If you're looking to begin a career in the solar trade in Fort Walton Beach, FL, 2025 presents new opportunities in this rapidly growing sector. As Northwest Florida forecasts 5-7% economic growth for 2025 1, and with major solar infrastructure investments like the Fort Drum Solar Energy Center 2, the solar industry is expanding quickly in this region.
Solar trade professionals work across multiple areas from installation and maintenance of photovoltaic (PV) systems to sales and project management. Solar installers must be proficient in installing and maintaining solar panels, working at heights with support structures, and understanding electrical systems. Meanwhile, solar sales representatives and consultants focus more on educating customers, explaining government incentives, and closing solar energy sales deals34.
The solar industry in Florida is booming: with 1,841 new solar jobs added in 2023 alone (a 15% increase statewide), and the U.S. solar industry now employing 279,447 people nationally 15. Fort Walton Beach contributes to this growth with at least 11 solar jobs currently listed on platforms like Indeed and Glassdoor 6, and with the U.S. Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) projecting continued growth in installations and manufacturing, the career prospects are strong2.
Yes, to work in the solar trade in Fort Walton Beach, Florida requires a Certified Solar Contractor License from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) 7. This license allows individuals to install, repair, and maintain solar thermal or photovoltaic (PV) systems 62.
To qualify for this license, candidates must meet experience and education requirements:
Though optional, obtaining the NABCEP PV Installation Professional certification enhances marketability and demonstrates industry expertise 7. For local permits and specific requirements, visit the Florida DBPR website for details.
While some roles like entry-level solar installers may accept candidates with just a high school diploma and on-the-job training, formal education provides a clear career advantage 8. In Florida, community colleges and technical schools increasingly offer programs in solar technology, providing foundational knowledge in system installation, electrical systems, and energy efficiency 8.
The licensing process also involves completing the following requirements:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Experience | 4 years of field experience, with up to 3 years of college education counting for part of this requirement |
| Business Course | Must complete a 4-hour business practices course |
| Exams | Must pass two exams: Solar Trade Knowledge Exam (80 questions, 5 hours, open book) and Business and Financial Management Exam |
For those looking to begin their training or find apprenticeship opportunities, Gild offers a centralized platform to search for available solar training programs and job placements 3.
To qualify for a Certified Solar Contractor License in Florida you'll need to:
Consider enrolling in solar trade courses offered by local technical schools or online platforms. These courses provide valuable foundational knowledge about solar PV systems and safety protocols. Additionally, completing a 4-hour business practices course is mandatory before taking the licensing exams 5.
Use Gild to find educational programs, apprenticeships, and training opportunities in the solar trade industry.
The Florida DBPR exams consist of:
For exam preparation resources, visit Cam Tech School of Construction: Florida Exam Preparation for targeted test support 5.
Once certified, professionals must obtain electrical permits from local jurisdictions 2 to begin working professionally. With the license in hand, professionals can now pursue solar installation, sales, or consulting opportunities in Fort Walton Beach.
To search for local job opportunities, check out Gild's Solar Job Listings in Fort Walton Beach to find open positions in the area.
Solar trade careers in Fort Walton Beach offer multiple pathways for professional development. For those with technical skills, positions include:
Many companies offer comprehensive benefits including 401(k) matching, health insurance, and paid time off 6. The solar industry's national growth rate of 28% annually creates opportunities for career advancement 7, with regional companies like Moss Energy expanding their footprint in the southern U.S. 2.
Sales positions in particular show strong earning potential, with solar sales representatives in Fort Walton Beach earning between $70,000 and $250,000 annually, depending on experience 1. Engineers and technical professionals involved in solar projects can expect salaries around $128,000 annually, which is competitive with national averages 2.
While salary expectations vary by position, Florida ranks 50th for solar installer wages at an average of $18.31 per hour, translating to $38,100 annually for full-time work 7. This is generally lower than national averages for installation roles. However, sales and consulting positions offer significantly higher earning potential, with commissions and bonuses contributing to six-figure salaries 1.
Fort Walton Beach is experiencing steady growth in solar adoption, with the average solar installation for homes being 14.23 kW, costing approximately $24,121 after incentives, with potential savings of $65,000 or more in 25 years, creating growing demand for skilled solar professionals 2.
The region's solar job market includes a mix of hands-on technical roles and customer-facing positions:
| Job Type | Estimated Salary |
|---|---|
| Solar Sales Representative | $70,000 - $250,000/year |
| Solar Installer | $18.31/hour ($38,100/year) |
| Solar Project Manager | Varies with experience |
| Energy Consultant | Varies with experience |
| Solar Engineer | Approximately $128,000/year |
While opportunities abound, aspiring solar trade professionals should be aware of potential challenges:
Despite these challenges, the overall trajectory for solar careers in Fort Walton Beach looks promising as the region continues to adopt solar energy at an accelerated pace 2.
Starting a career in the solar trade in Fort Walton Beach is an exciting opportunity in a growing industry that supports clean energy development and job creation. As demand for renewable energy solutions continues to expand, there's no better time to pursue solar trade work. As you gain experience and build your credentials, the opportunities will only grow.
To find apprenticeships, job openings, and training programs, check out Gild's Fort Walton Beach solar job listings to explore current opportunities in the field.
https://www.floridatrend.com/article/42298/northwest-floridas-economic-forecast-for-2025/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4
https://www.investor.nexteraenergy.com/~/media/Files/N/NEE-IR/investor-materials/supplemental-resources/florida-power-and-light/FPL-GulfPower-TenYearSitePlan_2020-2029.pdf ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9 ↩10 ↩11
https://www.indeed.com/q-solar-l-fort-walton-beach,-fl-jobs.html ↩ ↩2
https://www.glassdoor.com/Job/fort-walton-beach-solar-installer-jobs-SRCH_IL.0,17_IC1154048_KO18,33.htm ↩
https://www.energysage.com/local-data/solar-panel-cost/fl/okaloosa-county/fort-walton-beach/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5
https://www.fwb.org/DocumentCenter/View/548/Element-I-Economic-Development-PDF ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9
https://seia.org/research-resources/solar-industry-research-data/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Jobs/No-Experience-Solar-Installer/-in-Crestview,FL ↩
