With the solar energy industry on a steady rise in India, HITESH DOSHI tells PRAKRITI ROY about the energy and career prospects in the industry
In what ways is the solar energy sector growing in IndiaIJ
India is predicted to be amongst the top three markets in the world for solar by 2020. Things are moving faster in solar energy than we recognise. There are more than 25,00,000 photovoltaic (PV) systems in operation worldwide. More than 230 GW of cumulative solar power is already installed. Government has shown strong commitment to revolutionise the entire solar power sector and taken up ambitious solar power target of 100GW by 2022. It is supporting the same with landmark policies and initiatives such as $1tn solar power tie up with France and global solar alliance of 120 countries headquartered in India. The cost of solar is now 100 times lower than it was in 1977 and it is set to become more affordable.
Will it open up new career opportunitiesIJ
There is a lot of scope for technological innovation. On the renewable energy front, we need lots of innovation and new ideas to improve the output from solar panels bringing in wide-ranging different technologies to raw material, production and technology. Apart from power generation, innovations are required in energy storage, transmission and energy saving.
Can one also think of business in this sectorIJ
To promote a culture of entrepreneurship, the Government announced incentives including a Rs. 10,000-crore corpus for innovation-driven enterprises, a three-year break from paying income tax on profits, a Rs 500-crore per year credit guarantee mechanism, and exemption from capital gains tax for start-ups. This is a great start and support to the entrepreneurs in India. Compared to developed countries, especially USA, we are far behind on innovation driven entrepreneurship. The government’s initiative to come up with such fund, will definitely support many aspiring entrepreneurs in the country to come up with the new ideas and growth of start-ups.
How many jobs are expected to be created directly with the growth of this sectorIJ
Solar industry is one of the fastest growing job markets today. As per estimates, the Indian solar energy industry will need an estimated 300,000 people by 2022 across all domains, profiles and levels. Skills required depend on the function to be played in the organisation. The skill set required in solar manufacturing units tends to be slightly different from the ones in other departments like marketing, sales and administration.
What about the jobs indirectly related to itIJ
For marketing and sales in the solar sector, an aspirant can focus on getting an MBA from a reputed college combined with the relevant business development experience in executing large projects. Almost all solar projects require financing, and this means that banks, insurance companies, government policy makers, etc. require people who have knowledge about solar technology and installations to evaluate these applications for financing. Additionally, because of the need for permitting, leasing of property, long term contracts, etc. lawyers who specialise in solar energy are also in demand, as are accountants, book keepers and paralegal aides. The opportunities are unlimited as the potential of power generation is also unlimited.
What are the problems that the industry may faceIJ
The availability of financing is the key to growth of the solar industry.