The solar energy industry is booming, creating many jobs and career opportunities. In fact, the solar energy and storage industry in the U.S. employs more than 263,000 workers across a variety of career paths, including manufacturing and installation. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), employment in the industry is expected to double over the next decade. This unprecedented job growth creates both opportunities and challenges for solar installation companies and solar EPCs.
According to the 2024 Electrification Contractor Survey by EnergySage, solar installation companies are struggling with staffing issues. Nearly 50% of contractors reported a lack of experience or industry-specific knowledge in the labor pool. In addition, more than one-third face an issue with a small applicant pool. Many solar installation companies offer on-the-job training to employees to compensate for their lack of experience and photovoltaic (PV) industry knowledge, but this route is time-consuming.
If you are looking to hire knowledgeable solar installers or strive to enter the job force as a solar contractor, some solar installation training programs can help. Increasingly, more solar PV training courses are available online and there are more solar installer trade school options. This makes solar technician training easier and more widely available than ever.
Solar Installation Training
There are many in-person and online solar installation training programs available, some of which provide hands-on experience with solar systems. Completing solar installer trade school or training courses can boost your earning potential and help you launch a successful career in the industry. These programs range in duration from a few weeks to a couple of years, depending on the level of expertise and certification offered.
Solar Certification Training Classes with Non-Profit Organizations
There are several solar installation training programs dedicated to advancing the solar energy industry and career opportunities in renewable energy.
SEI offers in-depth solar technician training programs covering various aspects of solar energy, including PV system design, battery-based systems, and solar business strategies. Their courses cater to a wide range of learners, with some programs specifically designed for women and Spanish speakers to promote diversity in the solar installer trade school landscape.
Many of SEI’s online and in-person solar installation training courses help students earn or maintain NABCEP certifications. The in-person programs typically provide five days of hands-on solar installation experience, allowing students to work directly with solar equipment and industry professionals. Online courses are generally six weeks long and offer a flexible, less intensive option. Some programs may require prerequisites, field experience, or a placement test to enroll.
NABCEP provides a comprehensive selection of solar installation training courses through its Education and Training program. These solar technician training classes equip you with the essential skills and knowledge needed for a successful career in the renewable energy industry.
NABCEP offers quality and affordable training courses in their course catalog, which includes both basic fundamental concepts related to the NABCEP Job Task Analysis and advanced-level courses that enhance the professional knowledge and skills of a NABCEP Board Certified Professional. By attending these courses, you or your team can earn training hours that are a requirement to qualify for NABCEP Credential exams.
IREC provides solar installation training programs designed for both solar and EV charging station installers. These courses cover essential topics, including photovoltaic (PV) system design, installation best practices, safety protocols, code compliance, and solar permitting requirements.
As a leading resource for industry training, IREC’s programs help aspiring professionals gain the skills needed to succeed in the field. Whether you're looking for a solar installer trade school or advanced certification, IREC’s programs ensure you are prepared to perform high-quality installations while meeting industry standards.
Grid Alternatives provides extensive solar installation training through its Get Training initiative, helping individuals build the skills needed for a successful career in clean energy. Their programs emphasize hands-on experience, ensuring participants gain practical knowledge in solar technician training.
With a strong focus on real-world solar installer trade school principles, Grid Alternatives' courses cover critical topics such as job site safety, fall protection, array layout, racking and module installation, electrical safety, conduit bending, and solar panel wiring. Training opportunities are available in California, Colorado, Washington, D.C., and Nicaragua, with options varying by location.
Solar Installer Trade School & Community College Training Programs
A variety of schools provide solar installation training programs and coursework, offering aspiring PV professionals the skills needed for a successful career in the industry. Many solar installer trade school and community college programs include hands-on solar technician training to prepare students for real-world installations.
This California solar installer trade school program offers a comprehensive solar installation training program for aspiring solar professionals. The curriculum blends theoretical knowledge with practical solar technician training, covering solar panel installation, electrical systems, safety protocols, and industry regulations. LATTC provides both an associate's degree and a certificate program in PV installation and maintenance.
CNM's Photovoltaic Solar Energy program equips students with the skills needed for solar panel installation and maintenance. The solar technician training coursework covers solar PV design, installation techniques, and safety protocols through a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on experience. This solar trade school program stands out by offering flexible scheduling options for working professionals, allowing students to balance their studies with career or personal commitments while receiving a comprehensive education in solar energy technology.
HVCC in New York offers a Solar Energy Technology program that provides solar installer trade school training for those looking to enter the solar industry as professional installers. The program offers students a thorough understanding of solar panel installation, electrical systems, and industry safety protocols. What sets HVCC apart is its strong partnership with local solar companies, which provides students with unique internship opportunities and real-world experience, allowing them to build valuable connections within the industry.
In New Mexico, SFCC provides a Solar Energy Certificate program that focuses on photovoltaic systems, offering students both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in this solar panel installation training. This solar installation training program is unique for its integration of sustainability principles with solar technology. This ensures students learn both the technical aspects of solar installation and gain an understanding of the broader environmental impact and energy efficiency goals that drive the renewable energy sector.
This New York community college offers a certificate program for solar energy technicians that equips students with essential skills and knowledge for a career in solar technology. Covering areas such as solar panel installation, electrical systems, safety measures, and industry regulations, the program ensures a well-rounded education with a blend of classroom learning and hands-on solar installation experience.
FAQs About Solar Installation Training Programs
Wondering if a solar installation training program is right for you? Whether you're considering a solar installer trade school or looking to level up your skills, our FAQs cover everything you need to know about solar technician training.
Is there a demand for trained solar installers?
There is a strong demand for trained solar installers, and many solar companies are struggling to find qualified staff. Employment of solar panel installers is expected to grow by 22 percent from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth will create about 3,500 job openings annually. However, many solar companies are offering on-the-job training and seeking candidates with solar technician training due to the shortage of qualified workers in the industry.
How can I become a solar installer?
A common path to becoming a solar installer involves obtaining a high school diploma or equivalent. Then, gaining on-the-job training is crucial to learning how to design, install, and maintain solar panel systems. However, some individuals pursue solar installation training programs or apprenticeships to gain the necessary skills and qualifications for a career in solar power installation.
How can I become an accredited solar installer?
To become an accredited solar installer and earn a NABCEP solar installer certification, you can enroll in solar installation training programs offered by organizations like NABCEP. NABCEP provides a course catalog with classes for various levels of expertise and experience in solar PV, helping professionals gain the knowledge needed for certification. In addition to NABCEP, other organizations, including the SEI, also offer solar technician training and courses for solar installer trade school certification, providing valuable education to aspiring solar professionals.
Solar Installation Training Programs Can Advance Careers & Companies
Many of the most recognized solar installation companies have solar technicians with NABCEP certifications and meet the licensing requirements set by their states. Solar installation training coursework is an excellent way to gain expertise and prepare for installer certification exams. Now, there are more online training options than ever before, reducing or eliminating the need to travel.
Joining the GreenLancer platform is another way for solar installation companies to advance because we help streamline the solar permitting, interconnection, and engineering processes. Our services include solar engineering design services, PV plan sets, and interconnection applications. We offer a fast turnaround time and work with residential and commercial installers nationwide.
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