Texas Solar Installers in High Demand

It's no surprise to see Texas near the top of energy producing states.  Oil, coal, and natural gas and the jobs that go with them have been plentiful in the Lone Star for many years.  Now, solar is taking its place as a respectable player of the energy game in Texas - creating a shortage of qualified installers across the state.

A new report from researchers Wood Mackenzie found that companies that specialize in solar energy installation and maintenance would have to "hire workers and train them or pay more to hire workers away from competitors."

Currently, installers armed with a high school (or equivalent) education and some specialized training can pull in around $20 an hour ($41,000+ per year) - and that number is expected to go up in the next few years.

According to the report from the Houston Chronicle, job growth for solar installers is expected to hit 63% in the next 10 years.  Even though there is no lack of blazing sun, Texas is the 4th largest solar power producer.  With a record number of photo-voltaic panels set to populate the state, I expect that number to change.