What the DOE’s $13.5 Million Workforce Investment Will Bring to the Solar Industry
November 9, 2023
Back in June, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced a $13.5 million investment initiative aimed at expanding the solar workforce in underserved communities and bolstering the nation’s clean energy future.
This move is a strategic part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, and is a critical step towards achieving a 100% clean electricity grid by 2035. It is set to supercharge the solar industry with a significant infusion of skilled labor.
What Solar Contractors Can Expect
For solar installation contractors, this investment signals a substantial opportunity. Contractors can anticipate a surge in qualified professionals available to join their teams, as well as more resources available to grow their existing crew’s expertise.
As a result of the investment, the DOE is expecting to contribute to the industry’s booming need for 500,000-1,500,000 workers by 2035. This growth will be supported by the DOE’s Advancing Equity through Workforce Partnerships Funding Program, which will facilitate the rapid deployment of solar technologies.
The DOE’s investment is not a blanket fund but a targeted approach to empower specific projects that promise to build a robust solar workforce. Funding is currently supporting 12 projects to kickstart training partnerships:
- Adaptive Construction Solutions – Houston, TX
- Amicus O&M Cooperative – Boulder, CO
- Cook County, Illinois – Chicago, IL
- Crater Lake Electrical JATC – Central Point, OR (Reach includes Utah)
- Emerald Cities Collaborative – Seattle, WA
- Kern Community College District – Bakersfield, CA
- Power52 Foundation – Columbia, MD
- Red Cloud Renewable – Pine Ridge, SD
- Solar Landscape – Asbury Park, NJ
(Nationwide reach across growing community solar markets, such as New Mexico, Maryland, and Colorado.)
- Solar One – New York, NY (Reach includes Newark, NJ)
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette – Lafayette, LA
- Worksystems – Portland, OR
These projects range from enhancing solar curriculum in pre-apprenticeship, community college, university, and high school education programs, as well as dedicated installation training and apprenticeship programs.
If your installation business is located in any of the areas served by these projects, you are encouraged to connect with the governing organizations. For example, Power52 Foundation is actively seeking contractors to join their Strategic Partner Network.
Some of these programs, such as Solar One, also offer upskilling training for your existing solar team. In addition to their headquarters, Solar One’s solar worker training sessions can also be completed virtually, or at your own work site.
Strategic partnerships with local solar contractors will be a significant resource not only in training new entries to the solar workforce, but also in securing their placement with employers upon program completion.
Seizing Growth Opportunities with Exclusive Pre-Set Solar Appointments
As the DOE’s investment begins to bear fruit, contractors have a unique opportunity not only to enhance their workforce, but also to expand their business operations. By partnering with agencies that provide pre-set solar appointments, contractors can capitalize on the growing market demand.
At Grid Freedom, we specialize in identifying informed customers who are actively seeking solar installations. Through in-depth screening, we’re able to produce leads that are ready to commit to their first sit-down with your team, giving you a direct path to sales.
You’ll be empowered to increase your project volume, minimize losses, optimize scheduling, and improve overall business efficiency. With the bonus of exclusivity, you’ll also avoid competing with multiple businesses for the same customer, allowing for a higher conversion rate. This approach is particularly beneficial in a rapidly expanding market, where competition continues to grow.
As the DOE’s initiatives drive industry growth, solar contractors who leverage the power of pre-booked leads will be well-positioned to thrive. By ensuring a consistent pipeline of ready-to-go customers, contractors can scale their operations to meet the increasing demand for solar energy solutions, all while contributing to the nation’s clean energy goals.