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The solar industry has grown exponentially over the last decade, bringing with it hundreds of thousands of jobs. The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) funds workforce training programs to enable more people to enter the solar energy workforce and to allow those whose jobs are impacted by solar to get the information they need to do their jobs.

If you’re interested in working in the solar industry, check out some of the resources below:

Job Resources

Solar Energy Careers

Solar Career Map developed by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC).

Solar Career Map

Use the Solar Career Map to explore 40 jobs across four industry sectors and identify more than 60 routes to advancement between them. Additional opportunities for progress and promotion can be found within any given occupation on the map, and multi-sector pathways reinforce the idea of lifelong learning and the natural evolution of skills and interests. 

Training Resources

  • North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners: Board Certifications
  • Midwest Renewable Energy Association: Solar Energy Training Programs
  • National Renewable Energy Laboratory: Hands-On Photovoltaic Experience (HOPE)
  • Read about the impact of this project in the final report: Solar Training for Design Professionals
  • University of New Hampshire:  Solar Lending Professional Training - Virtual Series
  • Grid Engineering for Accelerated Renewable Energy Deployment (GEARED)

View other solar energy resources , learn about SETO's research areas , and learn about the basics of solar energy . 

Updated 1 month ago

The complete guide to jobs in the solar industry

Written by Jamie Smith , Edited by Catherine Lane

There are endless opportunities to work in the solar industry, from installers to engineers to manufacturers. According to the 2022 Solar Job Census , nearly 264,000 jobs in the United States were dedicated primarily to solar. This was a 3.5% growth since 2021. As solar continues to expand, numerous job openings in the industry might be right for you. 

Depending on what sector of the solar industry you’re interested in, you might need different skills, training, or certifications.

Ready to get your career started? Keep reading this comprehensive guide to learn more about solar jobs.

What types of jobs can you work in the solar industry?

There are multiple sectors you can work in pertaining to solar – all of which require different skill sets or levels of education. We’ve listed a few areas of expertise to give you a good idea of what you’ll get into. 

Solar photovoltaic installers

Average salary range: $21.75+ per hour

Credentials: Any prior related experience, training, or certifications recommended. Some companies may require licensing or certifications.

Job description: Solar PV installers are the people you see getting solar panels up on roofs. These jobs are widely available, as solar installation companies are located nationwide.

PV installers do a lot of work on roofs, laying down the solar racking system, panels, and wiring. Other areas of PV installation can include battery installation , site assessment, and roofing.

Disclaimer! Working in solar can be physically demanding. If you’re looking to join the solar industry, it’s important to remember that you might need to meet physical requirements. Installers and manufacturers may need to carry heavy equipment at heights, and sometimes, residential sales representatives will need to complete lots of walking and door-knocking efforts. Always check job postings to see what regular duties entail.

Solar salesperson

Average salary range: $69,000 - $130,000+

Credentials: Bachelor’s degree in a related field or relevant experience. Some companies may require extensive training.

Job description: The main responsibility of a solar salesperson is to sell their company’s solar products to residential customers. This effort could be in the form of door-to-door sales, scheduled consultations, or telemarketing.  

Making a sale is at the forefront of your responsibilities; but also being able to educate customers and have a deep understanding of the solar industry is a large part of it too. 

A lot of solar sales jobs are commission-based, meaning the more you sell – the more you make. 

Solar research

Average salary range: $68,000 - $106,000+

Credentials: Bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in a related field

Job description: Solar is a growing industry. Thus, researchers and developers are key to the advancement and discoveries of new solar technologies. These jobs include physicists, chemists, and other material scientists. Jobs in the research field involve developing theories to improve solar panel efficiency or making other discoveries to improve solar panel technology. 

Solar power engineering

Average salary range: $51,000 - $96,000+

Credentials: Bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in engineering (or other related field). Depending on your employer or engineering field, some licenses or certifications may be required.

