Solar Technician Schools in South Dakota

The following guide outlines the key considerations that anyone aspiring to become a successful solar technician in South Dakota should keep in mind as they enter the field. This will not only ensure that they are adequately prepared to handle challenges, but it will also help them launch their careers on a platform that facilitates rapid career growth.

As a bonus, readers will also be able to discover the top training destinations for prospective solar technicians in South Dakota, along with annual average salary projections. Finally, the guide also includes a few factors that candidates can optimize to move from the lower end of the salary category to the highest one.

How to Become a Solar Technician in South Dakota

Successful solar technicians in South Dakota typically start their careers following the outline below.

Foundational Requirements

Anyone who aspires to work as a solar technician in South Dakota would benefit from early preparation, starting in high school. Apart from learning fundamental subjects, the diploma earned at this level will also help them secure admission into a top program.

Most training destinations allow a GED equivalent in place of a high school diploma.

Foundational Education

Prospective solar technicians need to understand the fundamental principles of their field. This is where academic education comes into play.

By attending a solar technology or renewable energy program offered by community colleges and technical institutions across the state, candidates effectively position themselves to develop proficiency in the basic principles before entering a work environment.

Some training programs, particularly online programs, offer candidates opportunities to develop real-world confidence through practical applications and internships. Others, however, stick to the theoretical part of the profession.

Work Experience

While some companies are willing to provide employment opportunities for solar technicians without prior work experience, others prefer to work with candidates who have already gained hands-on experience performing the key activities of the profession in the real world.

This is why graduates of training programs sometimes participate in apprenticeships or take on an assistant position before securing full-time employment.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a chef in South Dakota

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Solar technicians in South Dakota can carry out the basic duties of the profession without a license. There is no specially designated licensing category in this field, which means that registration with a state agency is not mandatory.

However, after installing panels and components, professionals who will be performing electrical work must have an electrician contractor license to do so.

Apart from licensing, certification is another issue worth paying attention to as a solar technician in South Dakota. Currently, the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners is the primary organization responsible for issuing highly regarded credentials to solar technicians across the country.

These credentials aren’t mandatory by law, but can be very helpful for career opportunities.

Top Solar Technician Schools in South Dakota

South Dakota offers the following solar technician programs for individuals interested in pursuing a career in this field across the state.

Explore solar technician schools in South Dakota by city:

• Solar technician schools in Sioux Falls

Salary & Career Outlook

Several factors influence the exact amount that a solar technician in South Dakota can expect to earn at the end of each year. Naturally, those who are just setting out will not be able to earn as much as those who are already established in the profession.

Credentials, employer, and location are also prominent factors. Currently, the best locations to work as a solar technician in South Dakota, based on annual average returns, are:

• Mitchell, with an annual average salary of $58,468;
• Pierre, with an annual average salary of $57,444;
• Sioux Falls, with an annual average salary of $57,353; and
• Rapid City has an annual average salary of $56,301.

As for the general figures, candidates in the top 10% make an annual average salary of $87,000; those in the bottom 10% make an annual average salary of $34,000; while solar technicians in the median-earning category in South Dakota manage an annual average salary of $57,626, according to ZipRecruiter.