National Solar Jobs Census 2023
The U.S. solar industry employs 279,447 workers nationwide as of 2023. This represents an increase of 5.9% from 2022 with 15,564 jobs added, according to the 14th annual National Solar Jobs Census.
This annual report is published by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), an independent nonprofit organization. The National Solar Jobs Census is based on a rigorous survey administered to tens of thousands of energy firms.
This year’s report also features a new qualitative study based on anonymous interviews with industry leaders, covering industry trends, workforce development, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Read the full report by clicking on the link below.
Key Findings
A Historic Year for Solar
Solar is transforming the nation as we make the transition to clean, sustainable, and resilient energy. The number of solar jobs has nearly tripled since the National Solar Jobs Census was first published.
Utility-Scale Rebound
Utility-scale solar added 1,888 jobs in 2023, a 6.8% increase, following a job loss in the utility-scale market in 2022. The residential market grew by 5,945 jobs (6.3%), marking a slowdown from 2022.
Greater Union Representation
The percentage of union workers in solar was at 13.4%, a 3 percentage point increase from 2022. Union representation in solar is higher than both the private sector and the overall workforce.
Job Growth in Related Industries
There were more than 364,000 workers who spent either all or part of their time on solar energy, and nearly half a million workers spent time on either solar energy or clean storage.
By the Numbers
279,447
Solar Workers in 2023
15,564
Jobs Added, 2022-2023
47
States With Solar Job Growth, 2023
28%
Increase in Operations and Maintenance Jobs, 2023
100,814
Jobs in the Residential Market, 2023
29%
Percentage of firms reporting it was “very difficult” to hire qualified workers
Solar Jobs By State
Solar jobs increased in 47 states in 2023. Browse our interactive map to view the jobs numbers for each state, how the states rank, and trends in job growth over time. Explore the state fact sheets for more information on solar jobs, total installations, and the state policy landscape.
Workforce Development
Solar energy is creating high-quality careers in a wide variety of fields. These jobs are open to people with many different skill sets and educational backgrounds. Browse the Solar Jobs Census for perspectives on hiring and retention, training and Registered Apprenticeships, cultivating “soft” skills, and more.
Implementing DEIA Strategies
Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in the solar workforce has improved in recent years, but there is much more work to be done. The Solar Jobs Census interviewed solar firms on the challenges of improving DEIA and proven strategies that can make a difference.
An Economic Opportunity
Solar jobs are growing alongside careers in clean energy storage, wind energy, energy efficiency, and other sectors of the clean energy economy. WIth the nation and world making a rapid transition to carbon-free energy sources, the jobs of the future are available today. You can learn more about opportunities in clean energy by visiting the IREC Clean Energy Career Maps. Visit Green Workforce Connect to make connections between employers, training providers, job seekers, and contractors and browse a library of workforce development resources.
Testimonials
"The clean energy transition is being led by tens of thousands of Americans who install, maintain, design, and oversee solar and storage systems. We are proud to help lead this transition by providing high-quality job opportunities to build the energy infrastructure for today and tomorrow."
George Hershman, CEO, SOLV Energy
"For more than a decade, the American solar industry has been creating new jobs and changing the paradigm for how we obtain our energy, as reflected in the National Solar Jobs Census. Nautilus Solar Energy is committed to being a part of this transition by hiring locally and developing community solar projects that drive economic growth in the communities we serve."
Eric Paul, Vice President of Partner Development, Nautilus Solar Energy
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