Job description: Most engineers in the solar industry reside in manufacturing offices, laboratories, or industrial plants. There’s a pretty wide range of engineering jobs needed in the solar industry, such as:

Material engineers

Chemical engineers

Electrical engineers

Industrial engineers

Mechanical engineers

Computer software developers

Engineering technicians

Engineers in the solar industry are primarily responsible for designing, evaluating, and analyzing new products for solar. 

Manufacturing 

Average salary range: $27,500 - $97,000+

Credentials: Most positions offer on-the-job training, and some formal training programs may be required. Management positions may require a college degree.

Job description: The manufacturing side of the solar industry is where solar panels and other technology and equipment is produced. Manufacturing requires many skilled workers, including tool operators, glaziers, welders, assemblers, and more!

Manufacturing jobs are about to become more abundant as more solar panel manufacturers plan to open facilities in the United States. The next few years will be the best time to enter the solar manufacturing industry!

Top skills needed to work in the solar industry

The top skills that employers look for in the solar industry

Experience and certifications: According to SolarReviews 2022 Solar Industry Survey, the most sought-after skills in the solar industry are people who are trained in solar, electrical work, or construction. You can also obtain experience and certifications from different organizations, such as SEI or NABCEP ,

Quality control: Pinpointing any imperfections when installing, manufacturing, or researching is crucial to success in the solar industry. 

Communication and interpersonal skills: Minimizing mistakes and ensuring quality service starts with good communication, whether between you and a customer or another team member.

Understanding the industry: When working in an industry that’s constantly changing and evolving, identifying trends and keeping up with the latest news and legislation is valuable.

Self-motivation: The motivation to take those extra courses or get that higher-level degree will set you apart from other candidates when applying for jobs in the solar industry. Always take that extra leap – it can only benefit you in the long run!

What courses or certifications should I have to work in the solar industry?

Taking specific courses in solar or holding certifications will not only help you stand out to employers – they also could be a requirement for a position. Training courses offered by SEI and certificates from NABCEP are an excellent place to start.

Some of the best solar training courses you can take are through Solar Energy International (SEI). Many of their classes are available online and in person. You can obtain the Residential and Commercial Photovoltaic Systems certificate through SEI, which involves five theory courses and one hands-on lab. This course covers everything from sizing a solar system and how to wire equipment safely to the basics of battery storage.

Another huge recommendation when you work in the solar industry is to become certified through the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). NABCEP is one of the most reputable organizations in the solar industry. There are plenty of benefits to becoming NABCEP certified when you have a career in solar. Data shows:

60% of employers consider NABCEP’s certifications “essential” or “very important” when hiring employees.

An average salary increase of $11,000 after becoming board-certified.

26% of NABCEP board-certified professionals go on to start their own businesses

You can become NABCEP-certified for virtually any job in the solar industry. Image via NABCEP.org

If you’re looking to get into the research, engineering, or developing field of solar, it will boost your credibility to get related degrees in the field, such as degrees in:

Engineering

Software development

Mathematics

When you invest time and effort into the solar industry – it invests in you back. According to our Solar Industry Survey , 74% of installers reported covering the costs of Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) for their employees . Having well-educated and certified employees is crucial to a company’s crew.

Are there any programs for veterans in the solar industry?

Yes! The solar industry has taken great strides to take care of U.S. veterans. The Solar Ready Vets fellowship program has provided hundreds of U.S. veterans with the training and experience to find meaningful post-military work in the solar industry.

Through this program offered by the IREC, veterans not on active duty are placed with companies for a 12-week-long training that involves hands-on experience. Employers can then hire those trainees as full-time employees.

There are plenty of other programs and benefits like this one that help veterans transition into civilian work; a few are listed below: 

Solar Professionals Certificate program , offered by SEI

Swords to Plowshares

Green Veterans

Is a job in the solar energy industry a good career?

Yes, working in the solar industry is a great career path for a number of reasons.

A lot of jobs in the solar industry are easy to get started in, with most jobs in the manufacturing, installing, or sales sector not requiring a college degree. Not to mention, solar certification courses are very accessible; most of them can be completed online!

Other jobs in the development side of solar can require more extensive credentials, but the payoff is worth it.

