Explore Clean Energy Careers
Building Performance
Renewable Energy + Energy Efficiency
Clean energy is generated in a way that doesn’t pollute the atmosphere with harmful greenhouse gas emissions like carbon dioxide. The energy comes from renewable sources like solar, wind, hydropower, biomass, and geothermal. Energy efficiency, or reducing the amount of energy we use, is an important part of the clean energy equation and a successful transition to renewable energy generation systems.
Transforming the Future
What are Clean Energy Jobs?
Clean energy jobs span a variety of fields such as construction, manufacturing, engineering, sales and marketing, education, transportation, government, and beyond. They are typically grouped into four main categories: energy efficiency, renewable energy, grid modernization, and clean transportation.
Energy Efficiency
Become part of the largest clean energy workforce and make homes and buildings more energy efficient. These community-focused jobs help individuals and businesses reduce energy usage, make buildings safer and more comfortable, and are in high demand.
Jobs include:
- Building Performance Installer
- Energy Auditor
- Quality Control Inspector
- HVAC Contractor
Renewable Energy
Renewable energy careers involve the design, manufacturing, sales, installation, and maintenance of renewable energy solutions. Twenty percent of the U.S. energy supply comes from renewable sources including solar, wind, hydropower, biomass, and geothermal.
Jobs include:
- Solar Panel Installer
- Sales Representative
- Installation Contractor
- PV Solar Designer
Other Careers
Grid modernization, energy storage, clean transportation, and infrastructure advancement offer an array of clean energy career opportunities. Jobs in these areas exist within construction, advanced manufacturing, research and design, engineering, and more.
Jobs include:
- Electrical Engineer
- Electrical Power Line Installers
- Cyber Security Specialist
- Advanced Manufacturing Tech
Spotlight on Energy Efficiency
Meet Dominic Carmeci, a home energy auditor for CMC Energy Services. Dominic helps homeowners and renters find ways to save energy. His strong desire to help people in his community drew him into a clean energy career. Energy auditors like Dominic make homes more energy efficient, safer, and more comfortable for their occupants.
Facts & Figures
Clean Energy Career Snapshot
Careers within the clean energy sector are among the fastest growing due to rapid advancements in technology and a significant investment in American infrastructure.
7.8MM
Number of Americans employed within the clean energy sector.
5x
Renewable energy creates 5x more jobs than fossil fuels.
< 33%
Percentage of American solar industry jobs that require a degree.
Pathways to a Clean Energy Career
Great news! All roads lead to careers in clean energy. Choose one that works best for you. Less than one-third of the jobs in the solar industry require a degree. Many employers provide extensive on-the-job training in the form of certification programs, apprenticeship programs, internships, mentorships, and more. Don’t let a lack of experience from stopping you. Your talents and passion for a better tomorrow are needed now.
About the Clean Energy Center at Penn College
The Clean Energy Center at Penn College is a nationally recognized workforce training center that provides training and technical assistance to home energy professionals, commercial building operators, government, utility companies, and other industry partners in the building performance field.