Solar technicians in South Carolina perform routine maintenance for optimal performance of solar energy systems. They are also responsible for installing these systems in the first place and repairing any issues that may arise along the way.
If you are an aspiring solar technician in the state, you have found yourself on the right page. All of the resources below will go a long way in helping you become familiar with what to expect along your journey and how to handle them with optimal results.
We have created sections dedicated to examining individual steps in the process, licensure requirements, possible professional credential routes, top destinations in the state for quality solar technology training, and possible salary projections depending on key factors.
How to Become a Solar Technician in South Carolina
Future solar technicians in South Carolina may consider the steps below to launch their careers on the right foundation.
Education & Skills Training
Academic and on-the-job training programs may provide proper education and skills acquisition for an aspiring solar technician in South Carolina.
On-the-Job Training
On-the-job training involves learning to become a solar technician without attending an academic program. Instead, students get to learn everything they will need to know while working in real-world environments.
Potential employers, trade unions, government initiatives, workforce development programs, and professional organizations can provide such an opportunity.
Academic Training
Those who wish to earn a diploma, certificate, or degree may consider attending community colleges or trade schools in the state. These institutions offer solar technology training designed to prepare candidates for entry-level employment.
Individuals may also enroll in renewable energy programs dealing with wind and solar options instead of solar training only.
Certification & Continuing Education
Solar technicians in South Carolina are also expected to stay on top of their fields through continuing education. This will allow them to keep up with state-of-the-art techniques and developments.
Professionals may also consider industry certification to improve their job prospects and career growth opportunities. We examine some possible certification alternatives for solar technicians in the state below.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
In South Carolina, anyone looking to work as a solar contractor must obtain a C46 solar contractor license. This is the relevant category for those carrying out solar installations and maintenance.
As for certification, the nationally recognized credential offered by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners remains the most popular alternative for solar technicians nationwide. This credential validates a solar technician’s skills while opening up opportunities for career growth, professional networking, and continuing education.
Those who wish to pursue other alternatives apart from NABCEP certification may also consider the professional credentials offered by the Electronics Technicians Association.
Top Solar Technician Schools in South Carolina
The following are considered to be among the best solar technology training destinations in South Carolina.
Greenville Technical College
Greenville, SC Online + Campus
Greenville Technical College is known for several quality technical programs, and the school offers a solar technology program for aspiring candidates in the area.
Tuition
$4,778 - $9,410Contact
(864) 250-8000
greenvilletech@gvltec.edu
Technical College of the Lowcountry
Beaufort, SC Online + Campus
Technical College of the Lowcountry offers a certificate program that includes topics in solar thermal systems design, maintenance, and installation. It includes 21 credit hours that can be completed in two semesters.
Tuition
$6,076 - $11,020Contact
(843) 525-8207
admissions@tcl.edu
Midlands Technical College
Columbia, SC Online + Campus
At Midlands Technical College, interested individuals may start a solar technology career by enrolling in the renewable energy technician program.
Tuition
$188 - $564 per CreditContact
(803) 822-6714
admissions@midlandstech.edu
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Salary & Career Outlook
An average solar technician in South Carolina usually takes home a salary of around $50,139 annually. Notably, this figure is a few points above the national average.
Of course, by “average solar technician,” we mean a solar technician that falls in at the midpoint of salary earners in the state thanks to certain factors such as experience, location, employer type, and credentials, among others.
Solar technicians in South Carolina who are on the top end of these factors will fall among the top 10%, where they can earn as high as $76,285 every year. Those who fall on the bottom end have an annual average salary of around $32,954.
When it comes to the projection for the coming decade, solar technicians enjoy a very favorable projection of a 27% growth rate, much higher than the national average for other occupations.
Charleston is the highest-paying city for solar technicians in South Carolina, with an annual average salary of $67,456.