The US renewable energy market is expanding rapidly, but two states are leading the way: Texas and California. Both regions are driving demand for specialist talent as projects shift from start-up mode to large-scale expansion.
In this blog, we explore why these states are the hottest markets in US renewables, what it means for candidates, and how Navitas Resourcing Group is helping clients secure the people they need to deliver projects at pace.
Why Texas Is Leading in Battery Storage
Texas, home to the ERCOT grid, has become the centre of attention for battery storage. The state’s size, extreme weather events, and need for resilience have pushed developers and investors to prioritise storage projects.
Key drivers include:
- Grid stability – battery storage smooths out fluctuations caused by high demand and variable renewable generation.
- Resilience – storage helps mitigate outages and supports recovery during extreme weather.
- Investor confidence – a strong pipeline of projects is attracting capital, further fuelling growth.
For talent, this translates into increasing opportunities in battery engineering, project development, and storage optimisation.
Why California Remains a Solar Powerhouse
California has long been the flagship state for renewable energy in the US. Ambitious climate targets and state-level incentives continue to fuel relentless demand for solar and wider renewable projects.
What makes California unique is scale. The infrastructure is already in place and generating electricity. The challenge now is expansion, integration, and optimisation – making sure existing projects deliver maximum efficiency while new ones come online.
This creates ongoing demand for specialists in:
- Solar project delivery
- Grid integration and optimisation
- Environmental and permitting expertise
The Talent Challenge: Expansion vs. Setup
Unlike emerging markets, where projects are starting from scratch, both Texas and California are already producing power. The focus is now on scaling capacity and improving efficiency.
For hiring managers, this shift creates new challenges:
- Competition for senior developers and project managers is intensifying.
- Contractors with specialist storage or optimisation skills are scarce.
- Project delays can occur when the right people are not secured quickly.
For candidates, however, this means more opportunities than ever to join projects at the cutting edge of the energy transition.
How Navitas Resourcing Group Supports Clients and Candidates
At Navitas Resourcing Group, our US consultants are fully embedded in the Texas and California markets. We:
- Support clients by securing hard-to-find specialists in battery storage, solar, and optimisation.
- Guide candidates towards roles where their skills will have immediate impact.
- Move quickly to reduce hiring delays and keep projects on track.
Our strength lies in our networks and our specialist focus. By connecting businesses with the right people and helping candidates find the right projects – we give both sides the advantage in two of the most competitive energy markets in the world.
Why Now Is the Time to Act
The race for renewable talent in Texas and California is only accelerating. Whether you are building large-scale storage projects in Texas or expanding solar capacity in California, speed and precision in hiring are critical.
If you’re hiring in US renewables or looking for your next opportunity, Navitas Resourcing Group is here to connect you.
Contact our team today: enquire@navitas-nrg.com
Visit us at www.navitas-nrg.com
