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As demand for renewable energy careers accelerates nationwide, Columbus, IN represents an emerging solar trade job market with potential for growth into 2025. Currently, 4 solar installer jobs remain open in Columbus with wage ranges of $18 to $29 per hour, as reported on ZipRecruiter 1. While local opportunity numbers remain modest, broader state-level growth forecasts show promise - with Indiana's solar capacity expected to experience more than tripling over the next five years and the U.S. solar industry installing 41.4 GWdc of utility-scale solar in 2024 alone, marking 33% year-over-year growth2. By combining these trends with local economic stability and 30% cost reductions from federal solar incentives, Columbus is positioned to benefit from national growth patterns even if local development remains tempered with only 181 solar energy jobs currently available across Indiana according to Indeed 3.
Solar trade professionals play crucial roles in designing, installing, maintaining, and improving solar energy systems for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. The industry features various specialized positions:
While Columbus currently features more hands-on installation opportunities 1, professionals with technical, design, or supervisory skills remain positioned for career advancement as the market matures.
Technically, Indiana doesn't mandate a specific solar license for general installation activities. However, anyone working on electrical components must hold a valid electrician license, which follows multiple tiers requiring formal training and examination. Crucially, while entry-level solar positions may not strictly require licensing, they typically prefer or expect candidates to have relevant training or certifications2.
Recommended certifications to enhance your employability include:
While certain on-the-job trainings do exist at companies like Blue Raven Solar 5, formal certifications significantly improve job placement and earning potential.
Getting started in solar trade careers typically begins with a high school diploma as a minimum threshold. However, trade schools, vocational programs, and college courses substantially improve job readiness and employability. Particular emphasis on coursework in:
Multiple Indiana-based technical programs prepare students for solar careers through apprenticeships and hands-on training. While localized programs for Columbus aren't immediately specified in the data, the state continues expanding workforce development opportunities. Research programs from institutions like Ivy Tech Community College offer relevant coursework and job interface.
Professional trade schools and apprenticeship programs remain particularly effective for accessing structured training combined with paid work experience.
Becoming a solar professional involves multiple progressive steps:
Complete High School or Equivalent: Minimum threshold required for pursuing technical or apprenticeship programs.
Obtain Additional Education or Training:
Accrue Hands-on Experience:
Acquire Certifications or Licensure:
Continue Professional Development:
For those without prior technical experience, entry points often open via solar installation apprenticeships, where applicants gain hands-on supervised experience while gradually acquiring more responsibility.
| Career Track | Education/Training Requirements | Average Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level Solar Installer | High School Diploma + Installer Training Course | 3-6 Months Certification + Field Shadows |
| Electrical Technician | High School + Electrical Apprenticeship | 4-5 years with 8,000 credits of training |
| System Designer | Associate Degree + NABCEP Certification | 2 Years Technical Education + 1 Year Certification |
| Engineer/Project Lead | Bachelor’s Degree + Licensure | 4 Years Degree + Licensure Period |
Developing a career in the solar industry often begins at entry-level positions and continues into specialized roles as additional credentials are earned. Gaining technical expertise and diversifying professional tools directly influence earning potential and position progression over time.
Selon national solar growth trends, solar careers in Columbus, IN remain influenced by both state and federal policy supports. While Columbus's economic expansion through 2025 is modest, its relative regional stability aligns with increased interest in local solar projects. The advantage of lower installation costs, estimated at $15,750 before incentives for a 5kW system, opens to more opportunities as redesigned projects evolve through state and federal incentives like the ITC 5.
| Role | Columbus (Estimate) | Indiana Average | National Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solar Installer | $18–$28/hour | $48,750/year in Indianapolis 8 | $47,569/year nationwide |
| Solar Electrician | $28–$34/hour with Electrician Licenses | $31.14/hour 4 | Varies |
| Solar Fabrication Technician | $21/hour ($43,984/year) | $21/hour | Specialized Track |
| Supervisory/Team Lead | Varies based on exp | Multiple Years of PM Experience Typically Required | $70,000–$90,000/year |
While upfront recruitment opportunities might seem limited within Columbus's niche local solar market, professionals may find growth through training, network expansion into neighboring regions like Ohio, and supporting subcontractors working on statewide solar installations.
Year-over-year growth and policy support suggest increasing demand for solar-related careers, especially as Indiana's solar market approaches a projected size of $149.4 million by 2025 4. While data specific to Columbus remains limited, macro trends favorably position solar professionals who master installation, design, or maintenance specialties.
The solar trade sector represents a dynamic and expanding opportunity for those seeking to enter renewable energy employment in Columbus, IN. With strategic training through apprenticeships or vocational programs, commitment to industry certifications, and local networking, students or aspiring professionals can confidently position themselves to benefit from national growth patterns and state-level advancements across Indiana.
If you're ready to take the next step, check out Gild for current solar apprenticeships and training programs open for application. Whether you're beginning your career journey or advancing into leadership roles, the time to enter the solar trade is now when expansion, technology, and policy momentum converge to support long-term career stability on a cleaner energy pathway.
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Jobs/Solar-Installer/-in-Columbus,IN ↩ ↩2
https://columbusunderground.com/columbus-lags-behind-peers-in-solar-power-bw1/ ↩ ↩2
https://www.columbus.in.gov/planning/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/02/Public-Letters-1.pdf ↩ ↩2 ↩3
https://seia.org/research-resources/solar-industry-research-data/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3
https://eri.iu.edu/resources/fact-sheets/facilitating-solar-development-in-your-indiana-community.html ↩
