Solar Technician Schools in Kentucky

The following guide analyzes the major components of starting a thriving career as a solar technician in Kentucky. It covers the state’s requirements regarding education, experience, licensing, certification, and legal compliance.

We’ll also explore continuing education resources and how to remain competitive in an evolving job market.

Aspiring solar technicians will also learn about the benefits of joining professional organizations or pursuing entrepreneurial ventures within the state. To round things out, we offer a detailed analysis of what solar technicians typically earn in Kentucky, and what factors—like experience level, specialization, and location—can influence those earnings.

How to Become a Solar Technician in Kentucky

Prospective solar technicians in Kentucky may begin their careers following the approach below.

Step 1: Obtain a High School Diploma or GED

Prospective solar technicians in Kentucky will have a better chance of career success if they can obtain a high school diploma or GED. It also helps to build strong foundations in science and mathematics.

Step 2: Attend a Solar or Electrical Training Program

Attending a training program at an academic institution can be a very solid start to a solar technician career in Kentucky. Individuals typically look for training at community colleges or trade schools.

They have the luxury of selecting the desired training program and duration. The most common options are programs in renewable energy or electrical technology. Many institutions offer solar-focused electives.

Some programs can be completed in a few months, after which graduates will have a certificate. Some take a few years, after which graduates earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.

Step 3: Apply for Field Training or Apprenticeship

Academic training can be beneficial for career opportunities and foundational education. However, without working in an actual real-world environment and completing a successful project, candidates cannot yet call themselves fully-fledged solar technicians.

This is why individuals still need to get hands-on experience through an apprenticeship with a licensed solar company. On-the-job learning helps build the skills needed for installation, maintenance, and safety compliance.

Step 4: Becoming an Entrepreneur

To take their careers to their peak, solar technicians in Kentucky can launch their own installation outfits or general solar technology business. Some professionals in the field choose to focus on working in supervisory and management capacities.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become an electrician in Kentucky

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Even though Kentucky does not mandate specific licensure, solar technicians in the state are still expected to check in with local regulatory agencies to see if specific permits are needed for certain projects.

The Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings & Construction is one of the major agencies to consider in this case.

Just like licensing, certification is also optional for solar technicians in the state. However, it is common for professionals to consider certification anyway, as it offers several career benefits, from credibility and better pay to continuing education and networking.

Two of the most popular credentials in the field are the NABCEP certification and the OSHA safety training certification. They both give candidates a major advantage when applying for jobs.

Top Solar Technician Schools in Kentucky

The entries below are among the best and most notable destinations to receive training as a prospective solar technician in Kentucky.

Explore solar technician schools in Kentucky by city:

• Solar technician schools in Louisville

Salary & Career Outlook

According to Indeed, the data obtained by surveying solar technicians in Kentucky, the following are the most prominent locations with the highest annual average returns for the discipline:

• Georgetown, with an annual average salary of $103,609;
• Louisville, with an annual average salary of $70,639;
• Lexington, with an annual average salary of $62,111; and
• Owensboro, with an annual average salary of $60,873.

Naturally, location is not the only criterion influencing the number of solar technicians hired. Business structure, experience, and professional credentials are also critical.

On a general note, without highlighting any singular facts, solar technicians in Kentucky can make an annual average salary of $54,948 if they start their careers in the bottom 10%. They can also make an annual average salary of $62,247, and they find themselves among the median earners.

For those who have worked long enough to be among the top 10 percent, an annual average salary of $72,172 or more is possible.