GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Diversity In The Solar Energy Industry Statistics

The solar energy industry lacks diversity in terms of representation of women and minorities, with white males dominating the workforce.

Highlights: Diversity In The Solar Energy Industry Statistics

  • Women make up 26% of the solar workforce in the US according to the 2019 U.S Solar Jobs Census.
  • People of color account for approximately 28% of the solar industry workforce according to the same source.
  • 33% of all new solar jobs went to women in the 2019 US solar workforce.
  • 80% of solar firms in the US reported difficulty in hiring qualified employees.
  • Latino or Hispanic workers make up 16.9% of the solar labor force, compared to 17.6% of the national workforce.
  • The Solar Foundation found that the solar workforce is ageing, with those aged 55 and over being the fastest-growing demographic.
  • Approximately 27% of firms in the solar industry have formal policies to recruit and hire workers from underrepresented groups.
  • About 73% of all solar workers in installation and project development sectors are male.
  • Asian or Pacific Islanders make up 9% of the solar workforce, compared to 6% of the national workforce.
  • African Americans accounted for 7.6% of the solar labor force in 2019, despite representing 13.4% of the total U.S. labor force.
  • Non-profit organizations account for nearly 9% of all solar jobs.
  • The solar power industry hires a larger share of veterans than the overall economy.
  • Over 60% of solar companies do not track demographic data religiously.
  • Women comprise 21.9% of the installation/project development sector within the solar industry.
  • Women account for 37.2% of the solar sales & distribution workforce.
  • Female solar workers earn 74 cents for every dollar male colleagues make.
  • Latinos in the solar industry earn 14% less than their white counterparts.
  • Women at solar companies are 26% less likely to be in a management position.

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The Latest Diversity In The Solar Energy Industry Statistics Explained

Women make up 26% of the solar workforce in the US according to the 2019 U.S Solar Jobs Census.

The statistic that women make up 26% of the solar workforce in the US according to the 2019 U.S. Solar Jobs Census highlights the gender disparity within the solar industry. Despite efforts to promote diversity and inclusion, women remain underrepresented in the solar workforce, with only a quarter of the employees in this sector being female. This statistic sheds light on the need for increased efforts to encourage and support women in pursuing careers in solar energy, as well as the importance of addressing the existing barriers that may be contributing to this imbalance. By fostering a more inclusive environment and providing equal opportunities for women in the solar industry, we can work towards achieving a more diverse and equitable workforce.

People of color account for approximately 28% of the solar industry workforce according to the same source.

The statistic states that people of color make up around 28% of the workforce in the solar industry. This suggests a lack of diversity in the industry, with a clear underrepresentation of people of color relative to the broader population. Increasing diversity in the solar industry could help address issues of equity and inclusion, potentially leading to broader perspectives and more innovative solutions. However, it also highlights the need for targeted efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the industry to ensure that opportunities are accessible to individuals from all backgrounds. This statistic underscores the importance of ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive and representative workforce in the solar industry.

33% of all new solar jobs went to women in the 2019 US solar workforce.

The statistic “33% of all new solar jobs went to women in the 2019 US solar workforce” indicates that in 2019, one-third of the newly created jobs in the solar industry were filled by women. This suggests a modest level of gender diversity in the solar workforce, with efforts being made to increase the representation of women in the industry. While there is still progress to be made in achieving gender parity, this statistic highlights a positive trend towards greater inclusion and opportunities for women in the solar energy sector. It also underscores the importance of continued efforts to promote diversity and equality in the renewable energy workforce.

80% of solar firms in the US reported difficulty in hiring qualified employees.

The statistic stating that 80% of solar firms in the United States reported difficulty in hiring qualified employees reflects a widespread challenge within the industry. This high percentage indicates that the majority of solar companies are facing issues in finding skilled workers to meet their staffing needs. The struggles in hiring qualified employees could have various implications, such as hindering company growth, slowing down project timelines, or affecting overall industry productivity. Addressing this issue may require collaborative efforts from stakeholders in the solar sector, policymakers, and educational institutions to develop training programs and initiatives that can bridge the gap between the industry’s demand for talent and the available skilled workforce.