To sum it up, if you’re looking for a job with a great starting salary in an industry that continues to grow and expand – solar jobs can be what you’re looking for.

How to get your career started in the solar industry

Now that you’ve decided that the solar industry is the path you want to take – let’s get you started!

The first order of business is to decide which end of solar you’d like to work in , whether that’s the research, development, manufacturing, or installation side. There’s a plethora of jobs within each sector – each could require a different level of education or certification. 

The next step would be to obtain the proper credentials to work in your desired position. You might need to take certification courses or get a degree, depending on your employer, to get the job. 

Once you’ve gained the necessary experience or certifications, you can start your career. Lucky for you, the job market for solar is in good shape, and many positions in this industry are in high demand. 

Don’t wait any longer – this industry has plenty of opportunities!

Jamie is a Content Writer and researcher at SolarReviews. A recent graduate of La Salle University in Philadelphia, Jamie earned her B.S. in communications with a concentration in journalism, mass media, and public relations. Jamie has previously worked at a marketing company where she had the opportunity to highlight and promote small business owners through long-form stories and interviews. With a deep-rooted passion for creativity, Jamie stri...

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A worker at Longi, which makes wafer components for solar panels, checks a module at its plant in Xian, Shaanxi, central China.

World’s largest solar manufacturer to cut one-third of workforce

China’s Longi looks to slash costs as renewable energy sector faces tough headwinds from inflation

The world’s largest solar manufacturer has slashed nearly a third of its workforce after a cost-cutting drive that included telling staff to only print in black and white fell short and as a chill ripples through the renewable energy sector.

China’s Longi is to cut as much as 30% of its workforce, in an acceleration of cost reductions that began late last year, Bloomberg reported.

It is unclear exactly how many jobs will be lost at the company, which employed 80,000 at its peak last year, as an internal function allowing employees to see the total number of staff has reportedly been disabled.

The renewables industry is facing significant headwinds in the fallout from Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022. Moscow’s reduction in gas supplies into continental Europe left governments scrambling to beef up domestic power generation, accelerating a shift towards renewables.

However, the resulting higher energy bills pushed up inflation rates, adding costs to renewables supply chains already under pressure from the surge in demand. Meanwhile, oil and gas companies have retrenched from green projects in favour of traditional high-margin fossil fuel projects.

As a result, renewables companies have been pausing projects and cutting jobs in an attempt to rebalance their portfolios. The solar industry has a history of boom-and-bust cycles, dictated typically by government policies.

China is the centre of the world’s solar supply manufacturing industries and a proliferation of new factories dedicated to the technology has created fierce competition.

Longi manufacturers wafers – a component used in solar panels. The company, based in Xi’an in central China, has been forced to suspend investment plans while also cutting prices.

Before the job cuts, the company previously tried to reduce costs through a series of smaller measures. These included cancelling free afternoon tea, cutting business trip budgets and informing staff that they must only print in black and white unless they received permission, Bloomberg reported. Longi’s Shanghai office has reportedly stopped offering free coffee.

after newsletter promotion

The solar company’s net income fell sharply last year, down by 44% to 2.52bn yuan (£275m) in the third quarter of 2023. Its shares have fallen about 70% from their 2021 peak.

Longi has been contacted for comment.

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Heavy Travel Expected For Upcoming Solar Eclipse: Here Are Tips For Smooth Trip

If you're making travel plans to view the upcoming total solar eclipse in the Northeast United States, you're certainly not alone. 

Solar eclipse. 

solar travel jobs

The total solar eclipse, which will occur on Monday afternoon, April 8, will involve the moon passing between the sun and the Earth, completely blocking the sun and causing the sky to darken as if it were dawn or dusk. 

  • Earlier Report - 'Most Visible Eclipse For US In 100 Years' Coming Soon: First Projected Cloud Cover Conditions

Because the eclipse is predicted to be the longest and most visible in the US in 100 years, plenty of enthusiasts are making plans to travel to places within the path of totality where the moon will completely block the sun. 

