Louisiana’s focus on practical learning makes it an excellent state for trade-based training. The field of solar technology is one of the fastest-growing and most appealing for candidates looking to start successful trade and technical careers in the state.
The guide below analyzes how to become a solar technician in Louisiana. It also touches on career advancement, business ownership for tradespeople, and how continued education can keep your skills sharp in a competitive environment.
To help you plan for the future, we’ve included a detailed breakdown of annual wage expectations for solar technicians in Louisiana, along with strategies to increase earnings through experience, specialization, or self-employment.
How to Become a Solar Technician in Louisiana
Below are all the considerations and requirements necessary to enter the solar technician discipline in Louisiana.
Step 1: Start with a High School Diploma or GED
A career as a solar technician in Louisiana usually begins at the high school level. During this time, candidates gain a head start by taking courses in physics and electronics.
Training programs and apprenticeships can also require a high school diploma or GED as an admission requirement.
Step 2: Choose a Technical Training Program
Having the preparatory documents usually leads to choosing a technical training destination. Candidates are not limited to a specific institution or kind of program; they can enroll to become successful solar technicians in Louisiana.
For instance, a Louisiana vocational school or college offers programs in solar installation, electrical technology, or HVAC. Some programs include solar panel design and troubleshooting modules.
Step 3: Gain Practical Experience
Practical experience usually follows academic training. It can substitute it entirely, but one of the most effective methods is to combine both academic and on-the-job training.
Residents of the state can apply for an apprenticeship or an entry-level job with a local solar provider. Louisiana’s growing focus on renewable energy means more companies are open to training new techs.
Step 4: Build a Career or Start Your Own Business
After gaining experience and credentials, solar technicians in the state usually consider specializing in or launching their solar services in a region where demand is high.
Explore trades with similar paths:
Licensure & Certification Requirements
The state of Louisiana does not have a specific license for solar technicians. However, solar technicians’ duties tend to overlap with electricians’, particularly when it comes to projects involving wiring.
For this reason, the majority of solar technicians in the state are registered as electricians with the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors.
Additionally, even though certification is not compulsory, many professionals still choose to become certified. Pursuing NABCEP certification or equivalent credentials shows employers that fresh professionals meet national standards in solar technology.
It also gives them access to a functional network of professionals and continuing education resources.
Top Solar Technician Schools in Louisiana
The schools below are responsible for comprehensive solar technician programs for candidates in Louisiana.
Louisiana State University - Shreveport
Online, LA Online Only
Louisiana State University - Shreveport offers a 40-hour online Solar Panel Installer Training course aimed at individuals entering the solar installation workforce, providing in-depth instruction on installing solar panels and understanding the balance of system components like inverters, charge controllers, and battery banks.
Tuition
$1,395 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Online, LA Online Only
University of Louisiana at Lafayette provides an entry-level online Solar Energy Training course designed to offer foundational knowledge of the solar industry. The program is ideal for understanding the basics of solar energy and the factors driving its growth.
Tuition
$1,295 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
Louisiana State University - Eunice
Online , LA Online Only
Louisiana State University—Eunice’s online Solar Design Training program is a 20-hour self-paced program with open enrollment.
Tuition
$1,295 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
Explore solar technician schools in Louisiana by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
According to Indeed, entry-level carpenters in Louisiana have an average annual salary of $57,080, which places them in the bottom 10% of earners. Nevertheless, there is considerable potential for career growth with experience and skill-building in expertise.
It’s common for early-career carpenters to progress into the median salary range within a relatively short time, earning around $43,906 per year. With further growth, they can reach an annual salary of approximately $74,206, representing the top 10% of earners in the state.
Factors like years of experience, chosen specialty, and job location play key roles in determining salary.
Currently, the top-paying cities for carpenters in Louisiana include Monroe, New Orleans, Lake Charles, and Lafayette, with reported average annual wages of $68,073, $66,834, $64,842, and $64,583, respectively.