High School

If you plan to work in a technical position in the solar energy industry, you should take classes in computer science, mathematics, physics, and shop. Aspiring science workers will benefit by taking chemistry, earth science, environmental science, physics, and related classes. Those interested in management careers should take business and accounting classes. Communication skills and the ability to use computers are key to success for all workers in the solar energy industry, so be sure to take as many English, speech, and computer science classes as possible.

Postsecondary Education

Educational requirements vary by career. The following paragraphs detail educational requirements for selected workers in the major subsectors of the solar energy industry.

Scientific Research

Most solar engineers have a bachelor of science degree in an engineering specialty, such as electrical, civil, mechanical, or chemical engineering. Engineering programs typically include mathematics, physical and life sciences, and computer or laboratory courses. Classes in social sciences or humanities are usually required as well. Many companies prefer to hire engineers with master of science degrees, so those who pursue advanced degrees may have better odds of securing work. A bachelor’s degree is sufficient for many environmental scientist positions; those who work as professors or researchers typically have graduate degrees. Software developers usually have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software design, or a related field. Engineering technicians prepare for the field by earning an associate’s degree in engineering technology or a related field and completing on-the-job training.

Manufacturing for Solar Power

Most production workers receive on-the-job training, although more skilled workers, such as computer-controlled machine tool operators, obtain their skills via postsecondary technical training or apprenticeships. Industrial production managers usually have bachelor’s degrees in industrial technology, business administration, management, or engineering.

Solar Power Plant Development

Real estate brokers usually have at least a bachelor’s degree in real estate, business, law, engineering, or a related field. Atmospheric and environmental scientists have bachelor’s degrees in earth science, environmental science, meteorology, or related fields. Some positions require applicants to have master’s degrees or doctorates.

Solar Power Plant Construction

Construction managers typically have bachelor’s degrees in construction management. business management, or management, along with experience in the construction industry. Civil engineers usually possess a bachelor’s degree in civil or structural engineering. Lead engineers have a master’s degree and specialized training and experience in the construction of solar power plants. Construction workers learn their skills via on-the-job training, through apprenticeships, or by earning technical degrees or certificates. 

Solar Power Plant Operations

Power plant operators prepare for the field via a combination of education, on-the-job training, and practical experience.

Solar Panel Installation and Maintenance

Solar photovoltaic installers train for the field in a variety of ways. Many have a background in the construction industry or experience working as electricians. Courses in solar installation are offered by professional associations, trade schools, apprenticeship programs, and photovoltaic module manufacturers. Installers might also learn skills in roofing and plumbing in order to master all the skills needed to complete an installation. Site assessors prepare for the field by receiving on-the-job training and specialized training in site assessment. They also typically have previous experience in roofing, electrical, or solar photovoltaic installation work. Plumbers and electricians train via apprenticeship programs or through technical education at community colleges. Roofers receive on-the-job training or participate in apprenticeship programs.

Support Positions

Training for support workers ranges from on-the-job training for secretaries and receptionists, to a bachelor’s degree in computer science or related fields for computer professionals, to a law degree for lawyers.

A small, but growing, number of colleges offer classes, certificates, and degrees in renewable energy. Visit the following Web site for more details: https://irecusa.org/workforce-development/.

The Solar Living Institute, a nonprofit organization, offers solar training via online and traditional courses. Visit its Web site, https://www.solarliving.org, for more information. Also, many large solar energy equipment manufacturers offer training and certification programs.

Other Education or Training

The American Solar Energy Society, Solar Electric Power Association, Solar Energy Industries Association, and The Solar Foundation offer continuing education (CE) opportunities via webinars, classes, and conference workshops. The Association of Energy Engineers, Interstate Renewable Energy Council, Midwest Renewable Energy Association, and the National Society of Professional Engineers also provide professional development opportunities. Contact these organizations for more information.

Other professional associations provide CE classes, webinars, and conferences in their particular specialty. For example, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers offers webinars and conference seminars on a variety of topics. Contact the associations for more information.

Certification or Licensing

Many technicians choose to become certified by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies. To become certified, a technician must have a specific amount of job-related experience and pass a multiple-choice examination.

The Society of Manufacturing Engineers offers certification to manufacturing engineers. The Association of Energy Engineers also offers certification in a variety of specialties. To be considered for certification, a candidate must meet eligibility standards such as a minimum of three years of relevant work experience and membership in a professional organization. Most programs consist of classroom work and examination.

Engineers who work on projects that affect the property, health, or life of the public typically pursue licensure. There are two levels of licensing for engineers. Professional Engineers (PEs) have graduated from an accredited engineering curriculum, have four years of engineering experience, and have passed a written exam. Engineering graduates need not wait until they have four years experience, however, to start the licensure process. Those who pass the Fundamentals of Engineering examination after graduating are called Engineers in Training (EITs) or Engineer Interns (EIs). The EIT certification usually is valid for 10 years. After acquiring suitable work experience, EITs can take the second examination, the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam, to gain full PE licensure. For more information on licensing and examination requirements, visit https://www.ncees.org. The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (http://www.ncees.org) also provides licensure to engineers.

Many solar installers are licensed as general contractors. Solar thermal installers and photovoltaic installers can also receive voluntary certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). The National Roofing Contractors’ Association’s Roof Integrated Solar Energy program certifies photovoltaic installers. The Electronics Technicians Association offers three career-track certification pathways in renewable energy technology: installer, integrator, and maintainer. The NABCEP offers certification to photovoltaic technical sales professionals.

Certification and licensing requirements for other jobs in the solar energy industry vary according to the position. Contact professional associations in your area of interest for more information.

The Solar Energy Industries Association reports that some states require specific licenses to perform solar work. A solar certification typically is a specialty area for a general plumbing or electrical license. Some atmospheric and environmental scientists may need to be licensed. Those who are employed in positions that may affect the power grid must be certified by the North American Energy Reliability Corporation.

Other Requirements

Some employers may require power plant operators to undergo a background check and submit to periodic drug testing.

Any experience you can obtain in the solar energy industry, such as an internship, volunteering, or a part-time job, will be useful.

Ideal skills and personality traits vary for the wide range of workers in the solar energy industry. For example, a passion for solving problems is a key characteristic of all engineers, and particularly for those who work on renewable energy projects. Solar engineers team up with a wide variety of people—from managers, fellow engineers, designers, and construction professionals, to developers, clients, investors, and more—so it’s essential to have strong communication skills, a flexible attitude, and the ability to get along well with others. They should also enjoy solving problems and be willing to continue to learn throughout their careers. Solar photovoltaic technicians should have good customer service skills, the ability to use hand-held and power tools, and strong technical skills. They should also be attentive to detail, not be afraid of working at heights, and be able to lift solar panels that weigh between 30 and 40 pounds and batteries that can weigh 60 to 80 pounds. Scientists should enjoy conducting research and solving problems; have inquisitive personalities; and be able to work independently as well as with other members of a team. Office workers need to be detail oriented, punctual, and able to follow instructions.

All workers should have good organizational, communication, and time-management skills; the ability to work independently and as a member of a team when necessary; and a willingness to continue to learn throughout their careers.