The UK solar energy industry is growing at an enormous pace, which very well explains the increasing number of solar energy jobs available. If you are looking to land a job in the solar energy industry, you first need to understand that the solar energy jobs belong with different major industry segments.
These jobs are not specific to the solar energy industry alone, as they can be found in other industries, as well. So, in many of these jobs, unique solar energy skills are required. But in most cases, you can also acquire these skills in other industries.
1. Solar Energy Scientific Research Scientists
Research and development are essential aspects of the industry, as solar energy is still gaining popularity and acceptance. The continued solar energy scientific research serves a great advantage in making new developments that lead to decreased costs and increased efficiency, reliability and aesthetics.
The solar energy scientific research and development jobs have become more and more interdisciplinary. So, it is not uncommon for chemists, engineers, materials scientists, and physicists to work together as a team. These research and development scientists normally work in a laboratory or an office. They could also spend some time in the manufacturing facilities alongside processing specialists and engineers.
2. Solar Energy Engineers
The work of a solar energy engineer is to specify precise functional requirements of new solar energy products. Designing, testing, and integrating components are also part of this. It is also the responsible of a solar energy engineer to evaluate the safety, reliability, cost, and effectiveness of the product.
In addition, solar energy engineers work hand-in-hand with computer software developers – to help design the systems. These systems are needed to manufacture the components of the solar energy product; manage the solar panel production; and control the other systems that generate solar energy products.
3. Solar Energy Manufacturing Workers
Most manufacturing companies focus on photovoltaic solar energy, and producing photovoltaic panels. Producing photovoltaic panels involves complicated electronics. This requires the skills of computer-controlled machine tool operators, semiconductor processors, coating and painting workers, and glaziers.
4. Solar Energy Plant Developers
It requires years of research and planning to build a solar energy plant. There are several complex criteria for a proposed site. Real estate brokers and scientists must ensure that the site is relatively flat, has adequate sunlight, and must be built with minimal environmental impact. Apart from these, the brokers and scientists must also ensure all the construction permits are obtained.
5. Solar Energy Plant Construction Workers
Before the construction begins, civil engineers are needed to design the solar energy plant and related structures. During the entire construction period of a Concentrating Solar Power (CSP), workers are needed to arrange mirrors, and focus them to catch sunlight for power generation. Alongside this, the workers also need to install tanks, pipers, and generators.
For the construction of Photovoltaic plants, less complex installation is needed. Photovoltaic panels need to be arranged, then connected to transformers and the grid. Furthermore, construction managers are normally assigned to handle the entire construction of any kind of solar energy plant.
6. Solar Energy Plant Operators
Solar energy plant operators handle the installation, operation, and maintenance of the equipment. Also, they are the ones responsible for monitoring the production process, and deal with operational problems.
7. Solar Photovoltaic Installers
The installation of solar panels and their maintenance need the skills of solar photovoltaic installers. Solar photovoltaic installers sort out residential and commercial solar projects. They have the specialised skills responsible for making sure that solar panels are installed safely and effectively.
Solar photovoltaic installers must have the skills to work hand tools and power tools at great heights. Also, they must have electrical wiring in-depth knowledge needed to install, repair, and replace – when necessary.
8. Solar Panel Installers And Maintenance Personnel
Roofers, plumbers, electricians, and site assessors are part of the solar installation and maintenance jobs. However, such workers are not automatically classified as solar photovoltaic installers.
9. Solar Manufacturing Sales People
Making solar energy industry and its products known to consumers require the skills of sales managers, sales engineers, and sales representatives. Solar manufacturing sales people work directly for consulting services, installers, distributors, and manufacturers. This job needs a salesperson to be updated on new solar energy products, and the changing needs of customers. Also, attending trade shows may be part of the job.
Alecto recruitment specialise in solar jobs. Find out more about them online.
Marty Huggins
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