Latino or Hispanic workers make up 16.9% of the solar labor force, compared to 17.6% of the national workforce.

The statistic shows that Latino or Hispanic workers represent a slightly lower proportion (16.9%) of the solar labor force compared to their representation in the national workforce (17.6%). This indicates that although there is some level of representation of Latino or Hispanic workers in the solar industry, it is slightly lower than their overall presence in the national workforce. This information could be important for understanding the demographic composition of the solar labor force and identifying potential areas for improvement in terms of diversity and inclusion efforts within the industry.

The Solar Foundation found that the solar workforce is ageing, with those aged 55 and over being the fastest-growing demographic.

The statistic provided by The Solar Foundation indicates that the solar workforce is experiencing a trend of aging, with individuals aged 55 and over being the demographic that is growing at the fastest rate within the industry. This finding suggests that the workforce in the solar energy sector may be lacking younger talent or facing challenges in attracting and retaining younger workers. The increasing presence of older workers in the industry could have implications for succession planning, knowledge transfer, and workforce sustainability in the long term. It may be important for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and employers to consider strategies to attract and develop a diverse and multigenerational workforce in the solar energy sector to ensure its continued growth and success.

Approximately 27% of firms in the solar industry have formal policies to recruit and hire workers from underrepresented groups.

The statistic indicates that around 27% of firms within the solar industry have established formal policies specifically designed to recruit and hire individuals from underrepresented groups. This suggests that a notable portion of companies in the solar sector have recognized the importance of diversity and inclusivity in their workforce and have taken proactive steps to address disparities in representation. By implementing such policies, these firms are actively seeking to increase the diversity of their employees and address underrepresentation within their organizations, which can lead to a more inclusive work environment and potentially bring about broader societal benefits such as reduced inequality and improved access to opportunities for marginalized populations within the industry.

About 73% of all solar workers in installation and project development sectors are male.

The statistic stating that about 73% of all solar workers in installation and project development sectors are male suggests that there is a gender imbalance in these specific sectors of the solar industry. This ratio indicates that the workforce in these areas is predominantly male, with only a minority representation of female solar workers. This gender disparity may be indicative of existing barriers or inequalities that influence the participation of women in these roles. Understanding and addressing the factors contributing to this imbalance is crucial for promoting diversity and inclusivity within the solar industry, which can lead to a more equitable and representative workforce.

Asian or Pacific Islanders make up 9% of the solar workforce, compared to 6% of the national workforce.

The statistic indicates that Asian or Pacific Islanders are overrepresented in the solar workforce compared to their representation in the national workforce. Specifically, they make up 9% of the solar workforce, which is higher than their share of 6% in the overall national workforce. This suggests that individuals identifying as Asian or Pacific Islander are more likely to be employed in the solar industry compared to other industries in the national workforce. This information can be used to identify potential opportunities for diversity and inclusion efforts within the solar sector, and to better understand the demographic makeup of the workforce in this specific industry.

African Americans accounted for 7.6% of the solar labor force in 2019, despite representing 13.4% of the total U.S. labor force.

The statistic that African Americans accounted for 7.6% of the solar labor force in 2019, despite representing 13.4% of the total U.S. labor force, highlights a disparity in employment representation within the solar industry. This discrepancy suggests that there is underrepresentation of African Americans in the solar workforce compared to their overall presence in the U.S. labor force. Possible factors contributing to this disparity could include systemic barriers, lack of diversity initiatives within the solar industry, or unequal access to opportunities for African Americans. Addressing this issue is important for promoting equity and diversity in the renewable energy sector and ensuring that opportunities within the solar industry are accessible to all demographic groups.

Non-profit organizations account for nearly 9% of all solar jobs.

The statistic “Non-profit organizations account for nearly 9% of all solar jobs” suggests that a significant proportion of the solar industry workforce is employed by non-profit entities. This indicates that non-profits play a substantial role in the renewable energy sector, specifically in solar energy. This statistic highlights the diverse range of organizations involved in promoting and implementing sustainable energy practices, including those driven by charitable or mission-driven goals rather than purely profit motives. The presence of non-profits in the solar job market underscores the importance of collaboration between different types of entities in advancing clean energy initiatives and addressing environmental challenges.