Because the eclipse will fall on a Monday, many are planning on beginning their trips on Saturday, April 6, which is expected to be a busy travel day, according to AAA Northeast. 

In fact, according to rental car company Hertz, cities within the eclipse's path are experiencing a 3,000 percent increase in advance bookings for that Saturday, AAA Northeast officials said.

The increase in travel bookings is not without consequence, though: popular cities along the path of totality such as Buffalo, New York are 48 percent more expensive during the weekend of the eclipse than they were at the same time in 2023. 

If you're one of the eclipse enthusiasts planning on making a trip to see the event, AAA Northeast gave several travel tips to keep safe:

  • Keep your car's headlights on;
  • Put the sun visor down to block your view of the sun;
  • Do not wear eclipse glasses while driving;
  • Do not try to take pictures or videos of the eclipse while driving; 
  • Do not pull over on the side of the road to see the eclipse. Instead, leave the roadway and park in a safe area away from traffic;
  • Be careful of pedestrians who may be focused on the sky.

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You can watch the solar eclipse from One World Observatory in NYC: How to get tickets

solar travel jobs

A total solar eclipse will pass through parts of the United States on Monday, April 8, meaning the shadow of the moon will plunge a narrow strip of land into darkness in the middle of the day.

Some tourist destinations, such as Niagara Falls , are going big for the eclipse. The state park is offering "free and open-to-the-public programming" leading up to April 8, the park said in a news release.

Another tourist destination offering a unique place to watch the eclipse is One World Observatory . Located on top of One World Trade Center in New York City, the observatory is offering the public a chance to witness the eclipse from the "highest observation deck in all the Western Hemisphere," according to a news release.

Tickets are $94 for adults, $92 for seniors and $88 for children ages 6 to 12. Children five years old and younger can enter for free. Tickets are on sale now on One World Observatory's website .

A ticket gets you entry to the observatory, one pair of solar eclipse viewing glasses, a voucher for one complimentary beverage of your choice, a commemorative One World Observatory pint glass, a commemorative souvenir photo and 10% off at the retail shop, according to the news release.

What is the path of totality for the total solar eclipse?

Before entering the U.S., the eclipse's path of totality will travel over a portion of northern Mexico. It will pass into Texas around 1:30 p.m. local time. It will then cover portions of the Midwest and East Coast and touch southeast Canada before it moves out to sea, according to  NASA .

Several major cities will be in its  direct line of darkness , including Dallas; Little Rock, Arkansas; Indianapolis; Cleveland; Buffalo, New York; and Burlington Vermont. This animated map shows the path and local time the total eclipse will pass across the nation.

How do I watch the 2024 solar eclipse?

There's a few ways of watching the eclipse:

  • Get the full experience in person : If you're in a narrow band of U.S. land that spans from Texas to Maine, you will see the moon block the sun and its shadow cast a night-like darkness over Earth for a few minutes. You'll be able to look up without eye protection and see the outline of the moon.
  • Watch from outside the path of totality : Much of the U.S. will get a partial view of the eclipse that isn't nearly as impressive as being in the path of totality. Earth won't be plunged into darkness and you'll have to wear protective eyewear to see the moon partially block the sun.
  • Watch a livestream : Check back on April 8 for a video feed from the path of totality. It's not the same as being there in person, but hey,  at least you won't have to sit in traffic .

What time is the solar eclipse on April 8?

The eclipse will begin in Texas at 1:27 p.m. CDT and end in Maine at 3:35 p.m. EDT, but the exact time of the eclipse varies by where you are in its path.

You can search by zip code  to find the exact time for your location.

Where is the best place to watch the eclipse?

Texas is considered the best state for eclipse viewing . There's a good chance the skies will be clear and it's location along the southern path of the eclipse means totality will last a little longer.

What is a solar eclipse?

Any celestial object like a moon or a planet that passes between two other bodies can create  an eclipse  by obscuring the view of objects like the sun.

A total eclipse occurs when the moon appears as the same size as the sun and blocks the entire disk, leading to a period of darkness lasting several minutes. The resulting "totality," when observers can see the outermost layer of the sun's atmosphere, known as the corona, confuses animals – nocturnal creatures stir and bird and insects fall silent.

