Veteran Resources
Through programs like the Solar Ready Vets Network, IREC is connecting the U.S. military and veterans with clean energy careers.Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces are outstanding candidates for careers in the clean energy industries. IREC helps businesses expand connections with talented men and women with a background in military service, including transitioning service members or veterans.
Solar Ready Vets Network
Through the Solar Ready Vets Network, we are building industry capacity to advance a nationwide pipeline of talent at all levels of the solar workforce. Our Solar Ready Vets Fellowship program is connecting transitioning military service members with leadership roles at solar companies. Our partners include the Solar Energy Industries Association, NABCEP, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes Initiative. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office.
Solar Jobs Census
The annual National Solar Jobs Census tracks the total number of veterans working in the solar industry. As of 2020, 9% of all solar workers were veterans, compared with 6% in the overall U.S. workforce. IREC will publish the next edition of the Solar Jobs Census in early 2022.
Solar Career Map
America’s solar industry needs the technical skills of America’s veterans, and with appropriate training and certification, transitioning service members can make solid solar career matches. Military skills translate well for electrical and mechanical technicians, logistics specialists, and engineers. IREC’s Solar Career Map features paths just for veterans. Explore career opportunities and training programs in solar energy and learn how your skills can translate directly to these jobs.
A Legacy Program: Solar Ready Vets Installation Trainings
The Solar Foundation, which has now merged with IREC, was selected by the Department of Energy to lead a national program that included solar installation training at military bases. Through 2017, The Solar Foundation and its partners expanded this initiative from the pilot stage to a national program. The program supported more than 500 transitioning service members with training opportunities and provided more than 300 solar employer partners access to highly qualified candidates.