Solar technicians are professionals with an in-depth understanding of how solar technology works. They help install, repair, maintain, and upgrade solar energy components.
In New York, solar technicians must also be familiar with the building codes and other regulations that guide their installations. Below we have provided an in-depth guide to help aspiring solar technicians in the state become familiar with everything they have to know to have an easier time pursuing this remarkable career.
After examining the critical steps involved in the process and the licensing requirements, we also look at the current salary ranges for solar technicians in the state and their projections for the coming decade.
How to Become a Solar Technician in New York
The following are the steps involved in becoming a solar technician in New York, including the educational prerequisites, training alternatives, and career growth opportunities:
Step 1: Have a High School Diploma or GED
The first step in becoming a solar technician in New York – and anywhere else – is to have your high school diploma or GED ready. This is usually the essential educational requirement, after which candidates may then go on to obtain actual work training “on the job” or at a vocational school.
Even at the high school level, proficiency in STEM topics will also help along the road.
Step 2: Obtain Adequate Training
As mentioned above, because a high-school diploma or GED is the only educational requirement, aspiring solar technicians in New York can choose to acquire their training on the job.
On-the-job training can be obtained from employers willing to train technicians afresh without prior experience or from apprenticeship programs wherein students learn the trade for a few years under the supervision of established solar technicians.
Adequate training to become a solar technician can also be acquired from formal training programs offered by technical colleges, community colleges, trade schools, and other similar institutions.
Step 3: Further Your Career
Usually, solar technicians can further their careers by pursuing a more advanced degree to open up better work opportunities or even enter a more advanced field. Additionally, pursuing certifications is another viable pathway to facilitating career growth as a solar technician.
Consider Trades with Similar Paths:
Top Solar Technician Schools in New York
Below are some prominent solar technician schools in New York:
1. Clinton Community College
Clinton Community College in Plattsburgh is one of the foremost solar technology training programs in New York. Students graduate with either a certificate program or an associate of applied science degree program.
Topics include mathematics, electrical circuits, and solar photovoltaic systems theory.
The certificate program contains 32 credits, while the associate degree program contains 60 credits.
2. Hudson Valley Community College
Hudson Valley Community College’s solar energy training was born as a partnership with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. It includes 21 extensive instructions on topics such as components of photovoltaic systems, photovoltaic fundamentals, and more.
It is perfect for those who want to be certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners certification.
3. Monroe Community College
Monroe Community College is another valid destination for high-quality solar technology training. The program is also perfect for the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) certification.
Explore Solar Technician Schools by City:
Licensure Requirements
New York is one of the few states nationwide that does not have mandatory licensure requirements for solar technicians on a state-wide level. Instead, solar technicians in the state are expected to consult with their counties and municipalities to see the conditions.
Additionally, when it comes to certification, the state of New York also does not mandate its solar technicians to become certified. Those who obtain certifications simply choose to do so because of its benefits, which may include higher salaries and better career opportunities.
Among the certification bodies to consider in the state are the Roof Integrated Solar Energy (RISE), the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), and the Electronics Technicians Association (ETA).
Salary and Job Outlook
The annual average salary for solar technicians in New York is $61,621, a figure that is an incredible 16% higher than the national average for other states. Those in the top ten percent of earners in the state take home an annual average salary of $85,321, while those in the bottom ten percent take home an average yearly salary of $44,504.
It is also worth pointing out that solar technicians enjoy one of the most favorable projections for demand for the next ten years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of solar technology is about to experience a 27% growth between 2021 to 2031, leading to approximately 2,500 new openings per year.
Related Articles
Related Careers
Top Schools Near Me