Contributing: Joel Shannon, Doyle Rice, Eric Lagatta, Kayla Jimenez, Cybele Mayes-Osterman & Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY

Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X  @GabeHauari  or email him at [email protected].

solar travel jobs

Total solar eclipse 2024: When it is, where to watch along the path of totality, how to do it safely and more

S ky-gazers in North America will be treated next month to a total solar eclipse that will briefly turn day into night for tens of millions of people from Mexico to Canada.

The April 8 eclipse, the second in the U.S. since 1918, will be at least partially visible in all 50 states except Alaska and entirely visible in 13 states from Texas to Maine.

⌚ When is the eclipse happening, exactly?

The timing varies depending on your location (see chart below) but it will begin in Texas shortly after noon local time, in Maine about a quarter after 2 p.m. ET.

🌔🌓🌑🌗🌖 How long will the eclipse last?

For those along the so-called path of totality, the moon will cross in front of the sun for nearly four and a half minutes (268 seconds to be exact), or roughly twice as long as the annular eclipse that occurred back in 2017. As it does, the sky will darken and the sun’s fiery edges, also known as the solar corona, will appear around the eclipsing moon, engulfing the Earth in shadow.

💦 Total eclipse fever

Anticipation for the celestial event is building. Some cities along the path of totality are looking to cash in on the excitement, offering special travel packages to view the eclipse, while other communities are bracing for an influx of eclipse seekers. Airbnb searches along the path of totality have been skyrocketing .

Texas is a prime eclipse destination, with Dallas and Austin both sitting along the path of totality, and San Antonio just outside. In Austin, city officials are expecting the eclipse to bring a million tourists to the area.

🚨 Small towns brace for eclipse traffic

Numerous cities and towns within the path of totality are bracing for an influx of eclipse seeking tourists — and all of the logistical problems that come with it.

In Aroostook County, Maine, shop owners are feeling stressed about the thousands of visitors expected to flock to this remote northern community that borders Canada.

“It’s a little new for us here, so it is stressful,” Lindsay Anderson, manager of Brookside Bakery in Houlton, Maine, told the New York Times .

“Where are 20,000 people going to pee?” wondered Tom Willard, co-owner of Market Square Antiques and Pawn, which is next door to the bakery.

Read more: A quiet Maine county braces for the eclipse. ‘Where are 20,000 people going to pee?’

Travis County, Texas, where Austin is located, issued a local disaster declaration ahead of the eclipse, requiring businesses and property owners hosting viewing parties with more than 50 attendees to register with the county.

Officials there are also encouraging residents to stay home on April 8 if they are able, to reschedule any nonurgent appointments for a different day and to put gas in their cars before the eclipse.

Indianapolis, Cleveland and Buffalo, N.Y., are also among the top eclipse-viewing cities, according to AAA.

✏️ Eclipse school closures

From Texas to Maine, hundreds of school districts within the path of totality have already announced they will be closed for the day.

In Texas, the Hays County school district had planned to be open and even purchased enough viewing glasses for all students so they could safely observe the eclipse, but later decided to cancel classes out of safety concerns for students. 

Similar decisions were made by school districts in Vermont, where officials have said that up to 200,000 visitors could swarm the Green Mountain State on April 8.

"To put our students and staff even out on the roads there, it seems better just to have them in a place where they're safe and we're not adding to the confusion on the roads," Beth Cobb, superintendent of the Essex-Westford School District, told Vermont Public Radio .

🌎 Eclipse festivals

For communities within the 115-mile-wide path of totality, there are hundreds of eclipse events planned. Among them:

▶ In Rochester, N.Y., the Rochester Museum and Science Center has organized a three-day Eclipse Festival that will feature hands-on activities, live entertainment, speakers, eclipse merchandise, food trucks and more.

▶ In Niagara Falls, N.Y. , the city is partnering with NASA on a series of free eclipse events and exhibitions leading up to the natural phenomenon.

