Solar Technician Schools in Alaska

Solar technology has increased in popularity and is projected to enjoy an even greater rise in the coming years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also projects a rise in demand for solar technicians—the professionals in charge of maintenance and installation of these systems—and other professionals in the industry.

Readers in Alaska who would like to consider a career as a solar technician will be glad to know that this page contains an extensive guide to that subject. It includes all the considerations they’ll need to make to start their careers on the right path.

We also include optional considerations that may lead to more career opportunities and a higher annual return.

How to Become a Solar Technician in Alaska

The following are the steps involved in becoming a solar technician in Alaska.

Step 1: Fulfill the Basic Requirements

The basic requirements to become a solar technician in Alaska involve having strong physical abilities, high-level attention to detail, and basic knowledge of mathematics and other STEM topics.

Candidates may also be expected to provide their high school diploma or a GED equivalent before they can gain admission into certain programs.

Step 2: Attend a Training Program

Several training programs in Alaska offer introductory training for aspiring solar technicians. These programs prepare candidates for their careers and give them a solid foundational understanding of the field and their forthcoming duties.

Candidates may also use these programs to receive valuable degrees or certificates that will help them stand out when seeking employment.

Step 3: Develop Real-World Familiarity

While academic training is enough to start a candidate with the fundamentals of being a solar technician, most employers offer full-time positions to only candidates with some experience.

Thankfully, fresh solar technicians in Alaska may develop real-world familiarity with the job by participating in on-the-job training programs such as those offered by apprenticeship programs or potential employers.

Step 4: Employment & Continuing Education

Lastly, after completing their training at their desired destination, candidates may proceed to secure employment or start taking on their contracts.

Like all trade and technical fields, solar technology continues to undergo several advancements yearly. Professionals in the field are expected to keep up with such advancements through continuing education.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn to become an electrician in Alaska

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Solar technicians in Alaska are only expected to receive a license if they work as full-time contractors taking on huge projects. In this case, they must register with the Department of Community and Economic Development.

As for certification, this is not required by law either, but it offers several benefits, so many tend to go for one anyway. The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) provides the most popular credentials from r solar technicians nationwide. The board offers multiple solar certifications in different specialty areas.

Another advisable option is the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), which also offers highly-rated credentials.

Top Solar Technician Schools in Alaska

Below are the most prominent training programs for future solar technicians in Alaska.

Explore solar technician schools in Alaska by City:

• Solar technician schools in Anchorage

Salary & Career Outlook

Solar technicians in Alaska may earn an annual average salary of up to $65,175 if they are among the top 10% in the state. For the average earners, the annual average salary to look forward to is around $46,002 (in line with the national average), while for the bottom 10%, the more likely annual average salary is around $32,497.

Most surveys reveal that professionals with more experience and those working in favorable locations have better chances of optimizing their annual average salary.

Those who would like to work in the most favorable locations may consider Juneau, where solar technicians earn an annual average salary of $58,425; Fairbanks, where the annual average salary is $54,534; and Anchorage, where solar technicians earn an annual average salary of $46,022.