The solar economy in Illinois is booming. While utility-scale installations are producing most of the electricity, most solar jobs are happening on residential and small-scale projects. And while we know the clean energy workforce is growing, we don’t yet know who is doing this work, under what conditions, or whether it’s delivering the high-quality jobs promised by Illinois and federal policy.
This study is the first comprehensive look at solar employment in Illinois. We’re aiming to understand who solar workers are, what their day-to-day looks like, how they’re treated, and whether clean energy jobs are truly creating opportunity.
What We’re Asking
We’re seeking answers to key questions like:
- Who is working on solar projects across Illinois?
- What are their working conditions? Are they paid fairly? Do they have benefits? Are they in a union?
- Is solar work a long-term career or a temporary job?
- Are labor protections like prevailing wage and project labor agreements being followed?
- Are state programs like CEJA, Illinois Shines, and Illinois Solar for All improving job quality and access?
How We’re Studying It
This is a worker-centered, data-informed study. Our approach includes:
Data Analysis
- Reviewing data from Illinois Shines, Illinois Solar for All, and state labor agencies
- Estimating workforce size, demographics, wages, and job types
- Assessing enforcement of labor and equity standards
Interviews and Surveys
- Interviewing solar workers across Illinois
- Surveying solar workers and employers
- Partnering with unions, training programs, and community groups to recruit participants
Why It Matters
Illinois has made bold commitments to create good jobs while transitioning to clean energy. But we need to speak with workers and gather data to know whether those commitments are being met.
This study will help:
- Policymakers strengthen job quality and labor standards
- Training programs better prepare workers for long-term careers
- Labor and community organizations understand the needs of solar workers
- The public assess whether a just transition is underway
Interested in Participating?
If you work in solar, are enrolled in a training program, or know someone who is, we’d love to hear from you. We’re also seeking partners to help recruit participants and share information.
All interviews and surveys will be conducted confidentially. No one will be named without their explicit permission.
Contact:
Roshan Krishnan, research specialist, rokrishn@illinois.edu