In the rising industry of solar power generation, job prospects also are on the rise too. To accomplish the 20,000 MW installed capacity targets under Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM), solar energy business will need a projected 3,00,000 people by 2022. There are openings in production and development implementation and JNNSM is a real prospect for start-ups.
Once the government steps up the endowment of the domestic solar manufacturing businesses, we will see an increase in the industrial sector. There is possibility for field work. It has more to do with linking systems like solar panels, batteries, charge controllers, inverters and the consignment in fixing up power plants.
Skills required
Applicants need to be proficient in product growth processes and troubleshooting technologies, with a understanding of manufacturing processes and information of financial aspects of project report preparation, cost approximation and proposal preparation. Information of power electronics will be an additional benefit as they will deal with power electronics systems like charge controllers and inverters.
Future Prospects
The Directorate General of Employment and Training of Ministry of Labour & Employment have been tasked to include renewable energy in the curriculum of two-year regular ITI courses of seven trades — electrician, electronics, fitter, turner, sheet metal works, plumber and welder.
Under its human resource expansion programme, the ministry backs various educational institutions and Vocational/Skill Development Training centre in evolving the outline for undertaking renewable energy/solar power management sequences. Also, course curricula and study materials are being advanced for postgraduate, undergraduate, diploma and ITI.
Provision is being delivered to the state nodal agencies, NGOs, Skill Development Training centers for short-term training packages besides programmes for capacity building. Short-term training programmes are being prearranged at block and district levels for rural youth appeal to work in installation, operation, preservation and restoration departments.
Working Profile
Solar energy engineers, also known as unconventional energy engineers, photovoltaic (PV) design engineers, or solar array engineers, are experts in utilising sunlight to create electricity. In the solar energy sector, these individuals work in the industrial, construction, and conservation of solar power materials and plants. Several types of engineers including chemical, computer software, electrical, mechanical, and manufacturing work in numerous facets. You are expected to do ground work too.
For a sales and marketing manager, those with experience of three to five years in solar trade are preferred. One needs to study and develop marketing plan, recognise business associates, vendors for supporting sales and distribution, systematise service, upkeep and installation, support the local market and make budget for the business.
Pay package
Solar PV design engineer Rs 3,25,000 — Rs 5,20,000 per annum; Solar power engineer starts at Rs 3,00,000; Solar system manager Rs 1,25,000 - Rs 8,50,000; Credential technicians Rs 10,000 - Rs 15,000; Graduate engineers Rs 20,000 - Rs 25,000 per month.
(Shaheen Khan is an author, Founder, Director of Council of Education & Development Programmes Skill Institute, Mumbai)