▶ In Dallas, the Sun, Moon, and You Total Solar Eclipse Event at the Cotton Bowl Stadium will feature numerous activities and speakers, including noted astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson. Elsewhere, guests of Dallas’s Hôtel Swexan are invited to view the solar eclipse with complimentary glasses and a telescope on its 20th-floor rooftop. The hotel is also hosting a “Breathe Meditation and Wellness” event, where guests can participate in New Moon rituals, meditation and a restorative sound bath.

▶ In Grapetown, Texas , a Hill Country vineyard is offering hot air balloon rides for eclipse viewing from the air.

Also see: A list of solar eclipse events across the nation from Texas to Maine

✈️ Eclipse viewing flights

Several airlines are offering special eclipse viewing flights. Delta has scheduled two, including a “ path-of-totality flight ” that will depart Austin at 12:15 p.m. CT and land in Detroit at 4:20 p.m. ET, timed to give those on board “the best chance of safely viewing the solar eclipse at its peak” — from 30,000 feet.

Southwest and United are offering special eclipse-viewing flights too.

Read more: Why a plane might be the best place to view the eclipse

😎 How to view the eclipse safely

It is never safe to look directly at an eclipse without specialized eye protection. Looking at the intense light from the sun even for just a few seconds can cause permanent damage to the retina, the part of the eye directly responsible for vision.

Solar viewing glasses have been selling out online, but don’t fret: You can also view the eclipse through a pinhole projection box you can make with items you probably already have at home. See these safety guidelines for viewing solar eclipses.

And when in doubt, remember: Never look directly at the sun .

Read more: Here's what happens if you look at the eclipse — and how to see it safely

A boy in Nashville watches the sun moments before the total eclipse on Aug. 21, 2017. (John Minchillo/AP)

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Phases of 2019 July 2 Solar Eclipse

Total Solar Eclipse 2024

Not in the path of the eclipse? Join scientists from the U.S. National Science Foundation live on YouTube on April 8, 2024, at 1:55 p.m. EDT to learn about the solar eclipse and the science of the sun.

On this page

Where and when can i view the solar eclipse.

On Monday, April 8, the path of the total solar eclipse will stretch in a line from Texas to Maine. A partial eclipse will be visible in all 48 contiguous U.S. states.

The map and table below detail the totality time and duration for a selection of U.S. cities.

A map of the continental United States showing the path of totality for April 8th's eclipse, running in a diagonal line from Texas to Maine.

View a table of eclipse times for a selection of U.S. cities

""

2024 total eclipse fact sheet (PDF, 2.03 MB)

Learn about safety tips and where and when to view the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024.

Join an NSF event

NSF is hosting a day of free, fun and educational eclipse events.

solar travel jobs

Solar Eclipse Festival on the National Mall

April 8, 2024, 12–4 p.m. EDT In person, Free National Mall, Washington, D.C.

About the event

NSF, in collaboration with the Smithsonian , NASA , NOAA , and the National Radio Astronomy Observatory presents an outdoor festival with activities for all ages.

Hosted by the National Air and Space Museum , the event will run from 12 to 4 pm along the National Mall between 4th and 12th Streets. Browse the many activity stations to view the sun in a variety of safe telescopes and explore the different educational activities.

The eclipse will be visible in the Washington, D.C. area between 2:04 p.m. and 4:32 p.m. Maximum eclipse will be at 3:20 p.m., with the sun 89% covered by the moon.

Learn more about the event.

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Sun, Moon and You: Dallas Cotton Bowl Solar Eclipse

April 8, 2024, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. CDT In person, Free (but must register for a ticket) Fair Park Cotton Bowl Stadium, Dallas, Texas

On April 8th, join NSF, NOAA and NASA for the Sun, Moon, and You Solar Eclipse Viewing Event at the Fair Park Cotton Bowl in downtown Dallas, with special guest speakers, Neil deGrasse Tyson and “Ready, Jet, Go!” from PBS.

