How do you develop your skills and career in the solar PV industry?

It highly depends on which direction, you want to focus your career. Solar PV is not only modules, batteries or BoS components but the space also requires lawyers, politicians, procurement, etc. In all these areas, you need to understand the basics. Basics of each direction will be different but the core information regarding solar energy should be provided.

A lot of the training in the industry to date has come through real world experience. There isn't a lot, if any trade schools out there similar to the electrical industry. That's ok, that's how most industries start, and develop over time.

Actually, I disagree. There are many opportunities in the solar industry that do not require understanding PV system design or PV fundamentals. One great way to explore any industry is to attend an industry trade show and exhibition. There you will be able to quickly learn about many different aspects of the industry and see what appeals to your interests. Is it marketing, sales, finance, code compliance, installation, design, etc.

A strong foundation is key! Building a strong foundation in the solar PV industry is crucial, especially given its rapid technological advancements and growth. By understanding the basics, such as the types of solar cells, modules, and other key components, you're grounding yourself in the core principles that drive the industry. This foundation helps you stay focused on the industry's core goals and not get sidetracked by trends. With a solid grasp of the basics, including calculations for solar irradiance and system efficiency, you're better equipped to adapt to new technologies and innovations. This approach ensures your skills and career grow in a stable, informed manner, aligning with the industry's evolving landscape.

I strongly agree.. Having a good technical background and knowledge about solar components and what are the major systems helps you choose if you really want to continue in that field or move to another field.

The best and easiest way to get hands-on experience is to take an internship with a firm active in the area of your focus. As an example, if you are interested in EPC, try to get an internship with an EPC company and learn their ways. Online courses can also help, but not as much as real hands-on experience.

Theory and academic knowledge are important, but the practical application of these concepts in real projects provides a deeper and more meaningful understanding. Working on practical projects allows professionals to learn from real-world challenges, gain insights into the nuances of installing and maintaining photovoltaic systems, and develop technical and problem-solving skills.

Para desenvolver minhas habilidades e carreira na indústria solar fotovoltaica, tenho buscado uma combinação de conhecimento técnico e experiência prática. Minha trajetória inclui participação em parques de usinas fotovoltaicas, onde ganhei experiência em projetos e implantação, além de me manter atualizado com as melhores práticas do setor. Além disso, curso MBA em Gestão de Projetos, o que complementa minhas habilidades com metodologias de gestão para o ambiente de engenharia. Também busco acompanhar inovações e tendências na indústria, participando de eventos e interagindo com profissionais do setor para troca de conhecimentos.

Offer up yourself to work as an intern for organizations you want to learn from. This is a great way to network and show off your grit as well!

Designing several projects from different technologies, learning about software courses, and work in companies will help earning the experience. the more projects you design the more experience you gain.

Keeping updated with all new technologies and with suppliers capacities and protections devices makes you the design the system effectively. Also you have to attend seminars and fairs that will link you with all the industry stakeholders.

It can be divided to different audiences. For installers, EPC, Investors and similar jobs, it is better to check the recent trends through webinars of Tayang News or PV Magazine. For Scientists or students, it is better to check the latest publications from EUPVSEC, IEEE PVSC or journals such as SOLMAT, Solar Energy, IEEE Journal of Photovoltaics.

It does not matter on which area you work, the most valuable asset you build is your network. Your network can help you to get a job, learn in the job, communicate with others and grow in your career. Your network should be built based on different platforms including conferences, exhibitions, courses, business and etc.

Look at the other facets of your industry and ask them for their professional opinions & education. As Structural engineers who service the commercial solar industry in Australia, we can tell the difference between a basic solar installer and the type of solar installer that has a firm understanding of structural limitations and innovative solutions to overcome them. I am sure there are plenty of other parallel professional services that work closely with the solar industry that you can learn from and expand your understanding through your solar installation career.

We always learn during our professional path. Learning never ends! Even if you get a higher education in Engineering, you see the requirements also for management skills. There are many universities and online communities which offer programs of professional courses/workshops to enhance your abilities. Just target them wisely, as you do not want to make papers but you need the skills.

You can also learn a ton from colleagues. Get into cross functional teams and become a sponge. Absorb as much information as possible. Ask questions and let people know you want to learn what they are doing. Coffee conversations are also a great way to learn more about what somebody knows. People are a wealth of knowledge and most senior workers are more than willing to chat with you if you ask. The worst they can say is no.

Basically, a summary can be: Learn your area of interest and it can be diverse in many stages of the sector from law to Engineering or management. Build a good network around your skills and try to learn further in your topic. And do not forget the influence of social media.