The US Bureau of Labor Statistics publication, Occupational Outlook Quarterly —  Fall 2009 page 34 You’re a what? Solar Voltaic Installer by Elka Maria Torpey reports that there are “7000 Photovoltaic Installers in the United States and half of those jobs are in California” and “analysts expect that the solar-power industry will continue to grow rapidly.” It also profiles a PV Installer and she describes what she does in a typical day on the job.

Wondering what technicans do and the skills needed for a solar career? The article reports: “Solar PV installers need mechanical skills and must be able to work with the power tools and hand tools used to construct and fasten equipment. Electrical knowledge and an understanding of basic math are helpful, as are good problem-solving abilities. Attention to detail is important, because completing an installation often requires following diagrams and instructions. Heavy lifting is also required at times: Solar panels typically weigh between 30 and 40 pounds; batteries can weigh double that—or more. And workers can’t be afraid of heights.”

Green-Collar Jobs, Community College programs are ready to staff the NEXT INDUSTRIAL EVOLUTION, published on February 15, 2009 by Sherrie Negrea in the California Job Journal mentions Sierra College’s Photovoltaic Program as meeting “the needs of the emerging clean-energy economy.” It also reports that “California may be ahead of other states in priming the job market in sustainable development….”