A Multifaceted Approach to Strengthening the Solar Industry

It’s no secret that today’s shortage of skilled labor is affecting many industries, and the solar pv sector is no exception. There are fewer young people joining the construction workforce and the Baby Boomer generation is leaving the construction, manufacturing, and engineering sectors in droves. Currently, the U.S. is experiencing a labor and talent shortage that has more than tripled in the last 10 years. According to a Manpower Group survey, 70% of employers are struggling to fill positions; A number which has more than quadrupled from 2010!

At IronRidge, our mission is to make solar stronger through a multifaceted approach through the engineering of our innovative products, the dedication of useful online training tools, and by providing hands-on experience certification programs for installers. Our website IronRidge.com, offers on-demand, hands-on training skills assessment, Virtual Certification, and a Pitch Roof Comp-Shingle training course in both Spanish and English. The IronRidge curriculum is carried by unions and schools, such as the Philly Jobs program, and the Arizona Native Reservation train-the-trainer program.

These programs, along with others, enable us to strengthen the efforts of those who are changing the world with solar. The current landscape for the skilled trade industries provides plenty of room for growth. Employment for solar photovoltaic Installers is projected to grow over 50% between 2020 and 2030; A higher rate than the average for all occupations. IronRidge also recognizes that sectors are facing increased competition from technology and businesses on the aggressive hunt for new recruits, and in response seeks to give installers and business owners a leg up through trainings, course offerings, and collaborating with programs that are making positive impacts within the solar industry.

One program that IronRidge collaborates with is the Hozho Homes Program, which provides Hopi and Navajo families access to off-grind solar photovoltaic systems through a low interest lease and supports a workforce development program that will train Native American solar installers how to build and maintain off-grid pv systems. The program also creates jobs and prepares installers to work with grid-tied projects nationwide. This program is designed to bring in key partners and contractors, to provide energy access for Native American families throughout the U.S.