The renewable energy revolution has already begun. And even though more and more options continue to emerge in this regard, solar power still leads the charge among the most popular renewables.
For this reason, demands for solar experts, particularly solar technicians, continue to skyrocket. In case you would like to consider being a part of this profession and enjoy all of the benefits that come with it, this is the best place to start.
Below you’ll find all the key information you’ll need to begin the journey as a solar technician in Arizona on the right foot, including detailed sections on the steps required to get started and the potential compensation to look forward to.
How to Become a Solar Technician in Arizona
Step 1: Fulfill Basic Requirements
The basic requirements for becoming a solar technician in Arizona involve having a high school diploma or GED and a driver’s license. This ensures that candidates have a solid foundation in high school subjects such as mathematics, science, computer, and electronics.
Step 2: Get Trained in Your Preferred Institution
The most important aspect of becoming a solar technician is obtaining the necessary training to do the job at a high level. As one would expect, there are a few different approaches to consider. We discuss them below.
On-the-Job Training
The first approach to becoming a solar technician is to acquire the needed training on the job. This is possible because no law mandates formal college training for solar technicians.
Learning on the job is usually advisable for those who have had some experience working as electricians or related professions. This way, they get the niche training required to be a solar technician from master technicians with tons of experience.
Advanced Degree
Getting a certificate, associate degree, or even a bachelor’s degree can be a good idea for upcoming solar technicians with no prior experience in this or related fields. And as expected, numerous college programs and specialized vocational schools offer these degrees.
Students who desire more flexibility may also enroll in an online or hybrid program.
Step 3: Become Certified
Certification is another aspect of becoming a solar technician that, even though valuable, is not legally mandated. Solar technicians choose to become certified because it gives them an edge over other candidates and allows them to improve through continuing education.
The options to consider in this regard are the certifications offered by the Electronics Technicians Associations, the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, and Roof Integrated Solar Energy.
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Top Solar Technician Schools in Arizona
1. Pima Community College
Discussing Arizona’s best solar technology programs without mentioning Pima Community College is impossible. The school’s Energy Technology Certificate program was designed to train aspiring solar technicians all over the state, and it has done a great job of producing successful graduates through the years.
The program is the product of a collaboration with Tucson Electric Power and Southwest Gas. Along with actual technical training, students are also prepared for the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Essentials credentials.
2. Arizona Western College
Arizona Western College offers a Solar Photovoltaic Installation program and certificate that is just as notable as any other training program in the state. The school also boasts wonderful, experienced instructors and an excellent training facility.
Focus topics include a basic understanding of electrical theory, panel positioning, proper code requirements, and more.
Graduates qualify to sit for the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) photovoltaic entry-level examination. They may then go on to work as solar panel installers.
3. Online Options
Aspiring solar technicians in Arizona who desire a more flexible training option may consider attending an online training program. Among the most popular alternatives in this regard are the programs offered by Solar Energy International, SolPowerPeople, and Solairgen.
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Licensure Requirements
In Arizona, a solar technician must have a general license pertinent to the type of solar device being installed. For photovoltaic devices, solar technicians in Arizona must possess an electrician license (A17, C11, L11, K11).
Solar thermal devices must possess a plumber’s license (C37, C37R, K-77, K-78, L-77, L-78).
The body in charge of licensing solar technicians in Arizona is the Arizona Registrar of Contractors.
Salary and Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 27% rise in demand for solar technicians between 2021 to 2031. This is significantly higher than the national average for other occupations.
As for their salaries, solar technicians in Arizona take home an average annual wage of $44,794. Those in the top 10% of earners make $76,600 annually on average, while those in the bottom 10% make $26,195.
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