Solar power is considered one of the cleanest and cheapest renewable energy sources. Hence, it has seen widespread growth across the globe. Government policies and subsidies have also been stimulating individuals and industries to shift to this non-polluting energy source. With an increase in investment in the sector, solar industry jobs have also witnessed a steady increase. This rise in green jobs will lead to economic growth along with bringing in huge environmental benefits.
Role of the Solar Energy Sector in Job Creation
Nearly 13.7 million people are employed in the renewable energy sector with almost 4.9 million jobs in just the solar industry. By 2030 it is expected that solar energy employment will make up for around 16 million jobs. This shows the level of transition happening around the world towards solar energy.
The solar energy sector in India is huge. The growth of this sector is the pathway to attaining sustainable development in our country. India is one of the top 3 countries with a notable population employed in the solar power plant sector. According to IRENA, India added a record 13.5 GW of solar capacity in 2022.
The above statistics reveal the opportunities in solar industries in India. Jobs in this sector are both direct and indirect employment. While the direct stream offers jobs in the fabrication, installation, and maintenance of solar energy plant, the indirect opportunities are in the supply chain, consultancy, finance, and other areas.
Several kinds of jobs demanding various levels of skills are available in the solar energy sector in India. Since 2014, 50 solar parks of nearly 37.5 GW have been sanctioned by the Indian government across the country. This calls for several solar power plant jobs in planning, set up and installation, repairs and maintenance, etc.
The solar industry gives rise to jobs for both skilled and semi-skilled workers. It also provides for a job shift from the fossil fuel sector by reskilling the workforce here.
The job creation in solar industries in India has led to rural development and thereby national growth.
Types of Jobs in the Solar Industry
The solar energy plant sector in India provides jobs in the following areas to a huge section of people:
- Manufacturer of PV cells, solar panels, junction boxes, connectors, etc.
- Fabrication and assembly of materials.
- Other components manufacturers such as inverters, wirings, mounting systems, etc.
- Design and engineering professionals of solar energy plants.
- Cleaning and maintenance experts of solar plants.
- Continuous monitoring technicians in huge industrial setups.
- Project planners and analysts.
- Legal experts.
- Research and development engineers.
- Sales and marketing experts.
- Customer support executives
- Financial analysts for cost analysis and budgeting.
The Future of Solar Energy Jobs
With India’s commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070, the future seems very bright for the solar energy plant sector. The decarbonization initiative would require a major shift to clean fuels and thereby accelerate the number of jobs in the renewable energy sector, solar being one of the key areas here.
The use of advanced technologies in the solar power plant sector and the introduction of automation play a significant role in the creation of new jobs in the sector. With the growth of the sector, the need for training and reskilling workers will arise, which needs attention.
On the other side, India’s solar exports have increased 227% to reach ₹14,880 crore in 2023, which shows yet another territory for job creation in the solar energy plant sector. India has also reduced its dependence on China for its import of PV cells and has significantly improved domestic production, accelerating jobs in this area.
Conclusion
There has been a huge transition to the solar industry worldwide due to the economic, environmental, and social benefits it offers. The solar power plant sector is one of the fastest-growing sectors in India. With the government’s favourable policies, many start-ups have emerged in the solar industries business.
The need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on fossil fuels has largely increased solar energy production. This accelerates the jobs in the solar power plant sector as the world marches toward a green and clean environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
The increased awareness among people about the benefits of solar energy for the individual as well as the environment, government policies, the need for energy independence, and the global consciousness about sustainability have led to the growth of solar energy employment.
Various kinds of openings in solar power plant manufacture, components and spares manufacture, installation, finance, marketing, maintenance, and customer support are available.
Nearly 2,82,000 individuals were employed in 2022 in solar panel industries in India.
You need technical, planning, managerial, and research skills along with knowledge of regulations, cost estimation, budgeting, etc.
The salary is based on the role, level of experience, and job specifications. The average annual salary of a solar engineer is approximately INR 3.2 lakhs.
The solar energy sector is the fastest-growing sector now. Also, with the main focus of the government being to create a carbon emission-free environment, we can say that the jobs in the solar sector are sustainable and secure.