Since the industrial revolution, adoption of some technologies were so prominent that they gradually integrated into our social lifestyle. IC engines, mobile phones, computers are few such examples. One such recent technology evolution is the rooftop PV system. A decade earlier, rooftop PV were a luxury; end-users (residential or commercial) had to evaluate their payback period prior to investment. In 2019, solar panels have transformed to a necessity that it has even considerable effects on the National Electricity Market (NEM). With such growth in the Australian renewables, mainly solar, it is not surprising that it also influences the employment market of the country. The latest report by the Australian Bureau of Statistics has some interesting points on the state of solar PV jobs and renewable energy employment market.
The full-time equivalent (FTE) employment report was in the period between the financial year 2009-10 and 2017-18. Over the course of this period, there was an increase of 3,890 solar PV jobs. This 28% increase was predominantly in the large-scale solar farm constructions (1,950 FTE jobs), followed by the roof-top PV systems.
Solar PV Jobs and Renewable Energy Employment Potential
Here are some other important points from the report:
- Solar PV jobs accounted for the largest number of employment in the renewables category.
- The employment in the renewable energy firm was its highest in the financial year 2011-12.
- Queensland had the largest rise in solar PV jobs and other renewable energy employment. This can be due to the state’s significant push in renewables uptake over the past few years.
- NSW, Queensland and Victoria contributed 62% of the all the jobs in renewable energy sector. In NSW, this came from rooftop PV installations, while in others, it originated from the construction of numerous large-scale farms.
- Furthermore, as of December 2018, 24% of private residences in the country have rooftop PV systems installed, with Queensland having the highest percentage of solar powered houses. This signifies the massive growth opportunities for employment, jobs and the economy as a whole in this sector.
- Similarly, after solar power, wind and hydro based renewables contribute to the most employment in Australia.
Image Source: ABS
