Charlotte, NC, is rapidly becoming a solar industry hub, with over 133 solar energy jobs currently available1 and projections showing hundreds more by 2025 driven by North Carolina's aggressive solar expansion plan targeting 700,000 installed solar roofs by 20302. For aspiring professionals, the field offers salaries ranging from $46,000 to $135,000 annually3 across diverse roles including solar technicians, installers, project engineers, and B2B sales representatives.
The solar trade encompasses multiple career paths focused on renewable energy solutions including system design, installation, maintenance, and sales. Key roles include:
With Charlotte ranking 5th nationally in solar capacity as of Q4 20241, the industry supports both technical and business-oriented career trajectories matching North Carolina's 14% electricity generation target from solar by 20302.
Unlike plumbing in NYC, North Carolina doesn't mandate a specific solar industry license, though certain roles may require credentials from the North Carolina Licensing Board for general contractor qualifications5. However, certifications significantly boost career prospects:
| Certification | Benefit | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Energy Manager (CEM) | Preferred for consultant roles4 | seia.org |
| NABCEP Registered | Increases job placement potential6 | toptradeschools.com |
Many employers provide on-the-job training for foundational skills7, but completing NABCEP-registered programs at local institutions like Central Piedmont Community College gives candidates a significant advantage in this growing market6.
Entering the profession typically follows this sequence:
Use Gild to find apprenticeship opportunities in Charlotte's growing market showing 144 current solar job openings4.
Employers in Charlotte prioritize these core competencies:
With solar installer wages averaging $22.26/hour (up to $32.77)5, developing these competencies creates access to high-earning positions in Charlotte's expanding market.
Charlotte's solar employment scene outpaces many southern cities due to favorable policies like the Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (REPS) that require utilities to source 12.5% of energy from renewables1. Key employers include:
Check ziprecruiter.com for updated salary data showing the average solar power salary in the state is $80,060/year7.
With North Carolina's solar market expanding at a 20% annual rate until 20252, Charlotte will see increasing demand across all job levels. Technical roles will benefit from advances in panel efficiency1 while sales positions correlate with Palmetto's $2 billion investment for residential solar expansion4.
Ready to start your solar trade career? Search Charlotte, NC solar apprenticeships on Gild and begin building clean energy expertise in one of America's fastest-growing solar markets.
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Jobs/Solar/-in-Charlotte,NC ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5
https://frontiergroup.org/resources/growing-solar-north-carolina/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Jobs/Solar-Project/-in-Charlotte,NC ↩
https://www.indeed.com/q-solar-l-charlotte,-nc-jobs.html ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Jobs/Solar/--in-North-Carolina ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6
https://www.indeed.com/q-solar-energy-l-charlotte,-nc-jobs.html ↩ ↩2
