Solar sales positions exist for the manufacturing and distribution of solar modules, inverters, batteries and other solar-related products. Manufacturers sell to distributors and distributors sell to solar integrators. Products vary greatly, as do the manufacturers. Examples of solar product manufacturers include Suntech, Sharp, BP and Trina.
Solar integrators market and sell solar electric and solar thermal systems to homeowners, commercial property owners and government organizations. Additionally, they perform site visits to assess the specific needs of the site and customer, design systems for specific applications, install products and interact with the customers along the way.
As the industry expands, more and more sales positions are being created to promote and sell educational training programs, workshops and online programs for potential solar professionals and those interested in systems for their homes. These solar education sales jobs often involve promotion of programs at industry trade shows and renewable energy fairs.
The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners is a certification process that ensures the highest standards for solar professionals in the industry. NABCEP offers a certification specifically for solar sales professionals who demonstrate competency in siting, system design and assessment of system performance and who can demonstrate their ability to impart this information to customers.