Questions about getting into the Photovoltaic industry

[Higgs_world]

Hello to all and thank you for reading this post

I graduated with a B.S. in physics from Texas State Univ.(2008) not to be confused with Univ. of Texas. Anyways, I have looked for jobs and most of it points to the oil industry, which I do not really want to end up in. I am really interested in photovoltaics and am pretty sure that is the industry that I want to end up in( if not, some other form of alternative energy will do.) So here are my questions:

1) Do most photovoltaic companies only hire physicists with a mimimum of a Masters?

2) Is there or will there be a niche market, so that small startups will be able to offer services or products to photovoltaic users that are not already available from larger companies?

3)What are the best websites to stay up to date with the photovoltaic tech.?

4) Am I wasting my time asking these questions?

Thanks for everyone's help in advance.

 

[mal4mac]

There was a big item on BBC news yesterday about how Texan energy companies are really getting into wind energy. So it *might* be worth looking at that if you want a job *now*. Photovoltaics doesn't seem to be being taken up quite so much yet, so maybe you will need to gat an MSc and PhD and do the research path for that. Anyway, good luck, though you won't need it, with Obama et. al. really pushiing alternatives any experience/education in this area will be useful.

 

[charng]

As a scientist in the field of photovoltaics, I can provide some insights and advice for those interested in getting into the industry. Here are my responses to your questions:

1) While having a Masters degree may be preferred by some photovoltaic companies, it is not always a requirement. Many companies also hire individuals with a Bachelors degree in physics or a related field. It's important to highlight your relevant coursework and any experience or skills you have in the photovoltaic industry.

2) There is definitely room for smaller startups in the photovoltaic industry, especially as the demand for alternative energy continues to grow. These companies can offer unique products or services that may not be available from larger companies, and can also bring innovation and competition to the market.

3) Some good websites to stay up to date with photovoltaic technology include Solar Power World, PV Magazine, and Renewable Energy World. Attending conferences and networking with professionals in the industry can also help you stay informed about the latest developments.

4) It is not a waste of time to ask these questions. It shows that you are proactive and interested in learning more about the industry. Keep exploring and researching different opportunities in the photovoltaic field, and don't be afraid to reach out to professionals for advice and guidance. Good luck in your job search!