Solar technicians are highly trained professionals in charge of installing, maintaining, fixing, and upgrading solar energy panels and components, thereby allowing millions of households in the country to move to a cleaner, more sustainable energy source.
To start as a solar technician in Utah, you must first enroll in an appropriate program. But you must meet a handful of conditions before you can do this. And after the training program, there are additional steps to consider as well, including possible licensure and certification.
Below we take an in-depth look at all of these steps and more.
How to Become a Solar Technician in Utah
There are a few different approaches to becoming a solar technician in Utah. Below is a broad overview of the steps involved, including the standard requirements and the various alternatives regarding education and training.
Step 1: Having the Basic Prerequisites
The prerequisites for becoming a solar technician in Utah include a high-school diploma or GED, a driver’s license, and a safety-conscious approach to the job.
High School students who wish to become solar technicians are also advised to take mathematics, science, and computer science classes.
Step 2: Enrolling in a Training Program
When it comes to getting trained as a solar technician, there are usually two different approaches. The first is to obtain training on the job, while the second is to attend a college or trade school program before seeking employment.
Training on the Job
Aspiring solar technicians who wish to start working as fast as possible may consider getting their training on the job. Several companies, unions, and organizations offer this opportunity in the state.
Apart from obtaining valuable hands-on training, those who go with this approach may also get mentorship from established master technicians while they work.
College Training
Colleges and vocational schools in Utah offer formal training programs for aspiring solar technicians. These programs usually last for a year or two, depending on the certificate/degree in sight.
An advantage of this approach is that it offers a solid theoretical foundation and a more considerable appeal to potential employers.
Step 3: Becoming Certified
The Electronics Technicians Association offers certifications in numerous electronics fields. Solar technicians may apply for the Photovoltaic Installer - Level 1 certification the association provides.
This certification, of course, is not mandated by the state but doing so can help professionals secure employment easier and qualify for higher pay.
Those who desire a different certification may go with the ones offered by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and Roof Integrated Solar Energy (RISE).
Step 4: Obtaining State License
The last step to becoming a solar technician in Utah is obtaining a state license. The certification and licensing requirements section below provides more details on this topic.
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Top Solar Technician Schools in Utah
1. Salt Lake Community College
Salt Lake Community College offers the state’s most popular solar technology training program and is one of the most popular in the country.
The program is known for its state-of-the-art training facility, which was most recently installed. The program combines hands-on training with foundational classroom sessions.
Students here learn about the fundamentals of renewable energy, basic photovoltaic systems, and residential and industrial energy efficiency.
The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities accredits the school.
2. SolPowerPeople
Those looking for an online training option may consider enrolling in any solar technology training courses SolPowerPeople offers. The school is known for flexibility and convenience, with classes divided into short, easily digestible chunks known as micro-classes.
Topics of focus include introduction to photovoltaic systems, introduction to solar energy, and solar design tools.
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Licensure Requirements
The Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing is responsible for approving solar technicians in the state. The license of interest in this regard is the S202 Solar Photovoltaic Contractor license.
This qualifies technicians to fabricate, construct, install, and replace photovoltaic modules and components. For additional electrical wiring, a General Electrical Contractor License is needed.
Solar technicians must take a 25-hour pre-license course from an accredited program to be approved.
Salary and Job Outlook
Solar technicians in Utah earn an annual average salary of $48,397. Those in the top ten percent of earners earn an average yearly salary of $63,847, while those in the bottom ten percent still earn an average of $29,447 yearly.
Factors influencing a solar technician’s salary in Utah include experience, certification, location, and the specific industry/establishment of employment.
As for the job outlook, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 27% increase in demand between 2021 to 2031, a figure much higher than the national average.
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