Solar technology has become popular nationwide, and Texas is no exception. As more people consider cleaner and more renewable energy sources, solar technology remains at the top of many people’s list of the best options. And thankfully, the cost of installing solar energy components has reduced drastically over time.
While multiple fields and occupations make harnessing solar energy possible, solar technicians play one of the most critical roles in the industry by helping people install and maintain their solar energy components.
For their efforts, solar technicians in Texas get a handsome salary and a constant stream of demand for their expertise. Below we look at the steps involved in becoming a solar technician in the state and more.
How to Become a Solar Technician in Texas
The basic qualifications for becoming a solar technician in Texas include having a high school diploma or GED. This is not to say that solar technicians in the state do not have more than these credentials, but simply that these are the basis upon which they may build and acquire more education.
Acquiring More Education
Aspiring solar technicians in Texas with a high school diploma or GED may acquire proper training from an institution of choice.
Usually, there are two directions to go for this training. These include the following:
Colleges and Technical Centers
Many solar technicians in Texas have degrees from community colleges, technical colleges, and vocational schools across the state. Even though this isn’t mandatory, a degree usually goes a long way to set technicians apart, particularly regarding salary and securing employment in respectable establishments.
On-the-Job training
Solar technicians who want to avoid attending community or technical colleges may choose to acquire their training on the job. On-the-job training provides all the expertise needed to thrive as a solar technician, with the benefit of helping future solar technicians contact established professionals in the field who can act as mentors and guides.
Additional Skills
Apart from meeting the basic requirements and obtaining the necessary training, aspiring solar technicians in Texas must also have other additional skills, such as strong interpersonal skills, communication skills, technical skills, and physical stamina.
Top Solar Technician Schools in Texas
The following are examples of top solar technician schools in Texas:
1. The Training Center
The Training Center in Harker Heights has a comprehensive solar technology program that lasts six weeks and includes 120 clock hours of instructions.
Training is in six modules, including photovoltaic fundamentals, system design, and more.
Graduates secure entry-level employment without spending more time in apprenticeships.
2. Houston Community College
Houston Community College offers a solar installer certificate program for students all over Texas looking for extensive training in solar technology. Topics include maintenance and installation of PV systems, device safety protocols, and safety/regulation codes.
The program is perfect for those who wish to pass the Electrical Technicians Association’s International Level 1 PV Installer Certification exam.
Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED.
3. SolPowerPeople
Lastly, SolPowerPeople offers an alternative for residents of California looking for high-quality solar technology training that takes place predominantly online.
Even though classes are administered online, they are still overseen by experienced instructors with significant experience in the classroom and as professionals in the field.
Its campus is located in Del Valle, Texas. Topics include photovoltaic systems foundation and advanced photovoltaic installation.
Explore Solar Technician Schools by City:
Licensure Requirements
In Texas, solar technicians are expected to obtain licensing from the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners and the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
A state electrical contractor license is needed for photovoltaic installations, while a journeyman plumbing license is required for solar thermal installations.
Some popular certification alternatives for solar technicians in Texas include the Photovoltaic Installer - Level 1 credential offered by the Electronics Technicians Association (ETA), the PV Installation Professional (PVIP) certification provided by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), and the Roof System Installer certifications offered by Roof Integrated Solar Energy (RISE).
Salary and Job Outlook
A solar technician in Texas can expect to earn an annual average salary of $52,278, which is practically on the same level as the national average. With favorable optimization of factors like experience, location, and establishment, a Texas solar technician can earn as much as $78,729.
Those on the lower end of the spectrum still earn an annual average salary of around $34,714.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a whopping 27% growth in demand for solar technicians between 2021 to 2031, which is significantly above the national average projection for other occupations.
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