CAREER IN RENEWABLE ENERGY: YOUR FUTURE IN SOLAR
Updated May 16th, 2025
By Morgan Pierce
It’s May and the entire country is quivering with the anxiety of thousands of sixth year students as they sweat out the final weeks of study before “the Leaving”.
All but a very confident few will be wondering if they’ve done enough preparation, managed their time well, and chosen the right courses to get the points they’ll need to gain the coveted first round offer in a course in the field of their dreams.
Their parents will be wondering, in these uncertain economic times, if the courses their children have selected – some with futuristic sounding names like “Sustainability Studies”, or “Environmental Architecture” – are going to lead to viable, paying careers.
We hear you.
If these are uncertain times, though, one thing that seems to be clear is that the world’s demand for energy – low cost, renewable energy with security of supply – is only going to continue to grow. (The exponential uptick in the use of AI, for example, is responsible for a massive increase in energy consumption around the globe in the past year alone.)
The business of supplying the electricity needed to meet that demand is also going to continue to grow.
According to a study by KPMG for the Irish Solar Energy Association, the solar energy industry will be supporting more than 7,000 jobs across the country by 2030.
A lot of those jobs will be in just the kind of roles that little Mary or Johnny can prepare for now in one of those quirky sounding university degree programmes.
The rapid increase in demand for solar means that careers in renewable energy and demand for workers in the solar industry is rising faster than in many other sectors of the economy.
Careers in renewable energy aren’t just for those who have studied engineering or solar installation. There will always be a need for people who can motivate people, for project managers, for those who want to shape green public policy or engage with our customers in an informed way.
Jobs in renewable energy production can offer great opportunities for well-paid, challenging and rewarding work for students – no matter their socio-economic or educational background. Those of us working in the solar energy sector need to be proactive in reaching out to marginalised groups, young people and women – to ensure that they have the skills to access those jobs.
What if your student isn’t currently prepared for Third Level, or does not want to go? If you are a parent, or someone else advising a student, where do you then find the skills needed for a job in solar? Don’t pull your hair out. Ask around. Specifically, ask your student’s guidance counsellor. They are the best trained professional to know what course options or apprenticeships might be available.
Many jobs in solar don’t require a university degree – apprenticeships and PLC certificate courses can offer a solid entre into a career in renewables.
The government recognises the vital role that skilled jobs will play in meeting Ireland’s climate targets and in the growth of a buoyant and successful green renewable energy economy. It’s working hard to increase the number of Level 5 and Level 6 (Post Leaving Certificate) courses available to train students for those jobs.
Have a look, for example, at the jobs available on our website. Business is growing fast, and we need qualified solar electricians and roofers in both Dublin and Cork. Those jobs need to be filled now, but we keep our website updated as and when other positions, in other parts of the country, become available.
Even with all the world’s vagaries, future-proofing is possible. Training for a career in renewable solar energy paves the way for a bright tomorrow working in the sustainable economy. It’s a world of opportunities in the economy we need to build to thrive in the years to come.
Why Choose Solar In Ireland?
Investing in a solar panel systems in Ireland can bring many benefits, including reduced energy bills, increased energy independence, and a reduced carbon footprint. If you are interested in installing a solar panel system in Ireland, it is also worth exploring the different grant options and green business loans available and seeking professional advice from one of our solar energy advisors.
Feel free to contact us for more information, we’re here to help.
