Solar Technician Schools in Oregon

Individuals in Oregon who would like to become successful solar technicians can take various approaches. While there is no single best approach, those who take the time to familiarize themselves with the steps and requirements from the start have a great edge in making the right decisions for their subsequent careers.

Readers of the page who are interested in pursuing a career in this field will be glad to know that they have come to the right place. Below, we discuss everything they need to keep in mind, from basic requirements to continuing education.

By the time they are done reading, they will also have a clear picture of what to expect concerning their possible annual average salaries.

How to Become a Solar Technician in Oregon

The following steps are needed to get started as a solar technician in Oregon.

Step 1: Gain a High School Diploma or GED

In Oregon, becoming a solar technician begins with earning a high school diploma or GED. This is a basic but important requirement for entering technical training programs or getting hired for solar-related roles.

High school coursework in math, physics, electronics, and shop classes helps prepare students for the demands of solar system design and installation.

Step 2: Participate in a Solar Technician Training Program

Oregon has a strong commitment to renewable energy, and several institutions offer specialized training in solar technology. Community colleges and trade schools often provide solar installation and design courses, electrical fundamentals, energy storage and efficiency principles, system maintenance and code compliance, and more.

Students can pursue certificates, diplomas, or associate degrees depending on their long-term goals.

Step 3: Complete On-the-Job Training

Hands-on training is vital in Oregon’s competitive solar market. Students can gain field experience by working under licensed solar contractors, participating in structured apprenticeships, and taking internships with local solar firms.

Step 4: Enter the Job Market or Become a Contractor

With the state’s strong push toward clean energy, Oregon offers many opportunities for trained solar technicians. Job titles to consider include solar PV Installer, solar energy technician, and renewable energy specialist.

Graduates may work for solar energy companies, electrical service providers, utility-scale projects, or start their own solar businesses after meeting all state or local contractor licensing and insurance requirements.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become an HVAC technician in Oregon

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Oregon has some of the strictest licensing requirements for solar technicians in the country. The state requires professionals who will be working on solar installation and maintenance to have a Licensed Limited Renewable Energy Technician certification.

To qualify for this license, candidates must meet several requirements, including education and training hours and passing a professional examination.

In many cases, solar technicians who have not yet received a license may work under a licensed electrician. When they are ready to pursue their license, they can do so through the Oregon Building Codes Division.

Additionally, earning the NABCEP PV Associate or Installation Professional Certification is strongly recommended, as solar technician employers statewide prefer it.

Top Solar Technician Schools in Oregon

The schools below offer comprehensive solar technician training for candidates in Oregon.

Explore solar technician schools in Oregon by city:

• Solar technician schools in Portland

Salary & Career Outlook

In Oregon, solar technicians typically earn an annual average salary of around $61,286, according to Indeed. This figure represents the median earnings and is the most commonly reported salary among professionals in the state.

However, individual earnings can vary widely. Technicians in the top tier can earn as much as $86,164 annually, while those at the beginning of their careers may earn closer to $43,216 per year, placing them within the bottom 10% of income earners in this field.

Key factors that influence salary outcomes in Oregon include a technician’s level of experience, the geographic area they work in, and the strategic direction of their employer. Some of the highest-paying cities currently include Silverton, where the average salary is $71,641 per year; Klamath Falls, averaging $68,060; and Portland, with an annual average salary of $66,574.