A Growing Industry
Solar installation is one of the fastest-growing occupations in the United States. New York's climate goals ensure strong demand for years to come.
12,000+
Solar jobs in NY (2023)
$20-35/hr
Typical installer wages
Types of Solar Jobs
Installation & Construction
- Solar installers — Mount panels, wire systems ($18-30/hr)
- Electricians — Wire inverters, connect to grid ($25-45/hr)
- Site supervisors — Manage installation crews ($50-70k/year)
- Heavy equipment operators — Site prep, trenching
- General laborers — Support roles, entry-level
Operations & Maintenance
- O&M technicians — Maintain operating solar farms
- Vegetation management — Mowing, landscaping
- Monitoring specialists — Track system performance
Professional Roles
- Project managers — Oversee development
- Engineers — Design systems
- Sales representatives — Residential/commercial solar
- Permitting specialists — Navigate regulations
Why Solar Jobs Matter Locally
Local Employment Benefits
- Can't be outsourced — Panels must be installed where they go
- No college required — Most positions train on the job
- Career advancement — Clear paths from laborer to supervisor
- Year-round work — Construction, maintenance, operations
- Union opportunities — Many projects use union labor
Project-Specific Employment
A project like Shepherd's Run (42 MW) would create:
- 150-200 construction jobs for 6-12 months
- 2-5 permanent positions for operations and maintenance
- Ongoing contracts for vegetation management, security
While construction jobs are temporary, they provide substantial local income during the build phase.
Training & Entry Points
You don't need prior experience to start in solar:
- Laborer positions — Entry-level, learn on the job
- BOCES programs — Local vocational training
- NABCEP certification — Industry credential for installers
- Apprenticeships — Earn while you learn
- Electrical training — Leads to higher-paying positions
Compare to Fossil Fuel Jobs
| Factor | Solar Jobs | Fossil Fuel Jobs |
|---|---|---|
| Growth trajectory | Growing rapidly | Declining |
| Location | Distributed everywhere | Concentrated in extraction regions |
| Health risks | Standard construction safety | Respiratory, chemical exposure |
| Long-term outlook | Decades of growth ahead | Uncertain, policy-dependent |
Economic Multiplier
Solar jobs create ripple effects:
- Workers spend wages locally
- Demand for local suppliers and services
- Housing, food, and entertainment spending during construction
- Skills training that stays in the community
New York's Solar Workforce Goals
To meet state climate targets, New York needs tens of thousands more solar workers:
- 70% renewable electricity by 2030
- Massive solar buildout required
- Workforce development is a state priority
- Programs targeting disadvantaged communities