career in solar energy and discuss the main methods of solar power.

Overview of Solar Energy in India

Solar energy in India has great potential. The use of sunlight as an energy source began during the industrial age. The future looks very bright as the sun never runs out of light.

India’s solar energy has notably impacted the energy landscape in recent years. If we use this energy resource effectively, it will be possible to meet the energy demand of the whole country quickly.

Solar energy in India has helped millions of people across the country. Due to its decentralized application, many households in India meet their power needs by installing solar panels on their roofs.

But there is more to it. There are many other advantages of using solar energy in India-

• Solar energy can reduce life-threatening diseases such as cancer and tumors resulting from pollution by coal and other fossil fuels. 
• Women in rural India, where there are few modern amenities, do not need to cook for hours or work in smoky kitchens.
• Employment at the rural level will increase.
• It is improving living standards.
• Increased Economic Opportunities.
• Growing Solar Industry in India

As mentioned earlier, solar energy in India has great potential. Most parts of the country receive about 4-7 kWh of sunlight per square meter daily.

The Government has also introduced several exciting schemes to encourage the manufacturing of solar cells and modules in India.

What are the advantages of solar energy in India?

Solar energy offers countless benefits in India. Let’s find out:

• Solar energy is environmentally friendly and emits no CO2 or other toxic gasses during use. Thus, solar power in India benefits the environment. Pollution, which is still alarming, will drop dramatically again, and more people will start using solar energy.
• In many rural areas of India, we can use solar energy in many ways. It can be used for cooking, drying, heating, and charging devices.
• Solar energy in India offers many benefits for city dwellers. Solar panels on the roof maximize the use of the sun’s energy.
• Solar energy is one of the best alternatives to non-renewable energy sources.
• Another great advantage is that solar energy is plentiful and inexhaustible. 
• Solar energy is cost-efficient. Generating electricity from depleted fossil fuels tends to be very expensive. 
• Considering this, India’s solar power is much cheaper than toxic coal-fired power.

What is the future of India’s solar energy industry? 

Apart from the Basic Customs Duty, the Government has announced various projects to promote the use of solar energy in India. 

Before I walk you through the many groundbreaking solar projects launched in India, let me give you a glimpse into a groundbreaking real-time scenario.

On 30 July 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the National Homeowners Assistance Programmed. This landmark policy comes just in time as the country realizes the benefits of adopting solar energy. Nationwide Solar Portal Launched at 12:30 – To simplify subsidies for everyone. Both solar companies and homeowners are benefiting from this.

DBT – also known as Direct Bank Transfer – This system empowers homeowners in the following ways:

• You can choose your preferred integration provider.
• All Solar Portals nationwide are available to apply for funding.
• As a consumer, you can apply for a grant through the National Portal even if your state still needs a valid grant program.
• You can receive the subsidy in your bank account within 30 days after installing and commissioning your solar system.  

Benefits that solar companies can derive from the One Nation, One National portal include: 

• The customer must pay the supplier’s total price to install the P.V. system. Discom is responsible for subsidy payments and payments to solar companies, which take three to six months. It significantly reduces the scope of growth. There is now a nationwide portal for customers to apply for subsidies, so installers receive total installation costs upfront.
• Simplified funding will encourage more and more companies to register with their national Discos. The more vendors you have, the more likely you will have a solar system that meets your assigned goals.

Now let’s look at some statistics.

• In 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi built India’s largest solar power plant at Diken in Neemuch district, Madhya Pradesh.
• Harnessing the Thar Desert as a location for solar power is one of India’s most ambitious solar dreams. The Government estimates that the Thar Desert can generate up to 2,100 GW of solar energy.
• The Government of India aims to install 175 GW of renewable energy plants by 2022.
• About 66 M.W. of solar power has reached many rural areas across India. It has dramatically improved the efficiency of solar water pumps, lanterns and street lighting systems.
• Apart from these, the government explicitly designed various programs to scale up solar energy in India.
• Government plans to spread solar energy projects nationwide.
• The Government has announced the “Development of Solar Power Plants and Super Mega Solar Projects” program. The aim was to reduce the project’s cost and better distribute the P.V.P.V. installation rate. This scheme has allowed many companies to install their projects in a plug-and-play model.
• In 2019, the Government distributed 7 million solar study lamps to U.P. and Bihar.

