Solar Technicians Schools in New York City

A solar technician in New York City is responsible for installing, maintaining, fixing, and upgrading a wide range of solar energy panels and components - in ways that align with the city code.

They can leverage their understanding of how these components work to decide which configuration and arrangement is best for specific scenarios and obtain and maintain these components as they are supposed to.

Solar technicians in New York City often begin their careers by attending an accredited training program. You must do the same if you would also like to consider a job.

To help you have an easier time of it, we have provided below a comprehensive list containing some of the most notable solar technology training schools in and around New York City.

How to Become a Solar Technician in New York

The state of New York offers a straightforward route to practicing as a solar technician in the state. Other than a high school diploma or a GED, all an aspiring solar technician in New York City needs to do is go through a training program offered by a trade school/community college or pass through an apprenticeship.

Once they do this, they will qualify to apply for a license to practice in a professional capacity.

New York does not have statewide licensure requirements, but some counties and cities, such as New York City, do.

Therefore, aspiring solar technicians in New York City must check in with their county regulations before they start taking on contracts in the area.

Top Solar Technician Schools in New York

Below are some of the top solar technician schools in New York City:

1. Clinton Community College

Clinton Community College in Plattsburgh, New York, offers a certificate program and an associate of applied science degree program to prepare students for successful careers in various construction fields, including solar electricity generation.

Those enrolling in the certificate program can look forward to training in photovoltaic systems theory, electrical circuits, mathematics, English, and science topics totaling 32 credits.

The associate degree program contains 60 credits and includes all the topics in the certificate program, along with additional courses in industrial health and safety, electronics instrumentation, and power delivery systems.

Graduates of this program can work as solar technicians, assemblers, solar system installers, and wind turbine technicians.

Clinton Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

2. Hudson Valley Community College

Hudson Valley Community College has an extensive solar energy training program was created in conjunction with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. The entire program was designed to produce qualified solar PV installers to satisfy the growing need for professionals in the field.

In Troy, New York, Hudson Valley Community College is part of the SUNY (State University of New York) system. After graduation, students can work in several fields, including solar panel installation and maintenance.

They will have to complete 21 credits of courses in renewable energy, including topics such as photovoltaic fundamentals, components of photovoltaic systems, and more.

They are also prepared to sit for and pass the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners certification exam.

3. Monroe Community College

Monroe Community College, also a part of the State University of New York College System, boasts of a comprehensive solar photovoltaic associate entry-level program designed to adhere to the standards set by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners.

Naturally, students are prepared to sit for the NABCEP credentials certification exam when they graduate. This program is perfect for those without prior solar photovoltaic experience, as it is highly comprehensive and has enough hands-on training for even better effectiveness.

It also incorporates critical topics such as core electrical concepts, solar photovoltaic installation options, solar photovoltaic systems operation, fundamentals of design principles, and more.

4. Farmingdale State College

Farmingdale State College is another option on the list that is part of the State University of New York College system and has a comprehensive solar photovoltaic systems training program that adheres to the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners standard.

The program’s highlight is its extensive workshop, where students acquire a great deal of hands-on experience to practice the theoretical aspects of the job.

Students at the workshop will also be introduced to more fundamental concepts in photovoltaic technology, including an overview of photovoltaic systems, components of PV systems, wiring and controls, utility grid systems connections, and more.

The workshop lasts for seven days and includes 49 hours of training.

5. Genesee Community College

Genesee Community College – part of the State University of New York College System – offers a worthwhile Solar Electric Technician training program wherein students can earn a certificate that will allow them to secure entry-level employment once they graduate.

Accepted applicants will learn how to install solar electric systems, maintain them, troubleshoot, adjust them, and safely diagnose common malfunctions.