NSF, NOAA and NASA experts will talk about the science of the eclipse, space weather and why scientists study the sun. Multiple STEM organizations will be onsite throughout the stadium's concourse, providing activities and handouts. Telescopes will be available for viewing the eclipse and food for purchase.

Learn more about the event and register for free tickets .

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NSF's Eclipse Livestream

Virtual, Free  Starting at 1:55 p.m. EDT

Even if you're not in the path of the eclipse, you can still join in the fun. Join NSF scientists live on YouTube on April 8, 2024, starting at 1:55 p.m. EDT to learn about the solar eclipse and the science of the sun.

Hear from real scientists and explore some of the high-tech facilities they use, including the NSF Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, the largest solar telescope in the world.

NSF's livestream is a free resource that teachers can use in their classrooms to share the excitement of science.

Join the livestream .

How to safely view the solar eclipse

A diagram showing the phases of a solar eclipse, where only during totality, when the moon fully covers the sun, can you view the eclipse without protective eyewear.

Looking directly at the sun without eye protection can cause serious eye damage or blindness, even when an eclipse is occurring.

The only safe time to view an eclipse without eye protection is during a total eclipse, when the moon completely blocks out the sun. Otherwise, you can safely view an eclipse by using:

  • Special solar eclipse glasses that comply with the ISO 12312-2 international standard .
  • A special-purpose solar filter that complies with ISO 12312-2.
  • A pinhole projection .

Important safety tips

  • Regular sunglasses, no matter how dark, are not safe for viewing the sun.
  • Always inspect your solar glasses or filter before use. Discard if scratched, punctured, torn or otherwise damaged. Read and follow any instructions printed on or packaged with your eye protection.
  • Before looking at the eclipse, cover your eyes with eclipse glasses or a solar viewer. After glancing at the sun, turn away and remove your eye protection — do not remove it while looking at the sun.
  • Viewing any part of the sun through a camera lens, binoculars or a telescope without a special-purpose solar filter secured over the front of the optics will instantly cause severe eye injury.
  • Do not look at the sun through an unfiltered camera, telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device while using your eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewer in front of your eyes — the concentrated solar rays could damage the filter and cause serious injury.
  • Always supervise children using solar filters or eclipse glasses. For more information on eclipse and eye safety, visit eclipse.aas.org/safety .

Eclipse information table at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science

Credit: Charlotte Geary/U.S. National Science Foundation

Learn more about the solar eclipse

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Discovery Files: Eclipses and Solar Observation

Carrie Black, a program director in NSF's Division of Astronomical Sciences who oversees operations of the National Solar Observatory , talks about eclipses, the sun and how scientists use tools such as the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope to observe them.

solar travel jobs

Citizen Continental-America Telescope Eclipse (CATE)

In collaboration with about 40 teams of citizen scientists, scientists from Southwest Research Institute will make observations of the sun’s corona during the 2024 total solar eclipse as it crosses the United States from Texas to Maine.

solar travel jobs

Airborne Coronal Emission Surveyor (ACES)

ACES is a new instrument that will be used to explore the infrared emissions of the sun’s corona. It will fly on the NSF/NCAR Gulfstream V aircraft along the eclipse's path of totality.

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Buckeye Countdown to the 2024 Solar Eclipse

Rendering of a solar eclipse with text reading 4.8.24

Get ready for the solar eclipse

On April 8, 2024, the sun, moon and Earth will align to create a solar eclipse viewable from Ohio and other parts of North America.

Listen to an Ohio State expert detail this unique event

Learn more about the science behind the solar eclipse and how to safely view this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Dr. Wayne Schlingman

Dr. Wayne Schlingman, Director, Arne Slettebak, The Ohio State University

Review resources to prepare

person wearing solar eclipse glasses

Learn how to safely view a solar eclipse

If you're planning to watch the eclipse using your Buckeye-themed glasses or another sort, be sure to review this safety guide first.

brochure detailing the 2024 solar eclipse

View a comprehensive guide to the 2024 Solar Eclipse

Examine this brochure created by Ohio State design students for a clever glimpse into the upcoming solar eclipse.

