Skip to Content
 

Colorful hard hats

Solar Energy

Solar professionals install, design, and maintain solar electric and thermal systems for residential and commercial use. They may work with solar or electrical contractors, energy consulting firms, design firms, or utilities.

With further training, they can advance to roles like energy analyst, project manager, energy engineer, or environmental consultant.

Solar installer

 

Explore Career Tracks

  1. Residential Solar Installation
  • Focuses on installing solar panels on homes
  • Entry level positions require knowledge of power tools and ability to follow electrical and mechanical drawings
  • Often ties in with electrician skills for wiring and electrical connections
  1. Commercial Solar Installation
  • Involves larger scale projects for businesses and public buildings
  • Entry level positions require knowledge of power tools and ability to follow electrical and mechanical drawings
  • Requires knowledge of commercial electrical systems
  1. Solar Maintenance Technician
  • Ensures solar panel systems are operating efficiently
  • Includes inspecting, troubleshooting and repairing systems
  1. Utility Solar
  • Utility scale solar projects producing generation to the grid
  • Travel involved across the country

Career at a Glance

Starting Requirements:

- High school diploma or GED

- Basic math and reading skills (Accuplacer test may be required)

- Physical fitness for outdoor work

- Interest in renewable energy

Length of Training:

- Typically 1-2 years for basic certification

Training Providers:

  1. Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) 
  2. Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA)
  3. Heatspring (Online Training)
  4. Various employer led trainings (Paid)

Example Employers:

  1. Arch Solar
  2. Arch Solar C&I
  3. Arch Electric
  4. Arch O&M
  5. Full Spectrum
  6. Northwind Renewable Energy
  7. Home Team Energy
  8. Sunvest Solar
  9. One Energy
  10. Appleton Solar
  11. Drews Solar
  12. Midwest Solar
  13. Sun Peak
  14. Eagle Point Solar
  15. Legacy Solar CoOp
  16. Lake Michigan Wind and Sun

Wage Progression:

Entry Level:

  • After 1 year: $40,000 - $50,000 per year

Mid-level:

  • Average overall: $60,000 - $80,000 per year

Experienced level:

  • Average overall: $80,000 – $104,000 per year