Career Resources

It’s a Great Time for a Career in the Clean Energy Industry!

As our national energy economy continues to transition away from fossil fuels, demand for skilled solar workers continues to grow.

According to the 14th annual National Solar Jobs Census conducted by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), an independent nonprofit, the U.S. added 15,564 solar jobs in 2023, bringing the total to 279,447 workers in the solar industry—marking the highest number ever documented.

Learn About the Benefits of the Solar Workforce

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) is connecting the dots on the solar workforce. Learn about the vital role that the U.S. solar workforce plays in the transition to a clean energy grid and how DOE is working to ensure that the solar workforce of the future is equitable, inclusive, and benefits all Americans.

Clean Energy Jobs in the Midwest

Clean Energy Jobs are Powering Midwest States. Check out Clean Jobs Midwest’s reporting on solar employment stats in your region.

Workforce Readiness

The topic of workforce development is near and dear to our hearts at MREA. We started providing training in solar PV, solar thermal, small wind energy, and energy efficiency in 1990. We were one of the first accredited solar training programs in the country and still maintain accreditation with the Interstate Renewable Energy Council to this day. For over thirty years we’ve committed ourselves to offering the most accessible, affordable, and market-relevant solar training and today more than 600 individuals a year utilize our training to get a foothold in the industry, earn certifications, and sharpen their skills.  

To explore the needs, opportunities, and challenges to meet the workforce needs of the energy transition, we talked with Richard Lawrence, Program Director with the Interstate Renewable Energy Council.