Solar Technician Schools in Los Angeles

Solar technicians help make the environment a lot greener by installing, maintaining, and upgrading solar panels that enable photovoltaic power generation. Because of the sustainability of this power source, solar power has become incredibly popular in a short amount of time, leading to a higher demand for solar technicians in California and all over the country.

In case you’d like to become one, it is comforting to know that the path is quite straightforward and rewarding. To start, you will have to enroll in a solar technician school in the area.

Picking a school can be challenging, especially with no frame of reference to work with. This is why below we have listed below some of the best solar technician schools in Los Angeles, CA, to make your decision a lot easier.

What to Look for in a Solar Technician School

Accreditation is important whenever you’re enrolling in any program, so it is always a good idea to check whether your preferred option is accredited or not. As a rule, all the entries on our list are accredited.

It is also important that you choose a program that teaches a solid theoretical foundation while finding a way to help students put the theoretical knowledge into use through laboratory practices and hands-on training experiences.

All entries on our list fulfill these requirements as well.

General Requirements

There aren’t a lot of basic requirements to obtain training from a solar technician school. However, it is not unusual that schools to ask that candidates must possess at least a GED or equivalent before they are allowed to enroll.

For certification purposes, it is also advisable that you possess a valid driver’s license.

Top Solar Technician Schools in Los Angeles, CA

Having understood what to look for and the general requirements, below are two of the best schools for aspiring solar technicians in Los Angeles, California.

1- Santa Monica College

The solar photovoltaic program at Santa Monica College remains one of the very best in the country. It aims to impart students with all the knowledge they’ll need to thrive in the industry, both theoretically and practically.

In about 16 weeks, students get to learn a handful of related skills that will ensure that they can practice in fields such as solar installation, management, or even photovoltaic systems design.

In fact, so dynamic is the program that graduates have been known to pursue successful careers in solar systems marketing and even business ownership.

Degrees & Certificates

One of the most appealing aspects of studying solar photovoltaic systems at Santa Monica College is you can choose between one of these program categories. The first is to pursue an associate’s degree in Solar Photovoltaic and Energy Efficiency, while the second is to pursue a certificate in solar photovoltaic installation.

Lastly, students can also get a department certificate in Basic Solar Photovoltaic Installation.

2- Los Angeles Trade Technical College

At the Los Angeles Trade Technical College, candidates who wish to pursue a career in solar photovoltaic-related fields can do so in a serene environment with lots of flexibility. The program itself is approved by NABCEP, meaning that graduates have a quite straightforward path to getting certified by the board.

In fact, one of the available courses at LATTC - the Fundamentals of Solar Electricity (ECONMT 105) - is designed specifically to prepare students for the NABCEP PV entry-level certificate of knowledge test.

Degrees & Certificates

Los Angeles Trade Technical College offers two options in terms of degrees and certificates. The first is to pursue an associate’s degree with an award title of “Renewable Energy Technician: Solar PV Installation and Maintenance”.

Those who wish to go through a faster route may opt for the certificate award, with the title of “Renewable Energy Technician: Solar PV Installation and Maintenance Technician”.

While the former requires 38-course units and 42 Total units, the latter requires only 24 units in total. At the end of each program, graduates should be able to use hand and power tools expertly, perform installation and maintenance work, and function effectively as individuals or as members of a team.

What’s Next After Graduation?

Once you’re done with your training in a solar technician school, the next logical step is to become certified. While certification is not compulsory in California, it does give you an edge over the competition as certain employers tend to look highly at this factor.

Additionally, certification bodies such as NABCEP offer a range of unique leverages and benefits. NABCEP, of course, isn’t the only certification body for solar technicians, but it is one of the most revered and most popular.

Other options include the Electronic Technicians Association (ETA), and Roof integrated solar energy (RISE). RISE is particularly fitting for those who wish to become certified in rooftop and large-scale solar energy installation.

Lastly, while certification is optional, licensing is a must if you want to be able to receive contracts without having to rely on someone else with a license. Once licensed, you can proceed to practice as a solar technician and take on projects as you prefer.