I first met Mike Stevens when he was my instructor at the Solar Training Institute, in San Jose, CA, where I took a photovoltaic design and installation class. Mike has a degree in Technical Writing and Editing (BSc.) with a minor in Metallurgy and Materials Science. Mike has been in the solar industry for over 30 years. During that time he has worked in installation, management, sales and marketing. His broad experience and knowledge, not only of the history of solar, but emerging new technologies, is impressive. I had never met anyone with his dedication to this industry before. I imagine his resume is quite long.
Mike quipped, “I started in solar just after college, in 1973, when I learned through my research that the sun delivered 100,000 times more energy to the Earth, for free, every day, than the entire human race consumed [at that time]. I figured to tap into that free money source and own the world someday. My greedy thought has since evolved into trying to leave the planet in better shape for my children, their grandchildren and all future generations.”
I asked Mike’s opinion on how the solar industry has fared in this rough economy. He said that the economic downturn only slightly slowed the explosive growth of the industry and that it continues to expand exponentially worldwide, especially here in the U.S.
Some say that there is fierce competition for business in the solar industry, because of the economy, and also high competition for careers in the industry. Should this discourage people seeking a career transition into solar? Mike thinks not. He said,
“People seeking careers in solar should absolutely go full speed ahead. Yes, the short-term competition is fierce, but the long-term prospects are virtually unlimited. Solar still has an extremely small portion of the energy industry, but the phenomenal growth of the industry will only continue to open new employment opportunities, not restrict them. Now is the time to invest in basic solar learning, take entry-level jobs, or create them and LOOK AHEAD!”
Mike discussed what he looks for in potential employees.
“I look for enthusiasm, inquisitiveness and a strong work ethic. I also look for people who are committed to doing the work to the best of their ability. Job seekers who are neat, confident, willing to take the initiative and figure out how to do something new, while unafraid to ask for direction, always stand out from the crowd. Applicants that have experience in construction or engineering trades get special consideration.
“I recommend that people who are inspired to excel in solar investigate as many aspects of the industry as possible. Find an entry-level job in that industry sector, work hard and work your way up! A friend of mine is a trainer for project managers at a leading solar company. She began working for the company as a laborer, with a college degree in history and no formal training in the solar industry. She got the job because of her desire to learn.”
Being the down-to-earth, personable guy that he is, Mike prefers to go with personal contacts and referrals, when looking for potential employees, rather than placement agencies.
Mike did not take solar classes when he began his career. He relied on his engineering and scientific background to understand the technology. Then Mike gathered a lot of “immersion experience,” aka “hands-on experience,” to gain a command of the industry.
I hope you find Mike’s advice helpful; I know I did. I recently attended a green group meeting, where the keynote speaker advised the audience of job seekers to look for green jobs in alternative energy careers other than solar. He believed that the competition for jobs in the solar industry is too strong. He may be right in the short-term, but, as Mike says, “…the long-term prospects are unlimited.”
As our economy gets back on track and people “go green”, spurred by Washington stimulus money, the solar industry will eventually explode full-speed ahead!
Your sunny, transitioning to solar gal,
Linda Siegel, Linda.siegel85@gmail.com
PS: Each blog I plan to share another interesting Internet resource. This first pick is a great blog entry by Solar Fred – an interview with many ideas on marketing solar:
