Clean Energy Workforce Responds To Rise In Renewable Energy Stocks
Wednesday, March 14, 2012 15:22The Wall Street Journal’s Marketwatch recently reported that renewable energy stocks have been skyrocketing this year. Stocks in the PowerShares Wilderhill Clean Energy Portfolio (PBW) have increased 22% in value this year, surpassing the Dow Jones Industrial Average by approximately 72 percent. What do these trends mean for renewable energy jobs?
As renewable energy stocks continue to rise, jobs in renewable sectors could see increased funding and fewer barriers to entry. Equipping yourself with clean energy professional certification will make you eligible for jobs in renewables such as solar and wind, two of the leading industries in the clean energy sector. Depending on where your interests lie, you can select from numerous clean energy certification designations.
The BPI building analyst certification enables you to work as an energy auditor, energy manager, or building analyst. NABCEP, which administers the solar PV installer exam, accredits courses in solar PV sales, design, and installation. Anyone can enroll in a solar training course and become eligible for solar panel installation projects for residential and commercial customers. The LEED certification course can prepare you for involvement in high-level sustainable building projects. Registering for a professional certification course pertaining to clean energy industries will make you competitive as the face of energy economics continues to change.
The Wall Street Journal article included data from EIC Consult’s Country Overview report, which identified some obstacles to development in the renewable energy sector. One of these obstacles is cost-competitiveness of clean energy as compared to cheap gas. Clean energy jobs can bring production back to the United States, making clean technology cheaper to innovate and more competitive with traditional fuel sources.
America’s clean energy workforce can make energy independence a reality in the United States. When clean technology is priced competitively, then it can successfully replace petroleum as a fuel source. Now is the time to look into clean energy professional certification.