In the future, the Government of India will focus on promoting the use of solar energy by homeowners. There are many subsidy programs in place in the country. The government is providing financial assistance to people who are installing solar panels in their homes.

Reason to consider a career in Solar Energy

Considering a career in the solar energy industry can be helpful as the industry grows.

• Job Outlook: Industry-wide statistics are not currently available, but the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts he will see a 27% increase in photovoltaic (PV) installer jobs. A much faster timeframe than the average for other jobs.
• Fulfilment: Solar energy can help control the effects of climate change. So, this career can be rewarding if you’re passionate about environmental issues.
• A Wide Range of Roles: The solar energy industry employs individuals in sales, installation, marketing, design and manufacturing.

How much does a Solar Power job pay?

Solar jobs are on the rise, and salaries are good. Solar panel installation and engineering are two of the most popular solar jobs. The Solar Panel Installation course teaches you how to install solar panels in your home or business. Solar Engineering courses teach you how to design and build solar systems. State Solar Education 2021 will help you start your solar energy career. A Solar Technician typically earns over 20,000 rupees per month, while a Solar Engineer earns over 30,000 rupees per month.

Solar jobs are in high demand. So if you are interested in establishing a career in solar energy, now is an excellent time to start your education. You can find solar energy courses online or at your local college. The Solar Technician course teaches you about solar panels, their work, and proper installation techniques. PVsyst solar training provides hands-on experience installing solar systems by participating in real-world projects such as installing solar lighting in public parks and off-grid clinics.

If you’re not looking for a full-time job but want to learn more about solar technology, get a state certification for solar energy, including skills like designing and building solar power systems and designing new ways to store electricity in batteries. 

What about Professional Certification?

The first step to a career in solar energy is education. There are many solar panel courses, but not all are created equal. Look for a solar training centre that offers training from the basics to designing software like Pvsyst training. It will give you the skills you need to become a solar technician. After completing the Solar Technician training, you can proceed to the Solar Module Assembly training course. After completing the solar installation course, you can take the final exam and become certified.

10 Careers in Solar Energy 

Below are ten careers in solar energy that span tenures and cover many sectors.

• Engineer Technician

Engineer Technician is responsible for civil engineering work in testing and applying theories to improve the performance of solar energy-related plants, processes, or devices. , mechanical and environmental engineers and scientists. Instead of inventing ideas, you run your applications on your instrumentation site or lab and record data about the results. The specific duties of an engineering technician may vary depending on their speciality.

• Solar Service Technician

Solar Service Technicians monitor photovoltaic hardware systems to ensure they operate at peak performance levels. We provide our customers with on-site equipment quality assurance by diagnosing problems, optimizing equipment, and repairing poorly performing systems. Assemble hardware and related equipment, test, clean and tune systems to resolve unnecessary or unexpected service interruptions.

• Solar Sales Representative

The Solar Sales Representative is the business contact for helping customers and potential customers determine their solar energy and equipment needs. They prepare presentations, proposals, quotes and contracts for potential customers and help them select solar energy products, systems and services based on their needs. Sales representatives evaluate locations to determine suitability for solar installations and develop strategic sales territorial plans to find new customers.

• Solar Fleet Manager

The Solar Fleet Manager oversees the operation of the solar array. You can contact and manage third-party vendors, assist with transportation and installation processes, interact with customers, and ensure that your team meets all service-level agreements.

These managers can manage the performance evaluation of the team of service technicians and the operational quality of the solar energy system. You can also remotely monitor installed systems and determine when technicians are dispatched for checks or repairs.

• Solar Site Surveyor

Solar Site Surveyors travel directly or remotely to potential system sites to determine how much energy you can harvest at that site. Create and share site drawings and reports to analyze site shading characteristics and weather patterns to determine the optimal solar array type, size, and layout. They can make formal customer report recommendations, calculate potential costs and savings, communicate with the company’s designers and installation team, and ensure that site details are understood.

• Quality Assurance Specialist

The Quality Assurance Specialist identifies quality issues in solar components and equipment during manufacturing. You can analyze raw materials, environmental samples, assets in production, and finished solar parts. We also implement the solution, make changes where necessary, and create technical reports and documents such as trend analysis, deviation reports, and test logs to share our insights.

• Solar Installer

Solar Installers install and maintain equipment that connects solar energy systems to the electrical grid. They will design the system layout based on site characteristics and obtain the appropriate approvals to complete the project.