two people sitting on grass wearing solar eclipse glasses

Explore Ohio State's 2024 Solar Eclipse Resource Center

Check out Ohio State’s hub for solar eclipse information on the Columbus, regional and CFAES Wooster campuses, including key resources, events and frequently asked questions.

eclipse science series 2024

Watch recordings from the Lima Eclipse Science Series

The Ohio State University at Lima hosted a speaker series to investigate the upcoming total solar eclipse through a series of science-based lectures and presentations.

a white-coated dog sits next to a woman

Read up on animal safety

Pet owners have extra sets of considerations during an eclipse. Check out these tips from Ohio State’s Veterinary Medical Center.

four students wearing eclipse glasses

Share your photos!

We'd love to see photos of you rocking our Buckeye-themed eclipse glasses. Add #BuckeyeForLife to your social media posts to share them with us.

theater seating inside a planetarium

Support the Arne Slettebak Planetarium Fund

Help astronomy students reach for the stars! Your support will help provide them with access to exceptional facilities and state-of-the-art learning experiences.

IMAGES

  1. Solar jobs are booming nationwide—and are still on the rise

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  2. Colorado sees solar jobs rise 5% as the industry's workforce grew

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  3. State Solar Jobs Map Unveiled -- Maps Of 119,000 Solar Jobs, & Much

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  4. U.S. solar industry jobs soar

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  5. Solar Jobs Listing

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  6. Careers in Solar Energy

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COMMENTS

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  14. The complete guide to jobs in the solar industry

    A lot of solar sales jobs are commission-based, meaning the more you sell - the more you make. Solar research. Average salary range: $68,000 - $106,000+ Credentials: Bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in a related field. Job description: Solar is a growing industry. Thus, researchers and developers are key to the advancement and ...

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  20. Heavy Travel Expected For Upcoming Solar Eclipse: Here Are Tips For

    Earlier Report - 'Most Visible Eclipse For US In 100 Years' Coming Soon: First Projected Cloud Cover Conditions; Because the eclipse is predicted to be the longest and most visible in the US in 100 years, plenty of enthusiasts are making plans to travel to places within the path of totality where the moon will completely block the sun.

  21. Solar eclipse 2024: How to watch at One World Observatory in NYC

    What time is the solar eclipse on April 8? The eclipse will begin in Texas at 1:27 p.m. CDT and end in Maine at 3:35 p.m. EDT, but the exact time of the eclipse varies by where you are in its path.

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  23. Governor Hochul Launches Effort to Protect New Yorkers Ahead of Total

    Governor Kathy Hochul today launched a statewide effort to protect New Yorkers ahead of the Total Solar Eclipse on Monday, April 8. The effort includes statewide distribution of limited-edition I LOVE NY eclipse glasses at 30 locations throughout the state - including New York State Welcome Centers and select service areas along the NYS Thruway - as well as a reminder for stargazers to be ...

  24. Total solar eclipse 2024: When it is, where to watch along the ...

    Sky-gazers in North America will be treated next month to a total solar eclipse that will briefly turn day into night for tens of millions of people from Mexico to Canada. The April 8 eclipse, the ...

  25. How to see the total solar eclipse in Virginia

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  28. Total Solar Eclipse 2024

    On April 8th, join NSF, NOAA and NASA for the Sun, Moon, and You Solar Eclipse Viewing Event at the Fair Park Cotton Bowl in downtown Dallas, with special guest speakers, Neil deGrasse Tyson and "Ready, Jet, Go!" from PBS. NSF, NOAA and NASA experts will talk about the science of the eclipse, space weather and why scientists study the sun.

  29. Buckeye Countdown to the 2024 Solar Eclipse

    Examine this brochure created by Ohio State design students for a clever glimpse into the upcoming solar eclipse. Explore Ohio State's 2024 Solar Eclipse Resource Center Check out Ohio State's hub for solar eclipse information on the Columbus, regional and CFAES Wooster campuses, including key resources, events and frequently asked questions.

  30. 51,927 Traveling Per Diem Solar Jobs

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