Looking for a Job in Solar? You May Have Valuable Transferable Skills

The solar industry is growing, and companies need skilled employees in a wide variety of fields. Consult our Solar Career Map to learn about the varied opportunities in the solar industry and where you might fit in. For those who haven’t worked in solar before, this is a great opportunity to bring transferable skills from another career.

A transferable skill can be defined as a skill that is flexible between jobs or sectors and beneficial to have across a variety of occupations. While they may be acquired in one job, these skills can transfer to the next job or sector easily because they are flexible skills. Some examples of transferable skills are communication, teamwork, and attention to detail. Even if two jobs are drastically different, having experience in these skills in one job shows you will bring them to the other.

Being able to communicate your transferable skills is imperative to finding a job that is the right fit for you. If you are new to the solar industry, there are a few transferable skills that will make you stand out as you apply for jobs. 

1. Communication: Being able to clearly communicate work plans, safety instructions, and schedules makes for a great team member. 
2. Flexibility: A career in the solar industry can look a bit different day to day, so remaining flexible for changing plans, new technologies, or updated work schedules is key.
3. Accountability: Whether you are working on an installation, developing a design, or putting together a finance plan, employers and colleagues will count on your timeliness to get the project done on time. 
4. Organization: There are a lot of moving parts in a solar installation, manufacturing assembly line, or project development plan. Keep everything organized including your tools, computer files, schedule, and work plans so you can bring your best self to work each day. 
5. Problem Solving: When issues arise, whether on site or in a meeting, being ready to face them head on and look for solutions is key to being a successful team player. 
6. Attention to Detail: From wiring to workforce development, the solar industry is full of details! Paying attention to even the smallest details gives you insight into the broader picture. 
7. Leadership: Manager or not, there are times you may have to step into a leadership role to get a project back on track. Being able to lead your team to finish a project or meet a goal shows your commitment to quality work. 
8. Work Ethic: There are a huge variety of jobs in the solar industry but all require a strong work ethic, and an excitement around seeing a project completed. 
9. Technical Aptitude: The technology that powers solar systems, including battery storage, is constantly changing and improving. Staying up to date with the newest technologies, softwares, and updates is key to working efficiently. 
10. Safety Consciousness: Safety is paramount on any solar job site or manufacturing plant. Prioritizing a safe work site and safe work practices across your team is imperative to working in solar. Consider getting your OSHA 10 certification prior to applying to solar installation jobs, as it shows employers you value safety.
11. Customer Relations: Even if you do not work directly in sales, being able to communicate with clients in a friendly and respectful manner is a priority to maintaining good customer relations. 
12. Project Management: The solar industry is made up of projects, big and small. These can include a new installation, a complex product design, a marketing plan, or a partnership with a job-training organization. The skills to manage the moving parts of a project, meet timelines, and complete deliverables is a highly desirable skill in the industry. 
13. Empathy: Empathy is developed through active listening, perspective-taking, and self-awareness. It’s not just “being nice”—it’s a strategic skill that enhances emotional intelligence and drives success in any people-oriented role.
14. Initiative: Initiative is the ability to take action proactively, identify opportunities, and drive progress without needing explicit direction. Initiative is honed through confidence, curiosity, and a willingness to take calculated risks. It’s about showing resourcefulness and accountability, making it a powerful skill for career growth and impact.

Tips for Employers

Understanding what transferable skills fit the jobs you are recruiting for is helpful for finding the right candidates, even if they may not have direct experience in solar. In addition to the technical skills necessary for the job, try to list as many professional or transferable skills that make a great candidate for the position you are posting. Encourage applicants to apply even if they do not fit every requirement for the job. If you are willing to train the right candidate, their professional skills may prove more important than their years of experience. View our resource with more tips for creating solar job postings.