Solar Technician Schools in Massachusetts

Solar technicians are experts in installing and maintaining solar panels in various environments. The profession requires many skills and versatility, but there is a lot of reward for those who master these skills in Massachusetts.

The following guide highlights the most common approach to starting a successful solar technician career in the state.

We highlight every crucial component of the journey, from initial preparation and basic education to advanced training, work experience, and certification. We also explore the top solar technician training institutions for residents of Massachusetts and the possible compensation figures to expect.

How to Become a Solar Technician in Massachusetts

The following steps are needed to get started as a solar technician in Massachusetts.

Basic Requirements and Relative Skills

Candidates who have strong physical abilities, such as heavy lifting and climbing, are well-positioned to become successful solar technicians. The same goes for those who have significant communication skills and attention to detail.

Foundational high school STEM knowledge helps candidates understand advanced topics better. This is one reason certain programs require a high school diploma or GED as admission requirements.

Choosing Among Training Destinations

Prospective solar technicians in Massachusetts have the opportunity to choose between multiple training arrangements, including apprenticeship options and college programs.

Completing an Apprenticeship Program

Apprenticeship programs are hands-on training opportunities usually arranged by professional organizations and trade unions. They differ from academic programs through their emphasis on work experience and paid learning opportunities.

It is also common for apprenticeships to last longer than college programs.

Completing a College Program

Completing a college program can be an alternative to completing an apprenticeship when starting a career as a solar technician. It can also serve as an additional training experience to complement an apprenticeship.

In fact, many academic and apprenticeship programs have collaborative arrangements for candidates who would like to complete both kinds of training. Prospective solar technicians may choose an electrician program, a renewable energy program, or a specialized solar technology program.

Continuing Education

Solar technicians must stay abreast of the latest advancements in the profession to continue to grow on the job. One way to do this consistently is to participate in periodic continuing education, which is sometimes mandated through certification.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become an electrician in Massachusetts

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Solar technicians in Massachusetts are not necessarily expected to receive a license when starting their professional careers. However, because the majority of duties that professionals in the field perform will overlap with those of an electrician, certain work may require an electrician’s license.

Certification is not compulsory for solar technicians in a state, either. However, certified solar technicians may leverage their recognition for better career opportunities and higher pay. This is one of the reasons why several solar technicians in Massachusetts are certified anyway, despite its optional nature.

The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is one of the most recognized agencies offering high-quality credentials for professionals in this field.

Top Solar Technician Schools in Massachusetts

The schools below offer comprehensive solar technician training for candidates in Massachusetts.

Explore solar technician schools in Massachusetts by city:

• Solar technician schools in Boston

Salary & Career Outlook

The annual average salary for solar technicians in Massachusetts is typically around $72,959, according to Indeed. This figure is usually the most common because it is the amount that candidates in the median category manage each year.

Naturally, this is not to say that many professionals will not find themselves on either end of the median figures. For instance, those who manage to find themselves among the top earners can make up to $108,562 in annual average salary. Conversely, those who are still trying to work their way up can make an annual average salary of $49,032, which is the value for the bottom 10%.

Factors like experience, location, and business approach can help candidates improve their returns as solar technicians in Massachusetts. Locations with the highest averages currently include Marlborough, with an annual average salary of $96,060; Lowell, with an annual average salary of $79,908; and Milford, with an annual average salary of $79,713.