The solar and storage industry in the US is showing signs of robust growth with the promise of even more expansion on the horizon. Over 263,000 workers currently owe their livelihoods to this burgeoning sector, a number predicted to nearly double in the next ten years, yielding almost half a million jobs.
Diversity and Inclusion in the Solar Industry
The National Solar Jobs Census reveals that the solar industry is one of the most inclusive industries, boasting higher representation of veterans, Asian, Hispanic, and Latino workers compared to other sectors of the economy. Similarly, efforts to include more women in this industry have provided encouraging results. Still, it is crucial to intentionally include underrepresented groups at the crux of the expanding clean energy economy to achieve our eco-conscious objectives.
The Role of SEIA in Promoting Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ)
The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is at the forefront of bolstering DEIJ across the solar and storage industry. As part of its efforts, it participates in Construction Inclusion Week: an annual awareness initiative focused on enhancing diversity and inclusion within the construction sector. SEIA harbors a dual mission of nurturing inclusivity in workplaces across the industry and equipping companies with tools and resources to further DEIJ goals both internally and across the field.
New DEIJ Certification Program Module Launched During Construction Inclusion Week
SEIA is taking the opportunity of Construction Inclusion Week to launch a new component of its DEIJ Certification Program: “Creating Inclusive Spaces in the Trades.” The initiative is centered on the development of an hospitable environment for construction and skilled trades workers. By providing best practice advice to energy companies, SEIA aims to inspire a welcoming company culture, ensure a safe working environment, and provide opportunity for growth through enhanced training programs.
Inclusive Workplaces: A Must for Field Work
Particularly for field work, inclusive workplaces prove beneficial. Areas such as rooftop solar installation, construction of utility-scale solar arrays, and maintenance of existing projects have more to gain when priority is given to inclusivity, making the working environment more accommodating for historically marginalized groups.
Educational Centers and Resources for Inclusiveness in the Sector
In coordination with SEIA’s DEIJ initiatives, numerous other organizations are designing programs and strategies to encourage inclusion and draw more people from underrepresented groups into the clean energy sector. Training centers like the Power52 Foundation in Baltimore, Maryland and Red Cloud Renewable on the Pine Ridge Reservation offer comprehensive resources, from targeted outreach initiatives, practical solar installation and construction training, to career development courses for women and people of color.
How to Get Involved in Construction Inclusion Week
Companies looking to enhance equity and inclusion within their ranks can take advantage of Construction Inclusion Week’s free curriculum resources. This event offers an invaluable opportunity for the US solar and storage industry to take actionable steps to attaining and nurturing a diverse and equitable workforce.
