Decatur, AL, is set to become a solar energy hub by 2025, with First Solar’s $1.1 billion solar module manufacturing facility in Mallard Fox Industrial Park projected to create 700+ new jobs 1. Solar trade careers in the region are diverse, ranging from production operators and material handlers to field service technicians 2. For those looking to enter this booming industry, affordable training is available through Calhoun Community College and Central Alabama Community College, offering certificate and degree programs aimed at meeting the state's growing workforce needs 345. With salaries for solar trade roles in Decatur ranging from $30–$42 hourly for field service technicians to over $100K annually for experienced managers 34, this is an attractive opportunity for job seekers. To get started, potential candidates can search for solar job openings in Decatur, AL on platforms like Gild.
Before diving into the steps to enter the solar trade in Decatur, it’s essential to understand what these careers involve. Solar trade workers contribute to various aspects of solar energy systems, from manufacturing to installation and maintenance. Key roles in Decatur’s growing solar industry include:
With solar job numbers in Decatur estimated at 27–28 positions 46 and overall demand projected to grow, future prospects are promising in the solar trade.
In Decatur, AL, certain solar trade roles may require specific certifications to ensure industry standards are met:
For more details about career-specific training programs tailored to local industrial demands, you can explore tailored insights and programs at institutions like Calhoun Community College.
To enter the solar trade industry in Decatur, individuals can enroll in local and regional educational programs that specialize in renewable energy technologies. The Alabama Center of Excellence in Clean Energy Technology (ACECET) supports various programs across affiliated institutions:
With tuition ranging between $127 to $254 per credit at Calhoun 4 and $168 to $295 per credit at Central 4, these programs offer affordable pathways into the industry.
Decatur’s solar trade industry is growing rapidly, driven by the arrival of First Solar’s plant in Lawrence County, expected to create over 800 jobs by 2025 34. Despite only 27–28 current job listings on platforms like Indeed 3, the broader regional investment, including a $1.3 billion boost in Alabama and Ohio, promises a positive economic impact 4.
Compared to the national solar landscape of 279,447 workers in 2023, Decatur’s scale is modest, yet the regional trajectory is significant—especially given the anticipated operation of First Solar’s new facility.
| Solar Trade Role | Average Hourly or Annual Pay |
|---|---|
| Field Service Technician (Level III) | $30–$42/Hr 35 |
| Solar Installers | $19.96/Hr with $7,500 overtime potential 6 |
| Solar Installation Manager | $63,100 Annual Average |
| Top 10% Solar Energy Professionals | Over $100,270/Year 4 |
Completing specialized training and earning certifications can significantly enhance job competitiveness and earning potential within Decatur's solar trade landscape.
To prepare for a career in the solar trade in Decatur, consider the following steps:
Job seekers should also network with local industry professionals and stay informed about apprenticeship or training opportunities specific to solar trades. By focusing on skill development and expanding their job search geographically, individuals in Decatur can better position themselves for opportunities as the solar trade evolves.
First Solar’s recent $1.1 billion investment in Decatur’s Mallard Fox Industrial Park not only exemplifies economic transformation 1 but also sets the stage for future investment in solar infrastructure across the South. The Inflation Reduction Act further bolsters this sector by granting tax credits for domestically produced clean energy equipment 8, supporting job growth and career opportunities for many years to come. As the Southeast expands its push for solar adoption, Decatur benefits from these efforts through both manufacturing growth and increased demands for installation and maintenance personnel.
This is an opportune time to consider a future in solar trade careers if you're located in or near Decatur, AL. Begin your training journey today by exploring local educational options or checking current job openings through Gild.
One essential step in launching a successful career in the solar trade is familiarizing yourself with current job opportunities in the area. With Decatur's solar industry expanding due to First Solar’s facility and various regional investments, job seekers are encouraged to frequently check new listings on platforms like Gild — an excellent source for local and regional job feeds. You can leisurely browse solar jobs in Decatur, AL or monitor innovative job feeds and alerts from your mobile device via Gild's dedicated platform.
Beyond general job boards, networking also plays a key role in uncovering opportunities. Joining professional associations like the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) can connect individuals with peer support, local employers, and new training or career-specific programs that may be made available directly by the solar industry itself. Belonging to such groups engages you in expert discussion, sparks growth at the career and advocacy level, and builds a network that keeps you informed about forthcoming job openings in Decatur and nearby. By keeping an eye on local job markets, attending relevant training workshops, and reaching out to peers in the field, aspirants are well-positioned to secure positions as the region continues to grow in faith with green energy development and its trade implications.
Despite Decatur’s modest number of solar jobs compared to broader U.S. levels, challenges for job seekers are real and do exist. For one, local availability is currently limited to 27–28 roles 4, and competition for positions is high. However, with the right strategies in place, individuals can navigate these limitations more effectively:
Job seekers who prioritize skill building, expand their search geographically, and effectively use networking opportunities are better placed to mitigate competition and seize solar trade opportunities.
If you're ready to pursue a career in the solar trade in Decatur, AL, the first and most critical step is to gather all the necessary skills and certifications to stand out in a competitive job search environment. Begin by exploring local educational programs—particularly those backed by state institutions like the Alabama Center of Excellence in Clean Energy Technology 3. Simultaneously, investigate practical options provided by relevant vocational opportunities to ensure you’re well-equipped for regional demands, including hands-on experience in assembly, operation, and technical design of photovoltaic modules. By aligning your training with evolving market trends and practicing strategic job searching, you can prepare yourself for success in Decatur's burgeoning solar energy industry.
Finding solar jobs in Decatur, AL has never been easier thanks to modern platforms like Gild, which gathers concentrated job listings, giving users access to relevant solar openings in one click. From understanding the role of various solar careers to identifying training and certification steps, proactively creating a roadmap toward your goal presents a tangible opportunity to succeed in this growing field.isekakis-I73Io4vb] challenges and dynamism hidden in this fraction.
https://rebusinessonline.com/first-solar-plans-1-1b-solar-module-manufacturing-facility-in-northern-alabama/ ↩ ↩2
https://www.indeed.com/q-solar-l-decatur,-al-jobs.html ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5
https://www.irecusa.org/blog/irec/solar-training-in-alabama-dynamic-hands-on-transformational/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9 ↩10 ↩11
https://toptradeschools.com/near-you/solar-technician/alabama/huntsville/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9 ↩10 ↩11 ↩12 ↩13
https://calhoun.edu/workforce-solutions/business-industry-training/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4
