How Long Does It Take To Learn Solar?

The solar industry has experienced tremendous growth in recent years. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the U.S. solar market grew by 43% in 2021, reaching a record 19.2 gigawatts of installed solar capacity [1]. There are now over 3 million solar installations in the U.S., with solar accounting for about 3% of the nation’s electricity generation [1].

With this industry growth has come strong demand for solar jobs and careers. Solar jobs increased by 7% in 2021, reaching over 250,000 jobs nationwide [1]. There are various types of solar jobs, including installers, sales professionals, engineers, project managers, and more. These jobs range from entry-level to advanced positions requiring many years of education and training.

Table of Contents

Types of Solar Jobs

There are various types of jobs available in the solar industry. Some of the main solar jobs include:

Installers – Installers are responsible for the physical installation of solar panels and other equipment on rooftops or ground mounts. They assemble, connect, and test solar systems. Installer jobs require manual labor, working outdoors, and climbing on rooftops.

Sales Professionals – Solar sales reps meet with homeowners and businesses to determine their energy needs and sell them on installing a solar system. Sales jobs require persuasion skills, customer service, and knowledge of solar products.

Engineers – Solar engineers design PV systems and solar plants. They perform site assessments, create system layouts, specify equipment, and develop cost estimates. Engineering roles require technical expertise in solar systems.

Project Managers – Project managers oversee the development and construction of solar installations. They coordinate personnel, schedules, permits, materials, and other aspects of solar projects.

There are also solar jobs in areas like operations, maintenance, finance, manufacturing, research and more. The solar industry employs a diverse range of professionals with various interests and skillsets.

Education Requirements

To become a solar installer, most employers require at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Some may prefer candidates with some training or experience in electrical work, construction, or general installation. There are a number of solar training and certificate programs available through vocational schools, community colleges, unions, and solar equipment vendors that can provide this type of preparation. For example, the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) has developed training standards for PV installers called the PV Installation Professional (PVIP) credential [source].

More advanced solar positions like sales, engineering, and project development usually require a bachelor’s degree or higher. Relevant majors can include engineering, physics, electronics, environmental science, and business. However, there are also specialized solar energy degree and certificate programs through engineering and technical schools [source].

Some solar workers choose to get additional certifications beyond their formal education. Organizations like the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) offer credentials in areas like solar design, installation, sales and technical sales. Earning these certifications can demonstrate expertise and credibility to employers and clients [source].

On-the-Job Training

Many solar workers get training through apprenticeships and internships that provide hands-on learning. Apprenticeships allow workers to gain paid on-the-job experience while taking classes. Internships also provide hands-on solar training under the guidance of experienced professionals.

For example, the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center offers a solar training program with 4 weeks of job readiness training and 5 weeks of hands-on solar installation instruction. Through these types of programs, workers can get real-world experience installing solar panels, wiring systems, and maintaining equipment.

On-the-job training allows workers to develop skills directly applicable to a career in solar. Hands-on learning is critical for gaining the skills needed to work safely and effectively. Apprenticeships and internships provide solar workers the practical experience required for success in the industry.

Skills Needed

There are a variety of important skills needed to succeed in solar jobs. Technical skills like electrical systems, PV system design, and wire management are critical for solar installers and technicians (source). Interpersonal skills like communication, teamwork, and customer service are also valuable in dealing with clients and coworkers. Analytical and problem-solving skills help solar salespeople assess client needs and engineers design effective systems. Other useful skills include:

Safety knowledge to work with electricity and on rooftops (source)
Mathematics for system sizing calculations
Computer abilities for monitoring system performance

Physical stamina for outdoor work

Developing both the technical solar expertise and soft skills to interact positively with coworkers and clients is key to success in solar careers.

Installation Training

Most solar installer training programs take 3-6 months to complete. Some community colleges and technical schools offer certificate programs that can be completed in a semester or less (Solar Photovoltaic). Intensive bootcamp-style courses are also available that can be finished in as little as 6 weeks, though they move at an accelerated pace.

Installation training covers skills like system design, panel configuration, wiring, mounting equipment, safety protocols, and troubleshooting. Courses review electrical concepts, solar theory, and the National Electrical Code® requirements. Hands-on labs have students practice tasks like assessing roof sites, calculating energy loads, inspecting systems, and installing panels. Many programs also prepare students for an industry-recognized certification like the NABCEP PV Installation Professional credential (Solar Panel Installer Training).

Sales Training

Sales training is crucial for preparing solar sales professionals to effectively sell solar systems to homeowners and businesses. Proper training covers key areas like product knowledge, customer service, lead generation, sales techniques, proposal development, and system design consultation (Solar Sales Training, Lehman College; Solar Training – Solar Business and Technical Sales – Online, Solar Energy International).

Comprehensive solar sales training programs provide an in-depth understanding of different solar technologies, financing options, incentives, and state policies. Trainees learn how to assess customer needs, present solutions, overcome objections, negotiate contracts, and close sales. Coursework also covers lead generation, qualifying leads, customer relationship management, and sales funnel optimization.

Soft skills development is another key component of solar sales training. Trainees refine their communication, presentation, relationship-building, and problem-solving abilities. With the right sales talents and professional acumen, solar salespeople can thrive in this growing industry (8 Best Solar Sales Training Resources, Spotio Solar Software).

Engineering Training

Most solar engineering positions require at least a bachelor’s degree in mechanical, electrical, or solar engineering (https://unity.edu/careers/solar-engineering/). Some employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree or PhD. Common engineering degrees for solar engineers include:

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Master of Science in Electrical Engineering
Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Master of Science in Solar Energy Engineering

In addition to formal education, many solar engineers pursue continuing education opportunities to stay up-to-date on the latest technologies and best practices. Solar engineering is an evolving field, so ongoing training is critical. Continuing education options include attending conferences, taking online courses, getting certified, and participating in on-the-job training (https://www.environmentalscience.org/career/solar-engineer). Some common continuing education topics include photovoltaic design, solar thermal systems, power electronics, and solar project management.

Certification Programs

The most recognized solar certification is from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). NABCEP offers certifications for solar photovoltaic installers, technical sales professionals, and PV system inspectors and integrators. Obtaining NABCEP certification shows that you have the experience, training, and knowledge to be considered a qualified professional in the solar industry.

According to the NABCEP website, “NABCEP Board Certifications ensure you have the knowledge and skills to meet the demands of renewable energy projects and employers across the world” (https://www.nabcep.org/certifications/nabcep-board-certifications/). NABCEP certification typically requires some combination of approved training courses, documented installation experience, and passing a rigorous exam.

Another option is to take an online solar training course and obtain a certificate of completion, such as those offered by Solar Energy International (SEI). While not as widely recognized as NABCEP, these programs can provide the technical knowledge needed to start a career in solar. According to the SEI website, their programs “lead to opportunities for state contractor licensing, skills verifications, and/or national certification” (https://www.solarenergy.org/nabcep/).

Some companies may also provide their own internal certification programs. Although these are not a substitute for an independent certification, they demonstrate company-specific training.

Conclusion

In summary, the time it takes to learn solar installation depends greatly on the specific role and path taken. An entry-level solar installer can get trained through a vocational program or apprenticeship in 6 months to a year. More advanced roles like sales, engineering and project management require additional education like an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, taking 2-4 years. Success in the solar industry requires a combination of technical skills, hands-on training, and business/customer service skills. Being willing to start in an entry-level position and work up through experience and targeted training is the fastest way to become an expert solar professional. With hard work and persistence, solar careers can be very rewarding.