As with all major changes, the global shift to clean energy sources provides a wealth of business opportunities. Positions are available at almost every level, from basic skilled labor to highly specialized consultants. The job market is expected to grow exponentially in the renewable energy field in coming years. If you have ever considered moving to a green energy-related career, now is the perfect time. Here are a few ideas you may consider when thinking of a new career in eco-friendly energy.
Become a consultant. Many businesses want to change over to cleaner, cheaper energy sources but don't have the time, manpower, or skills necessary to meet their goals. Green energy consultants help these businesses analyze their current energy cost and usage. They then develop a plan for making the change to clean energy and often oversee implementation of the plan. A talented consultant can earn a salary of $44,451 - $74,041 per year, with additional annual bonuses of $4,316 - $12,208. Most consultants hold a bachelor's degree in engineering, often in a design or electrical field and many have earned their credential from the U.S. Green Building Council.
Are you more of a sales-oriented worker? There is a rapidly growing market for sales of green technologies. Geothermal heat pumps, solar panels, wind turbines, and electric cars are all becoming much sought after items. There has never been a better time to enter a sales field. Many of these positions also offer commissions in addition to a regular salary so the earning potential for green energy sales representatives is huge. Many companies offer franchising opportunities so you can be your own boss. One of these, Solatube, specializes in the sales and installation of natural lighting systems for homes and businesses.
For the more hands-on individual, many opportunities are available in installation and maintenance. The Solar Maid company allows franchise opportunities in the field of solar panel cleaning and maintenance. This is an excellent opportunity as more people switch to solar power systems because dirty solar panels can reduce energy output by up to 40%. Because of this, more solar power users are looking for ways to keep their equipment in optimum running order. Average earnings for Solar Maid technicians are around $25 per hour. Other possible business prospects for laborers include installation and maintenance of wind turbines, heat pumps, and other components of green energy systems.
A final option, especially for people who own large amounts of land, is the farming of materials for biofuels. With petroleum supplies dwindling, the demand for biofuels is increasing daily. Although biofuels do produce harmful emissions, the crops grown to produce them remove CO2 from the air, making these fuels better for the environment.
With these great business prospects, and many more like them, there has never been a better time to switch to a career in clean energy. There are openings for almost everyone, regardless of interest or level of skill. Wouldn't it be nice to know that you are saving the environment while doing work you love?
