Page 12 - North American Clean Energy July/August 2019 Issue

solar energy
Employees are at the Heart of the Solar Industry
on-the-job training ensures that all workers - whether new or long-time employees - are fully prepared to safely and successfully handle any tasks that the job requires.
Additionally, the roo ng and solar industries are constantly monitored by the federal government through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA inspectors should be recognized as an integral part of safety.
Looking ahead
California took a major step toward achieving its net-zero energy goal by adopting a policy last year making solar energy systems standard on virtually every new home built in the state, starting in January 2020. is will most likely result in tens of thousands of
new homes being equipped with solar systems every year, which will help fuel industry growth over the next three to ve years. Other energy progressive states - Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Washington – are expected to follow California’s lead, especially
as the cost of solar products decrease with better technology and growing demand. oughtful legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the local, state, and national levels is creating thousands of new solar jobs. e need for skilled and savvy employees has never been greater; as an industry, we must be fully prepared to meet the challenges. Given the current labor shortages, when it comes to recruiting, training, and retaining, companies will need strategies like these for success.
Mark Vogel is President
and COO at PetersenDean Roo ng & Solar-Builder Division, United States. PetersenDean is a full-service,
privately-held roo ng and solar company in the United States that specializes in new residential and commercial construction. e Fremont, California-based company employs 3,000 workers and operates in
11 states: Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Nevada, Oklahoma, and Texas.
PetersenDean
/// www.petersendean.com
by Mark Vogel
AS WITH ANY GROWING INDUSTRY IN THE CONSTRUCTION
eld, the solar power industry is facing a shortage of skilled labor that needs to be addressed if the industry is going to ride the wave of growth. According to the Solar Jobs Census conducted by the Solar Foundation in September and October of 2018, the solar industry predicts seven percent job growth this year, with 259,400 jobs nationwide.
Across all elds of construction, the industry is seeing a severe labor shortage during a time when it should be ourishing. According to the U.S. Department of Labor statistics, the construction eld is one of the few industries with consistent growth in the number of available jobs and contracts. We must spread the word that the solar industry is promising, rewarding, and provides a great alternative to college. From a potential employer’s point of view, what’s the solar installer job outlook, and what can the industry do to meet the employment demand? Companies across the U.S. strive to recruit, train, and retain employees using a number of strategies. e following tips for success are a good start.
The importance of retention
First and foremost, aim to retain as many capable and skilled employees as possible by providing competitive pay and bene ts coupled with a healthy and enjoyable work environment. It’s easier to retain employees by making them feel valued and wanted than to nd new employees who may or may not meet your human resources criteria, especially within a worker constricted market.
Make employees feel valued and wanted when rewarded for a job well done, either nancially or with other means that measure the quality of workmanship, motivation, or leadership skills. A skilled solar installer can earn up to $50 per hour. Additional incentives include a full health plan and other
bene ts, such as a 401K retirement plan and
opportunities for earning overtime pay.
Money isn’t always the main motivation; according to a study published in Psychology Today, how valued employees feel in their workplace is often more important than what they earn. Many employees consider management recognition more ful lling than nancial reward.
e solar industry has a reputation for high employee turnover. If companies want their employees to stay long-term, they need to show them that there is an achievable path to more responsibility and success. Knowing that a job o ers signi cant longevity and
rewards is a key factor in attracting and retaining workers, especially younger
ones. Be direct about how new employees will t into the mold, and how their roles and responsibilities will contribute to the business. Finding new employees through word of mouth is a high compliment - happy workers are the best ambassadors for recruitment and retention.
The importance of training
Installing modern solar energy systems takes a high level of knowledge and
skill. Developing these skills, along with being well versed in workplace safety, requires substantial training. A well- trained employee is a valuable employee who is motivated to do his or her best work every day they are on the job.
Often, they become project supervisors and leaders, and are critical factors in improving workplace safety, productivity, and quality control. Comprehensive
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JULY•AUGUST2019 /// www.nacleanenergy.com