Solar power is a fantastic solution for clean energy in the future. That said, plenty of people want to find a career that allows them to sell or install solar. Right now the American solar industry is (believe it or not) still in its infancy. We have plenty of opportunity and there are lots of people who are interested in the promise of clean energy and on many levels. Hopeful sales people are sincere in their passion to help and get involved. The trouble is they are largely unaware of the secrets of the industry, where it stands and what is really happening inside the highly desirable world of solar. Think of my position as an employer at a solar firm – What good does it do me to bring on employees who have no training, no experience, no concept and ultimately no clue what solar is about? How does that appeal to me as a manager? Honestly, it looks like a ton of work and time and money out of my pocket. Walking into someone’s office with no solar knowledge expecting a job is NOT the approach that will land you a dream position in a solar career.
You can spend thousands of dollars and many long hours pursuing your break in the industry and be no better off than when you started if you are not careful. The following tips are solid, simple and affordable. They are the tips that got me started and the criteria on which we evaluated and hired our team.
Here is how you can get an Affordable Head Start to your Dream Solar Career!
1. Get Educated: Identify your solar goal and educate yourself accordingly. There are numerous high-quality (and high-priced) solar courses offered across the nation. They range from a few hundred bucks (usually an online course) to a few thousand (usually a week or two of “hands-on” training). This is quite an investment of both time and money.
If you are unsure if the industry is right for you, I recommend you DO NOT start with one of these budget-buster courses. Start small. Check your local library, utility company and online resources to find out what the solar industry is really like IN YOUR AREA. Is it thriving or gasping?
Also, most courses right now are aimed at installers, not at aspiring sales reps. I learned this the hard way after taking several of those courses and spending thousands of dollars. In my affordable book, Smart Solar Sales, I explain all of the major concepts, equations and realities of the industry in easy terms. You don’t have to be an electrician, engineer or contractor to understand them.
2. Grow your Green Networking Skills: Once you have a bit of a handle on how various types of Solar PV and Thermal systems work, continue to the next step by learning incentives and procedures relevant to your area. The industry is highly fragmented and varies greatly from state to state, county to county and even city to city. Policies change all the time.
A good place to begin is your utility company. Check your electric bill for their URL. Find out what they offer for solar incentives and how (or if) they allow for connectivity and net metering. Go to monthly meetings and free seminars. Join clubs and online meet-up groups where you can learn from other solar fans, professionals and leaders. Visit an ASES Solar Tour in your area to see a system first-hand. Frequent booths at green fairs and home shows. Involve yourself in the industry and gather cards, email addresses and contact info from the people you meet and wish to emulate. You become more like the people you associate with so if you want to “Be Solar” hang out with those who “Are Solar”.
3. Go Solar: Don’t hate me for saying it, but nothing says you are serious about solar like GOING SOLAR. What the industry desperately needs is a few vanguards that will align their actions with their words. If you are passionate about solar…DO IT. Putting your money where your mouth is says loud and clear that you are an advocate. Think of it, you will know the solar experience from the inside out if you have solar on your home. You will learn fine details about installs, how it affects your electric bill, how the inverter measures production, what cloudy days mean and how (and if) it shoots power back to the grid.
If you can’t install a PV system right away, at least start small with Solar Thermal (Hot Water). You may learn more by investing your money here and asking the professionals who installed it to teach you, rather than taking an expensive solar thermal course! Plus, you are sure to get a return on your investment. Not only will you be able to provide invaluable information to clients, but you will also be a leader in the truest sense of the word. One of the biggest problems with the industry is NOT ENOUGH PEOPLE ARE DOING IT. Would you want to buy a product from someone who doesn’t personally use it?
I live in a home that has both PV and thermal solar. I am thrilled with the results and can attest to what it truly means to Go Solar!
4. Build your Solar Resume: If you truly want to pack some power in your resume, I recommend taking suggestion number 3 to the next level. Shop around your area and get quotes to install your very own PV or thermal system. Tell the companies you are looking to get involved in the industry and see what they may have to offer you in return. Be creative. They may be willing to cut you a deal on the price if you do some of the leg-work for them (getting permits, supplies, making calls, paperwork, or even helping with the install if you are able). Or, they may let you sell for them (even on commission only would be a start). Imagine how cool it would be if you sold for them AND had one of their systems on your home as a testimonial. THAT IS POWERFUL.
Regardless of whether or not you put solar on your home, please understand this is a competitive industry. Know what you are aiming for. There is no such thing as being a professional without building your knowledge and skills in the profession. Be humble as you begin and be willing to volunteer…a lot. I don’t know of many companies who are haphazardly hiring employees at $60K who have no experience. Approach companies you hope to work for with their needs in mind. They don’t necessarily care that you “need a job” or are “passionate about solar”. Trust me, they hear that every day. Show initiative. Make them an offer that benefits them and helps their bottom line that also benefits you and enhances your education and experience. Volunteer to run their booths at trade shows or generate leads for a commission. Stay on their radar (not like an annoying gnat but like a determined powerhouse who pursues what he or she wants).
You may not become a solar leader over night, but if you are smart about your strategy and https://smartsolar.com.my slowly and steadily follow these 4 steps, your success is far more likely. We all know that solar is the future, there is money to be made, national independence to be gained and an Earth to benefit.
Now Go Make a Difference.
Have A Sunny Day!
Spike Andrews is a solar advocate, leader, educator and author of the book Smart Solar Sales. As the former VP of a solar company, she teaches about solar living and industry in her books, courses, and most of all, by her bright personal example. Spike lives in a solar home, raises butterflies and practices simplicity.
