A rising solar-powered workforce.

• Author: Cleveland, Megan
• Position: TRENDS

Fueled by the rapidly increasing pace of installations, solar energy is one of the fastest growing employment fields in the nation. One of every 50 new jobs added in 201 6 was in the so lar industry, according to the Solar Foundation 's National Solar Job Census.

The total number of solar jobs increased by nearly 25 percent last yea r, surpassing 260,000 workers. About half of those jobs paid an average of $26 an hour, and nearly 70 percent of all solar jobs identified in the survey did not require a bachelor's degree.

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As the solar industry grows, legislators are considering ways to boost employment growth. Some states have developed licensing or certification policies and created training programs to ensure that workers have the expertise needed to safely install solar systems.

Proper installation requires compliance with zoning policies, as well as building, fire and electrical codes. Approaches vary, but at least 12 states and Puerto Rico have statewide policies governing solar photovoltaic, solar hot water and solar thermal contractor licensing and certification.

Rhode Island lawmakers, for example, created the Renewable Energy Professional Certificate in 2014 for registered contractors who have at least an associate degree in renewable or solar energy, or who have completed an approved certification course. It allows holders to perform certa in installation work but requires a licensed electrician to complete all electrical work on a project.

States can require contractors...