Solar Energy

Providing data-driven information

Solar Industry Study

In 2011, the Centers of Excellence conducted a statewide survey of solar energy firms throughout California. The objectives of this study were to identify the workforce trends and challenges across the solar supply chain - manufacturing, wholesale and distribution, and installation.

Energy Forum and Smart Grid Summit

The Energy Forum and Smart Grid Summit will be held Tuesday, March 13, 2012 from 1:30 to 5 p.m. at the SDG&E Energy Innovation Center. Download the event flyer (pdf).

Statewide

In a survey of employers, California's solar industry, currently accounting for close to 50,000 workers, is expected to increase by as many as 18,000 jobs by 2015. Regional data for southern California, the Central Valley and South Central Coast region as well as the San Francisco Bay Area are also included in this environmental scan.

Solar Industry & Occupations: Distributed and Utility-scale Generation (pdf) - January, 2012
Read the press release (pdf).

Greater Sacramento Region

In the Greater Sacramento area, employment in solar firms has nearly doubled in the last four years, expanding from 700 jobs in 2007 to 1,300 jobs in 2011. 

Solar Industry: Greater Sacramento Region (pdf) - July, 2011

Renewable Energy Occupations

In 2009, the San Diego-Imperial Center of Excellence conducted a survey of solar, wind, geothermal, and other renewable energy employers in San Diego and Imperial counties. Learn what these employers had to say about the future of renewable energy industries and occupations in the region.

Renewable Energy Occupations (pdf) This 4-page document highlights the key findings from the San Diego-Imperial renewable energy employer survey.

2008 Solar Reports

In 2008, the Centers of Excellence conducted a survey of solar energy firms throughout California.

California

Key Findings for California

Emerging Industry & Occupations Report: Solar Study

Download the statewide Solar Technicians Scan

Greater Sacramento area

Environmental Scan - Greater Sacramento: Solar Industry

Key Findings for the Greater Sacramento area

Bay Region

Environmental Scan - Bay Region: Solar Industry

Key Findings for the Bay Region

Southern California

Key Findings for the Southern California region

Los Angeles

Environmental Scan - Los Angeles Region: Solar Industry

Key Findings for Los Angeles

Contact one of our COE Directors for more information.