Houston TX Solar Trade Jobs 2025 Get Hired and Grow Your Career

In 2025, Houston’s solar industry is booming, offering high-demand opportunities for those seeking a stable and well-paid trade career with real growth potential. According to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), more utility-scale solar installations are expected in Texas than in any other state, and Houston is at the center of this growth ¹. Whether you’re new to the workforce or looking to transition into a greener career, the pathway to becoming a solar technician starts right here; for more on solar career development, visit the U.S. Department of Energy.

If you’re ready to take the first step, start by exploring local solar apprenticeship openings in Houston with Gild’s job feed, which aggregates real job opportunities in the sector, including those with training programs and installer pathways.

Understand the Role of a Solar Technician

Solar technicians install, maintain, and repair solar panels and other photovoltaic systems. Most professionals in this field work in residential, commercial, or utility-scale installations, although others move into system design and performance monitoring as their careers advance. For detailed solar training options, check Faraday Careers for comprehensive information on education and costs.

Technicians must follow safety and compliance standards, including OSHA regulations, and must understand electrical code compliance — particularly if they progress toward earning an electrician license for solar work.

Do You Need a License to Work in the Solar Trade in Houston, TX?

Yes. Texas law requires anyone performing solar photovoltaic installation as part of electrical contracting to be licensed under the Texas Electrical Contractor License (TECL), issued by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) ²³. For official TDLR guidelines and forms, refer to their resources at TDLR Consumer Protection.

This license can be obtained under two conditions:

1. You personally must be a licensed master electrician, or
2. You must employ a licensed master electrician to supervise your installations ².

Additionally, liability insurance is mandatory for licensed contractors, to protect both the business and clients ⁴. Texas does not provide a “solar-specific” license, but it covers solar systems under general electrical work regulation ³.

Solar Apprenticeship Requirements in Houston, TX

To qualify for a Texas Electrical Contractor License, you must first complete a minimum of four years of supervised experience in electrical work under a TDLR-licensed contractor ². This apprenticeship typically includes a mix of on-the-job training and classroom instruction.

While formal education is not mandated for licensing, many employers prefer candidates who have completed technical fundamentals through programs like the Houston Community College Solar Installer Certificate or Goodwill Houston’s Pathway to Solar Jobs ⁵.

You can search for local training apprentice programs in Houston regularly through Gild, which has dozens of listings for trainees, entry-level installers, and apprentices. For additional insights, explore Alliantgroup's report on Texas solar growth.

How to Get Trained for Solar Technician Work

There are two main pathways for Houston residents training to become solar technicians:

1. Trade certificate programs: Offered by training centers across the state, including programs under the U.S. Department of Energy pathway grants, some as fast as 30 days to completion.
2. Associate degree programs: Like at Houston Community College, which provide both foundational electrical training and specialized solar field prep, costing between $16,728 and $18,006 for the 2-year program ⁶.

To begin installation work in Texas, completing a NABCEP PV Installation Professional certification is encouraged, although currently optional ⁷.

Timeline to Become a Solar Installer in Houston

Most Houston residents break their pathway into the following stages:

So, the full licensing timeline typically takes four and a half years to six years, depending on whether you enter through trade school or a full certificate program ⁶. At the end of that period, you can officially be an independent solar energy installer ²⁷. Learn more about timelines from Skynova's Business Guide.

Cost of Solar Tech Training and Licensing

Becoming a licensed solar professional requires upfront investment in training, certification, and licensing fees.

There are programs designed to reduce these costs through the U.S. Energy Department, local workforce boards, and municipal incentive programs. In certain cases, participants can even qualify for free access to solar installer training via workforce initiatives ⁸.

Earn Competitive Salaries in the Solar Industry

The Texas solar job wage average is $82,073 per year, with experienced project managers and senior analysts often earning north of $100,000 annually, depending on their employer and specialization ⁹. Entry-level solar installers typically earn between $35,000 and $46,000, with growth potential through company incentives, commercial installations, and high-value site projects ⁶.

Additionally:

• The Houston job market lists 300+ solar-related roles ¹⁰
• Industry growth from projects like Myrtle Solar Farm will only increase this need ¹¹
• Other areas like Waller County, Harris County, and Austin also support training and career placement programs via partnerships between employers and nonprofit groups ⁸

If you’re looking for a long-term career with growth opportunities and solid earning potential, starting in the solar field in Houston makes strategic sense. Check out more salary details at Salary.com for Texas Solar Jobs.

Your Next Steps to Enter the Solar Industry

Ready to start your career in solar installation or technician work in Houston or Texas?

1. Search for apprenticeships in Houston using the Gild solar jobs board
2. Research training programs like the Houston Community College Solar Installer Certificate Program, or other contractor-linked education providers
3. Complete the TDLR application when your experience allows you to become a licensed solar electrician

Resources are growing—Texas is now the number one state in the country for solar energy production and employment ⁸. With strong demand, rising pay, and growth in utility-scale installations, Houston is a great place to start your renewable energy career in 2025 and beyond.

By entering this field, you can contribute to cleaner energy infrastructure while building a well-paid and stable trade career. For the most incoming opportunities, start searching live apprentice listings today with: Gild's job feed.

Now that you've read how to launch your solar career in Houston, TX, it's time to take the next step. Check the latest apprentice and entry-level solar installer roles being posted in your area — and make sure you apply before spots fill up.

Sources