Solar installers also undertake construction functions such as cutting, bolting and assembling structural frames, connecting wires and mounting panels to the roof or ground. We also inspect previously installed equipment to ensure compliance with regulations and safety guidelines.

• Electronic Maintenance Technician

The Electronic Maintenance Technician monitors the photovoltaic software systems to ensure they function correctly. These technicians assist in designing, setting up and repairing electronic or computer-controlled solar energy systems at hub facilities and equipment sites. They use electronic, hydraulic, mechanical, and pneumatic techniques to test and tune underperforming machines. We also inspect the quality of finished products to ensure they meet customer specifications.

• Software Engineer

Software Engineers design technical tools, systems and apps for solar power systems. The program helps in system design and monitoring of energy production and consumption, finance, distribution, and investment.

You can specialize in testing, coding, or deploying systems. Some software engineers have designed simulation models to demonstrate the placement and use of large solar systems. We can also develop training modules for other employees to improve their inspection and installation of solar energy systems.

• Materials Scientist

Materials scientists study the chemical properties of materials such as alloys, ceramics, glasses, metals, polymers, rubbers and semiconductors related to solar energy. They are developing new manufacturing techniques for these materials to increase efficiency and reduce costs.

What is making this industry hot right now?

There are several reasons why the Solar Energy industry is so hot right now:

1. Solar panels are becoming highly efficient, making them a more viable option for homeowners and businesses.
2. Solar panels have dropped significantly recently, making them affordable for everyone.
3. Government incentives for installing solar panels have made it even more attractive for people to switch to solar power.
4. The growing public awareness of the benefits of solar energy has led more people to consider switching to this clean, renewable energy source.

Many schools, organizations, and businesses offer solar education programs that teach everything from how solar panels work to how to reduce your electricity bill. These courses vary from 3-day workshops to 1-year diploma courses but provide all the knowledge you need to become a certified solar installer, technician, manager, designer, and engineer.

Some of the Government’s most ambitious programs and solar projects: 

• The PM Kusum program provides farmers with a reliable electricity supply from solar systems. Purpose? Installation of solar pumps for irrigation and an additional source of income.
• REWA Solar Power Plant is Asia’s most ambitious ultra-mega solar energy project.
• Omkareshwar Dam Floating Solar Power Plant is India’s largest and most ambitious floating solar power plant project.
• PM Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthan Mahabhiyan
• Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY)
• Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS)
• Solar rooftop subsidy scheme yojana
• Green Hydrogen Mobility Project, Ladakh
• Green Hydrogen Natural Gas Blending Project
• Nokh Solar Project (735 MW) Rajasthan

Conclusion

The Government aims to be a green country. As India gradually increases its solar and wind energy use, CEA says its renewable energy generation could rise from 18% to 44% by 2029-30. increase.

In the future, India would like to install a solar PV system on the terrace of every household in India to create a ‘green’ environment. Several hybrid solar wind systems use to harness these two resources’ power to generate clean electricity. India is becoming one of the few countries to use sustainable energies to fulfil its people’s needs. 

FAQs-

What impact has the Ultra Mega Solar Farm model had on the Indian solar industry? 

Ans: The Ultra Mega Solar Farm model has successfully deployed solar capacity in India.

What were the consequences of the seven million solar study lamps scheme?

Ans: Under the 7 Million Solar Study Lamps Scheme, 832 solar shops have been established in India, and about 7,436 women have received solar energy and trained as lighting technicians.

What is solar energy?

Ans: Solar energy is the potential energy obtained from the sun. The collected solar light and heat are used for electrical and thermal energy. For example, solar cells (the cells that make up a solar panel) convert sunlight into electricity. Solar thermal power plants utilize Sun heat to produce steam to drive turbines that produce energy.

What career opportunities might arise from learning about solar energy?

Ans: Learning about solar energy can prepare you for a career in manufacturing, designing, installing, or marketing solar systems. On the other hand, the job of a photovoltaic power generation system designer is to analyze the site and design products. Solar installers and solar service technicians install and maintain systems to ensure efficient performance. Solar power marketers and salespeople are working on the business side of the space to convince more people to try solar power.

How can online courses help me learn about solar energy?‎

Ans: The online solar energy course provides an opportunity to learn the technical aspects of solar cells and system design. You will also learn about the legal aspects of device installation, such as authorization and zone codes. Instruction takes the form of lectures and readings that you can access anywhere with an internet connection. Flexible courses give you the freedom to study at your own pace.

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