Solar Technician Schools in Arkansas

Several professionals in the solar industry include solar consultants, material scientists, solar site supervisors, and solar technicians. Solar technicians act as the bridge between the solar industry and final consumers looking to benefit from the numerous advantages this form of renewable energy offers.

In Arkansas, individuals looking to become solar technicians have a direct approach to starting their careers. Below, we break down this approach into key requirements and considerations.

Further down the line, we also explore certification requirements for career opportunities, top programs for students to consider, and the salary projections solar technicians in Arkansas can look forward to during their careers.

How to Become a Solar Technician in Arkansas

These are the key steps necessary to become a solar technician in Arkansas.

Getting a High School Diploma or GED

Aspiring solar technicians are expected to have a high school diploma or GED before they start their professional careers. This is because most training destinations and potential employers are typically more willing to offer admission/job placement to those with such credentials.

Obtaining Relevant Training

Candidates may receive relevant training in solar technology from community colleges and technical schools in Arkansas. While many of these programs are organized as stand-alone solar technology programs, renewable energy programs with a strong focus on solar technology are common.

Either of these options is more than enough to help candidates start their careers on a solid footing.

Building Real-World Familiarity

As important as a solid foundational understanding of solar technology in the classroom is, candidates with some form of real-world experience have a better chance of securing employment.

Many destinations are, of course, willing to offer the opportunity for real-world experience, including potential employers who sometimes offer on-the-job training opportunities. Students may also look to the area’s apprenticeship programs organized by trade unions.

Developing Relevant Skills

The non-transferable skills that an aspiring solar technician needs to develop include attention to detail, problem-solving, communication, and code awareness. Candidates are also expected to be able to work as part of a team, as they will often find themselves in such situations during their careers.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become an auto mechanic in Arkansas

Licensure & Certification Requirements

In Arkansas, an electrician license is needed for electrical work, including solar photovoltaic installations. A plumbing license is also required for those working in solar thermal areas.

Candidates may obtain their license from the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing by showing proof of training and experience working under licensed contractors.

For those who would like to obtain professional credentials for more career benefits, the most relevant professional organizations to consider are the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC).

Both organizations offer respected credentials that are valid across the country. To renew their credentials, candidates must pass a professional examination and participate in continuing education.

Top Solar Technician Schools in Arkansas

The programs below are among Arkansas’s top options for aspiring solar technicians.

Explore solar technician schools in Arkansas by City:

• Solar technician schools in Little Rock

Salary & Career Outlook

At the beginning of their careers, solar technicians in Arkansas may earn an annual average salary ranging from $42,712 – $57,159. The lower figure belongs to the bottom 10% of earners in the state, while the higher figure pertains to those among the average earners.

It is possible to go above the average and, for instance, be among Arkansas’s top 10% of solar technicians who take home an annual average salary of around $76,494.

The most notable location for Arkansas’s highest annual average salary is Little Rock, with an annual average salary of $67,796. Other options worth considering are Fayetteville, with an annual average salary of $50,728, and Fort Smith, with an annual average salary of $50,249.