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- Launchpad Connect: State-led Clean Energy Momentum, Cohort 3 Info Session, and Solar Deep Dive
Launchpad Connect: State-led Clean Energy Momentum, Cohort 3 Info Session, and Solar Deep Dive
March 2025 Edition
Welcome to this month’s edition of our newsletter! We’ll use this space to share what we’re reading, thinking, and doing and to help you stay informed about what other movers and shakers are doing in the green workforce development space. This month, we introduce a new ‘Policy Updates’ section, highlight in-demand solar careers, events, and invite you to the info session for TGL’s Accelerator Cohort 3. This newsletter is a resource built for you, so let us know what topics you’d like to see more of and what resources would be the most helpful!
Inside This Month’s Green Launchpad
Policy Updates
Federal Energy Shakeups: What’s Changing?
🔗 Trump Administration’s Climate Policy Overhaul: The Department of Energy faces budget cuts, staffing reductions, and a shift toward deregulation and fossil fuels, which will impact clean energy initiatives.
But Energy Moves Forward: State Investments Continue
Despite federal rollbacks, states like New York are pressing ahead.
New York’s Green Push:
🔗 Expanding Workforce Training Centers for Advanced Manufacturing: New York's $200M ON-RAMP program expands clean energy workforce development by establishing advanced manufacturing training centers in central New York.
🔗 Advancing Renewable Energy Infrastructure: New York Power Authority's approved plan accelerates the state's clean energy transition by increasing renewable energy resources, creating opportunities for workforce developers to support a growing green economy.
Clean Energy Sector Trends: Growth & Challenges
Growth Areas: AI-driven energy efficiency, industrial decarbonization, and nuclear investments
Facing Challenges: Wind & solar project delays, uncertainty in federal grid funding
TGL’S Clean Energy Industry Framework
Are you looking to understand how clean energy and workforce development connect? We’ve got you covered! Watch this short video, in which we break down The Green Launchpad’s Clean Energy Framework.
Clean energy careers span multiple sectors, segments, and systems, each playing a vital role in the green workforce. Our framework breaks it down into:
4 Key Sectors – Energy Efficiency, Energy Storage, Renewable Energy,
Clean Transportation2 Major Verticals – Electric Systems & Thermal Systems
Every month, we’ll explore one key technology & system driving the clean energy transition and highlight the careers and skills shaping the future.
This Month…
We’re exploring the Electric Renewables segment, focusing on Solar PV(photovoltaics) system which is a key driver of energy efficiency. Solar PV drives energy efficiency by generating clean, renewable electricity, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
Breaking Down the Solar Industry…
The solar industry has three key segments: residential, commercial & industrial (C&I), and utility-scale, each with distinct challenges and opportunities. For workforce developers, understanding these differences is key to guiding job seekers. Residential projects offer accessible entry-level roles, while larger C&I and utility-scale projects provide greater stability and long-term career growth.
Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels generate electricity by converting sunlight into electrical energy using semiconductor materials. In contrast, solar thermal panels capture sunlight to heat a fluid, which is then used for water or space heating. This month, we’ll focus on solar PV and its role in workforce development, highlighting training opportunities, job creation, and industry growth.
2 Sample Career Pathways in Solar PV
🔗 Entry-Level Residential Solar Installer
Job Description: Assemble and mount PV systems on roofs or other structures in compliance with system design schematics for residential, commercial, and utility-scale solar projects.
Certifications: NABCEP Associate Credential
There are three ways to earn the NABCEP Associate Credential: Education Pathway, Experience Pathway, Entry Level Conversion Pathway
Career Pathway: Grow into roles like Solar Site Supervisor, Lead PV Installer, Electrician with Solar Expertise, Environmental Engineering Technician
🔗 Solar Sales Representative (Solar Account Representative)
Job Description: Contact prospective customers to determine their solar energy and equipment needs. They evaluate and recommend systems, estimate cost benefits, provide written summaries, and follow up with customers.
Certifications: Initial - NABCEP Associate Credential, Then - PV Technical Sales (PVTS) Board Certification
There are three ways to earn the NABCEP Associate Credential: There are three ways to earn the NABCEP Associate Credential: Education Pathway, Experience Pathway, Entry Level Conversion Pathway
Career Pathway: Grow into roles like Equipment Manufacturer Representative, Sales & Marketing Manager, Building Automation Systems Trainee, Service Dispatcher
Notes: Solar Sales offers strong career opportunities, but workforce developers should evaluate whether roles are commission-only or include a base salary to evaluate the financial sustainability of the employment opportunity.
Additional Resources:
Solar Career Map – Discover different roles and career growth opportunities
NY Solar Energy Careers - Learn about New York career opportunities in Solar
Community vs. Utility Solar - Understand the differences
Launchpad Updates
Our team has been actively shaping conversations on the future of the green workforce! This spring, we’ve been featured in articles and will be speaking in Westchester and LA. Stay tuned for upcoming events where you can catch us in action!
Accelerator Cohort 3 Application is OPEN
Come join the next cohort of movers and shakers of green workforce development!
Application for Cohort 3 of the Green Workforce Developer Accelerator Program is OPEN!
Know someone passionate about or curious about clean energy careers? Send them our way! This is a unique opportunity to gain the skills and network needed to drive workforce development in the green economy.
🔗 To apply & for more info: https://www.thegreenlaunchpad.com/accelerator
Info Session Alert!
Join us on Friday, March 7, from 12 PM - 1 PM EST to learn more about the program, the application process, and how this accelerator can support your journey in clean energy workforce development.
