Solar Trade in Daphne AL High Paying Jobs and Career Growth 2025

Solar Trade in Daphne AL High Paying Jobs and Career Growth 2025
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Kickstart Your Solar Trade Career in Daphne, AL: A Guide for Aspiring Professionals

Looking to start a career in the growing solar trade industry in Daphne, AL? The clean energy sector is expanding rapidly in Alabama, with projections showing growth from 792 solar jobs in 2020 to between 1,035 and 2,041 by 2025 1. Solar installer wages in Daphne range from $17 to $52 per hour 23, and with the construction of the First Solar manufacturing plant in Lawrence County (with over 700 new jobs by 2025) 4, there are increasing opportunities for skilled professionals. For additional job data, check Occupational Employment and Wages in Daphne.

Current job markets show about 27 solar-related jobs in Daphne 5 and another 84 to 94 jobs across Alabama 67, covering diverse roles from installation to maintenance. Through proper training, certifications, and leveraging local job growth, individuals in Daphne can enter this promising field with strong earning potential. Explore more local opportunities on Indeed for Alabama solar jobs.

Understand Solar Trade Roles and Opportunities

Solar Installers at Work

Before starting your solar trade career, it's important to understand what these roles involve. Solar technicians, solar installers, field service technicians, and maintenance technicians are all key professionals in the solar energy industry. Their responsibilities include:

  • Installing photovoltaic (PV) systems
  • Maintaining and repairing solar equipment
  • Troubleshooting electrical issues
  • Commissioning new solar installations
  • Using monitoring systems like SCADA

These skilled professionals play crucial roles in both residential and utility-scale solar projects. With Alabama’s solar capacity projected to grow by nearly 39 MW by 2025 4, demand for qualified technicians and installers will continue to increase. For more training insights, visit Top Trade Schools for Solar Technicians in Alabama.

Do You Need Certifications for Solar Trade Work in Daphne?

Unlike plumbing trades in some other locations, Alabama doesn't require a specific state license for individual solar technicians. However, the industry places strong emphasis on certifications:

  • NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) accreditation is widely recognized and can significantly enhance employability
  • Companies often look for technicians with training in PV system installation, electrical codes, and safety protocols

While not mandatory, obtaining these credentials demonstrates your technical expertise and commitment to the profession. Many employers prefer candidates with NABCEP certification 4, especially for more specialized or higher-paying positions.

How to Find Solar Training and Apprenticeship Opportunities

To enter the solar trade in Daphne, you can start with these key steps:

  1. Education: Begin by earning a high school diploma or GED. Coursework in mathematics, physics, and electronics will be particularly useful 4.
  2. Training: Enroll in a solar technology program at local trade schools or online platforms offering solar installation and maintenance training.
  3. Get Certified: While not mandatory, pursuing the NABCEP certification can open more career doors 4.
  4. Gain Experience: Apply to entry-level solar jobs or apprenticeships listed on platforms like Gild 5 for hands-on learning.
  5. Advance Your Career: Consider opportunities at manufacturing plants like the First Solar facility offering broader roles in solar energy 4.

To help find current opportunities, Gild combines solar job listings in one platform 5. And don't just limit yourself to Daphne - there are approximately 84 active solar job openings across Alabama 67 that include various roles with competitive wages.

Education and Training Programs for Entry-Level Solar Technicians

Solar Energy Equipment Diagram

While no formal college degree is required for most solar trade positions, proper education and training are crucial for career success. A typical training pathway might include:

Training Type Description Time Frame
High school/GED Minimum requirement for most programs 3-4 years
Solar installer training Covers photovoltaic system installation 3-6 months
Technical programs More comprehensive training at community colleges 1-2 years
On-the-job experience/training Many entry-level positions provide training Varies

Training will typically cover topics such as:

  • Electrical theories (AC/DC circuits)
  • PV system design and installation
  • Code compliance (including NEC)
  • Safety procedures
  • System maintenance and troubleshooting

Look for programs that specifically prepare you for the NABCEP certification exam 4, as this credential can significantly enhance your resume and earning potential in Daphne's solar market. Check Top Trade Schools for Solar Technicians in Alabama for program options.

