Greater Sacramento
Solar Industry & Workforce Study
Key Findings, 2008
www.coeccc.net
The Centers of Excellence, in partnership with business and industry, deliver
regional workforce research customized for community college decision
making and resource development.
Centers of Excellence
Economic and Workforce Development
California Community Colleges
These key findings preview an
environmental scan to be released
in 2008. The scan will highlight the
key findings, provide an overview
of the industry, identify high-
demand jobs and include
recommendations for responding
to the workforce needs of the
solar industry.
The Centers of Excellence
environmental scans and other
publications can be accessed
online at: www.coeccc.net.
Inside:
Research Objectives
Solar Industry Profile
Industry Employment Growth
Workforce Challenges
Occupational Employment
Education and Training
Research Objectives
Identify solar firms in the Greater Sacramento area, their geographical concentration, size of firms and
major sectors.
Identify key solar occupations that are most relevant to community colleges.
Develop projections of future employment growth and identify employer challenges in recruiting, hiring and
retaining their workforce.
Define skill sets and education requirements needed for the relevant solar occupations.
Solar Industry Profile
There are approximately 70 firms in the Greater
Sacramento area.
The majority of solar-related firms (69%) are
small—fewer than 11 employees.
The majority of solar-related firms (90-95%) are
non-manufacturing.
Industry Employment Growth
Solar-related firms in the Greater Sacramento
area employ between 700 and 800 workers.
72% of surveyed employers plan to hire more
employees over the next 12 months.
Solar-related firms are expecting to increase
employment by up to 32% in the next year
resulting in about 250 new jobs.
Workforce Challenges
Employers are facing significant challenges
finding qualified workers.
Three out of four employers indicat