Hiring for Solar’s Next Chapter: Why the Work Is Moving South and Midwest

The solar industry has expanded rapidly over the last few years, but the path forward isn’t without challenges.

In recent months, shifting policies and mixed signals from the federal government have created a climate of uncertainty. One week, incentives are paused. The next, they’re reinstated with revisions. And for developers, EPCs, and manufacturers alike, this unpredictability makes long-term planning difficult. 

Amid that uncertainty, one fact remains: we cannot meet America’s growing energy demand without solar. Federal Policy changes to the ITC and other tax credits can have a major impact on the market, but solar remains one of the most cost-effective and scalable sources of power available. Even if costs rise and incentives shrink, installing solar is still faster and more economically viable than building new fossil fuel infrastructure.

This isn’t about policy. It’s about reality on the ground and the regions that are becoming solar’s most important growth markets. If you’re hiring or job searching, it’s time to pay attention to where the work is shifting.

Where Solar Is Booming

Texas
It’s impossible to miss what’s happening in Texas. The state now leads the country in new solar installations and is rapidly becoming a major player in U.S. solar manufacturing. This sector is growing fast and showing greater economic stability than project development alone. Texas isn’t just going big on solar; it’s becoming the center of it.

Florida
Now ranking second in U.S. rooftop solar installations, Florida has become a solar stronghold. Beyond residential growth, major utility-scale projects are gaining momentum. Duke Energy’s plan to add 300 MW of solar capacity and the Florida Municipal Power Agency’s initiative to quadruple output by adding nearly 600 MW to the grid show that the Sunshine State is finally living up to its name in energy production.

California
No solar conversation is complete without California. The state still leads in rooftop solar capacity with approximately 51.9 GW installed. But with the implementation of NEM 3.0, policy setbacks have stalled growth, especially for residential markets. Texas has now surpassed California in total utility-scale solar capacity.

Arizona and North Carolina
Population-based rankings don’t always tell the full story. Arizona leads the nation in distributed solar capacity per capita. Meanwhile, North Carolina is emerging as a serious solar manufacturing hub. Demand for skilled workers in these states is growing quickly and creating new opportunities for both employers and job seekers.

Why This Matters for Hiring

Whether you’re hiring for a rooftop team or ramping up utility-scale construction, solar companies in these fast-growth regions are facing one consistent challenge: labor shortages. We’re actively hiring for projects in Texas, North Carolina, and Florida every week, and the demand isn’t slowing down.

Roles in construction, sales, engineering, and manufacturing are especially in demand. While policy support may vary, these regions are growing because demand is growing. The grid can’t meet future load projections without solar, and companies on the ground are responding to that need.

What This Means for Hiring Managers

If you’re building teams in one of these high-growth markets, you’re not alone. That also means you’re competing for a limited pool of experienced talent. Here’s how to stay ahead:

• Local hiring matters. Employees with regional permitting knowledge, community connections, and familiarity with project landscapes can ramp up faster and help avoid costly delays.
  
• Partner with local training programs. Trade schools, community colleges, and solar-specific workforce initiatives can be strong pipelines for entry-level and mid-level hires.
  
• Support relocation. Offering relocation assistance or promoting regional quality of life can help attract experienced professionals willing to move.
  
• Build your bench early. Don’t wait until contracts are signed to start hiring. Proactive recruiting is critical to meeting project timelines.
  

What This Means for Job Seekers

The solar job market is expanding in places many people wouldn’t have considered ten years ago. If you’re looking to grow your career, being flexible about geography could open more doors than ever before.

• Be open to relocation. Texas, Florida, Georgia, Arizona, and North Carolina are hiring across roles and experience levels.
  
• Look beyond rooftop. Utility-scale projects in rural or semi-rural areas are driving massive job growth.
  
• Invest in certifications. NABCEP, OSHA 30, and other solar-specific credentials can help you stand out, especially in states with high competition.
  
• Follow the manufacturers. Solar manufacturing is heating up across the Southeast. This sector often offers more stability and long-term opportunity than project-based work.
  

Conclusion: Opportunity Is Expanding. Are You Ready?

The solar industry isn’t just growing. It’s spreading. And that shift is changing where the best jobs and the biggest hiring needs are emerging. While traditional clean energy states continue to play a central role, the momentum is diversifying. Regions that embrace solar, regardless of politics, are stepping in to meet a critical national need.

Whether you’re building your team or building your career, don’t overlook the regions leading the next phase of clean energy growth. At Peak Demand, we help solar companies and professionals connect with the right opportunities, in the right places, at the right time. Our industry expertise and nationwide reach make us a strategic hiring partner wherever solar is booming.

Let us help you get ahead of the curve. In this market, the opportunities are too good to miss.