Career Path: How to Become a Solar Technician in Daphne, Alabama

Follow these key steps to launch your solar trade career:

1. Meet Basic Requirements

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Be able to read, write, and understand English
  • Possess the physical stamina required for installation work
  • Demonstrate basic math and science understanding

2. Complete Technical Training (Optional but Recommended)

  • Enroll in a solar technology program at a trade school or community college
  • Look for programs covering PV installation, electrical systems, and safety codes 4
  • Seek out training that prepares you for the NABCEP certification exam 4

3. Start in Entry-Level Positions or Apprenticeships

  • Apply to entry-level solar installers or technician roles on platforms like Gild 5
  • Look for companies offering on-the-job training
  • Consider independent contractor opportunities that provide real-world experience

4. Obtain Industry Certifications

  • The most widely respected certification is the NABCEP PV Installation Professional credential
  • This certification requires a minimum of 60 hours of specific photovoltaic education, along with hands-on experience installing systems
  • Passing the exam demonstrates your expertise and commitment to the field

5. Advance Your Career Based on Experience

  • As you gain experience, you can move into higher-paying roles like lead installer, field supervisor, or sales consultant
  • With NABCEP certification, you'll qualify for more specialized positions and higher wages (up to $52/hour) 23
  • Consider roles at major solar manufacturers like First Solar with their new Lawrence County plant 4.

Solar Trade Employment Outlook in Alabama

Solar Market Growth Graph

The job outlook for solar professionals in Daphne and across Alabama is promising:

  • Alabama currently has 757 solar jobs statewide, with projections to grow to between 1,035 and 2,041 by 2025 1
  • The state is investing heavily in solar with $46 million in solar projects in 2024 4
  • There are currently about 27 solar-related job openings in Daphne 5, while the broader Alabama market lists 84 to 94 active positions 67
  • The First Solar manufacturing plant in Lawrence County will create over 700 new jobs by 2025 4
  • Hourly wages for solar installers in Daphne range from $17 to $52/hour, with most solar technician positions offering $27 to $32/hour 56

While Alabama currently ranks 39th in the nation for installed solar capacity with 1,507 MW total capacity 4, these numbers are quickly changing as new projects come online across the state. For more details, refer to IREC Solar Jobs Census.

Your Next Steps

Starting a career in the solar trade in Daphne presents a great opportunity to enter a growing, sustainable field with good earning potential. Whether you're finishing high school or considering a career change, following these steps will position you for success in an industry that's critical to Alabama's clean energy future.

With about 27 local solar job openings in Daphne 5 and 84 to 94 across Alabama 67, now is an ideal time to explore this career path. Remember that wages can reach up to $52/hour for experienced installers 23, and with the First Solar plant opening in 2025 4, even more opportunities will become available.

Take action now - explore current solar job listings on Gild 5. As you gain experience, look for opportunities to differentiate yourself through NABCEP certification and specialized training 4. With Alabama’s solar capacity expected to grow by nearly 39 MW by 2025 4, the future of solar trade careers in Daphne looks bright indeed.

Sources

Footnotes

  1. https://docs.nrel.gov/docs/fy22osti/82176.pdf 2

  2. https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Jobs/Per-Diem-Solar-Installer/-in-Daphne,AL 2 3

  3. https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Jobs/Independent-Contractor-Solar-Installer/-in-Daphne,AL 2 3

  4. https://businessalabama.com/a-quick-update-on-four-billion-dollar-projects-in-progress-in-alabama/ 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

  5. https://www.indeed.com/q-%22solar%22-l-daphne,-al-jobs.html 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

  6. https://www.indeed.com/q-solar-energy-l-alabama-jobs.html 2 3 4 5

  7. https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Jobs/Per-Diem-Solar-Installer/-in-Daphne,AL 2 3 4

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