The solar power industry hires a larger share of veterans than the overall economy.

This statistic indicates that the solar power industry employs a higher proportion of veterans in its workforce compared to the broader economy. This suggests that veterans are more likely to find employment within the solar power sector than in other industries. The higher representation of veterans in the solar power industry could be due to various factors, such as targeted recruitment efforts, transferable skills from military service to jobs in the renewable energy sector, or specific initiatives aimed at supporting veterans’ employment opportunities. Overall, this statistic highlights the industry’s commitment to hiring and supporting veterans as part of its workforce diversity and inclusion strategies.

Over 60% of solar companies do not track demographic data religiously.

The statistic “Over 60% of solar companies do not track demographic data religiously” suggests that a significant majority of solar companies do not consistently and rigorously collect demographic information. This lack of systematic tracking indicates potential gaps in understanding the demographic characteristics of their customers or target markets, which could impact their ability to effectively tailor their products and services to different demographics. Not tracking demographic data religiously could hinder solar companies’ efforts in identifying and addressing disparities in access to renewable energy solutions among different demographic groups, and may limit their ability to implement more inclusive and targeted marketing strategies. Gathering and analyzing demographic data is crucial for identifying market trends, understanding customer preferences, and ensuring equitable access to solar energy solutions.

Women comprise 21.9% of the installation/project development sector within the solar industry.

This statistic indicates that women represent 21.9% of the workforce in the installation and project development sector of the solar industry. This percentage provides insight into the gender composition within this specific segment of the industry, highlighting the underrepresentation of women in these roles. The figure suggests that there is a significant gender disparity within this sector, with a majority of positions being held by men. This data may raise questions about diversity and inclusivity within the solar industry and could serve as a reminder of the need for initiatives to encourage and support more women to pursue careers in installation and project development roles within the solar sector.

Women account for 37.2% of the solar sales & distribution workforce.

This statistic indicates that within the solar sales and distribution workforce, 37.2% of the employees are women. This suggests that there is some level of gender diversity within the industry, but with women making up less than half of the workforce, there may still be room for improvement in terms of achieving gender parity. It also highlights the presence of women in roles related to the solar industry, which could be beneficial for creating a more inclusive and diverse workforce within the renewable energy sector.

Female solar workers earn 74 cents for every dollar male colleagues make.

This statistic indicates a gender wage gap within the solar industry, where female workers are earning 74 cents for every dollar earned by their male counterparts. This disparity suggests that women in the solar sector are being paid significantly less than men for similar work or positions. The statistic highlights underlying inequalities and systemic biases that may be present in the industry, potentially due to factors such as discrimination, lack of representation in leadership positions, or negotiation disparities. Addressing and rectifying such wage gaps is essential to achieving gender equality and promoting fair and inclusive work environments within the solar workforce.

Latinos in the solar industry earn 14% less than their white counterparts.

The statistic that Latinos in the solar industry earn 14% less than their white counterparts indicates a significant disparity in pay between these two ethnic groups within the solar industry. This wage gap suggests that there may be systemic issues related to equity and inclusion within the industry, leading to differential treatment and compensation for Latino workers compared to their white colleagues. Addressing and rectifying this wage gap is essential for promoting equality and fairness in the workplace, as well as for ensuring that all employees are compensated fairly and have equal opportunities for advancement and success within the solar industry.

Women at solar companies are 26% less likely to be in a management position.

The statistic ‘Women at solar companies are 26% less likely to be in a management position’ suggests that there exists a disparity between men and women when it comes to holding management positions at solar companies. This statistic indicates that, compared to men, women are significantly underrepresented in higher-level managerial roles within the solar industry. The 26% difference highlights a significant gender gap in leadership positions, signaling potential barriers or biases that may be restricting women’s advancement into management roles within solar companies. Addressing this disparity could involve initiatives to promote gender equality, diversity, and inclusion within the solar industry workforce to ensure equal opportunities and representation across all levels of leadership.

References

0. – https://www.www.forbes.com

1. – https://www.www.thesolarfoundation.org

2. – https://www.www.renewableenergyworld.com

3. – https://www.solarpowerrocks.com

4. – https://www.irecusa.org

5. – https://www.www.nrel.gov

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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