Solar installer education & training requirements + costs
To become a solar installer, you can attend trade school or community college and/or get on-the-job training. Costs vary by school and program.
Median pay
Required degrees
10-year job growth
There are a couple of ways to gain the education and training that will help you begin a career as a solar installer, including trade school and community college.
You can also typically start working for a solar installation company that will train you despite not having any formal education or work experience.
Solar installer education & training options
Solar installer certificate (trade school)
Attending a trade school is a good way to develop skills needed to become a solar technician.
This is a good option for people who would rather skip courses like English and History and stick to learning what they are in school for—to become a solar installer.
Solar installer trade school can take from six weeks to one year and can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000.
Associate's degree for solar installer (community college)
Going to community college is a great option for people who would like a more classical college education while also learning the ins and outs of being a solar panel installer.
Community college usually takes about two years to complete and the average cost is about $3,440 per year.
How much solar installer training & school cost
There are a couple of different options available to develop some of the skills needed to be a solar installer.
Solar installer trade school cost
Overview: You can get a solar installer certificate from a trade school to jumpstart your career as a solar panel installer. Some examples of solar trade schools are The Training Center, Midwest Renewable Energy Association, and Clinton Community College.
Cost: The cost to attend trade school varies. For example, the average cost for The Training Center is $5,999. The average cost for Midwest Renewable Energy Association is $1,899. The average cost to attend Clinton Community College is $12,800.
Time Required: The time it takes to get a solar installer certificate ranges from six weeks to one year.
Work Opportunities: Once obtaining your solar certificate, you will have the option to work for solar companies around the country.
Community college to become a solar installer cost
Overview: The second option to develop skills to be a solar installer is to get an Associate's Degree from a Community College. Some solar Associate Degree programs include Indian River State College, Crowder College, and Salt Lake Community College.
Cost: The cost to get an Associate's Degree varies by school. The average cost for Indian River State College is $26,553 for Non-Florida Residents and $7,060 for Florida residents. The average cost for Crowder College is $7,410 for in-district students and $11,960 for out-of-district students. The average cost for Salt Lake Community College is $15,996 for residents and $44,873 for non-residents.
Time Required: It typically takes around two years to complete community college.
Work Opportunities: Once obtaining your Associate's Degree, you will have opportunities to work for solar companies around the country.
Learn more about a career in solar:
