Jacksonville Solar Trade High-Growth Jobs in 2025

Kickstart Your Solar Trade Career in Jacksonville, FL

The solar trade industry in Jacksonville, FL, is experiencing rapid growth, making it an excellent time to start a career in this field. With 15% growth in solar jobs across Florida in 2023 and 1,841 new jobs added ¹, the opportunities are expanding quickly. In Jacksonville specifically, there are currently 20 Solar Future jobs and 73 Renewable Energy jobs available, with titles like Solar Consultant, Civil Engineer, and Energy Consultant ²³. Platforms like ZipRecruiter list 33 solar-related jobs in the area ⁴; for more details, check out ZipRecruiter jobs, while the clean energy sector as a whole saw a 4.2% job growth rate in 2023 ⁵. Learn more about Florida's solar leadership in Florida Politics.

The average solar salary in Jacksonville is about $81,625 per year, or $39.24 per hour ⁶⁷, with solar installer jobs projected to increase by more than 50% by 2030 ⁸. This growth is driven by increasing solar investments, with Jacksonville Electric Authority (JEA) planning to boost its solar capacity by 350% through new installations ⁹. For additional job listings, visit Indeed for Renewable Energy jobs in Jacksonville.

Understanding Solar Trade Careers

Solar trade professionals work in various roles that support the installation, maintenance, and development of solar energy systems. These roles include:

• Solar Installer: Responsible for installing solar panels and related equipment
• Solar Consultant: Advises clients on solar energy solutions and system design
• Energy Consultant: Helps businesses and homeowners optimize energy usage; explore related opportunities on Gild
• Civil Engineer: Designs and oversees solar infrastructure projects

These professionals play a crucial role in Jacksonville's energy future, as the city has 63.6 MW of installed solar capacity and plans to expand significantly ⁹. For insights into solar jobs, refer to IREC Solar Jobs Census.

Do You Need a License or Certification for Solar Trade Work in Jacksonville?

While there isn't a specific "solar license" in Florida, most employers require certifications to ensure professionals meet industry standards. The Florida Solar Energy Apprenticeship Program provides a pathway to state certification as a Florida solar contractor, allowing installation of both solar electric (photovoltaic) and thermal systems ⁸. This apprenticeship is registered with the U.S. Department of Labor and approved by the Florida Department of Education, ensuring a well-trained workforce ⁸. Find more on apprenticeships at AGT Solar Apprenticeship.

Other valuable certifications include:

• NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners): Industry-recognized certification for solar professionals
• OSHA Safety Certification: Important for working on job sites
• Electrical and Building Code Certifications: Helpful for understanding local regulations; see News4JAX for workforce details

Education and Training Programs in Jacksonville

Jacksonville offers several educational and training programs designed to help individuals enter the solar trade field:

1. Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) Solar Energy Training: Provides entry-level solar energy training courses focused on understanding basic solar energy concepts and how they are applied in the field ⁶⁷; access the program here.

2. Jacksonville University Online Solar Panel Installer Training: Offers a 40-hour online course teaching the installation of solar panels and the balance of system components ¹⁰.

3. Florida Solar Energy Apprenticeship Program: The first program in the country to be registered with the U.S. Department of Labor, providing comprehensive training and on-the-job experience leading to state certification as a solar contractor ⁸.

4. AGT Solar Apprenticeship Program: A two-year commitment that includes comprehensive training and hands-on experience in the solar industry ⁹; learn more at AGT careers.

These programs are part of a rapidly growing field, with solar installer jobs expected to increase by more than 50% by 2030 ⁸. For US solar manufacturing insights, visit GreenLancer.

Steps to Becoming a Solar Trade Professional in Jacksonville

1. Meet the Basic Requirements

To begin a career in the solar trade in Jacksonville, you should:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Be physically fit for the work
• Be able to read, write, and understand English

2. Enroll in a Solar Energy Education Program

While not always mandatory, completing a solar energy education program can give you a solid foundation in the trade. These programs are offered by institutions like Florida State College at Jacksonville and Jacksonville University, covering topics like:

• Solar energy fundamentals
• Electrical systems
• Installation techniques
• Safety practices; for more on training, check FSCJ programs

3. Start an Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship is a crucial step in becoming a solar trade professional. In Jacksonville, you can participate in programs like the Florida Solar Energy Apprenticeship Program, which typically lasts 2-4 years and involves both on-the-job training and classroom instruction ⁸.

To find an apprenticeship:

• Use Gild to find solar apprenticeships in Jacksonville: Gild brings thousands of apprenticeship role openings together in one place. Search open solar apprenticeships in Jacksonville here.
• Explore opportunities with local solar companies: Many companies offer apprenticeship programs for new entrants to the field; see Indeed jobs for listings.

During your apprenticeship, you'll work under the supervision of experienced professionals and learn practical skills needed for the job, such as installing solar panels, understanding electrical systems, and adhering to local codes.

4. Obtain Industry Certifications

After completing your apprenticeship, you can pursue industry certifications like NABCEP to enhance your credentials and job prospects. These certifications demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field.

5. Consider Specialization

As you gain experience, you might consider specializing in specific areas of the solar trade, such as:

• Solar design and engineering
• Sales and consultation
• Project management
• Maintenance and repair

Current Job Market and Salary Expectations

The solar trade job market in Jacksonville is growing rapidly, with numerous opportunities available across different roles. The average solar salary in Jacksonville is about $81,625 per year, or $39.24 per hour ⁶⁷, which is higher than the Florida average solar installer salary of $41,925 per year ¹⁰. For salary specifics, visit ZipRecruiter Solar Salaries.

Here's a breakdown of current salary expectations for different solar trade roles in Jacksonville:

These salaries can vary based on experience, certifications, and the specific company you work for. Benefits typically include health insurance, retirement plans, and training opportunities, which can vary by employer.

Challenges Facing the Solar Industry in Jacksonville

While the solar trade industry in Jacksonville is growing rapidly, there are some challenges to be aware of:

1. Permitting and Regulatory Issues: The process of obtaining permits for rooftop solar installations can be inefficient and costly. In 2025, Florida lawmakers are considering streamlining rooftop solar permits by incorporating automated processes, which could help reduce these barriers ⁷; read more in Florida Politics article.

2. Cost and Payback Period: The cost of solar systems in Jacksonville is significant, with an average of $10,535 for a 5 kW system. The payback period ranges from about 7 to 12 years depending on the system size, which may deter some consumers ⁶.

3. Education and Workforce Development: As the solar industry expands, there is a growing need for trained professionals. Starting in August 2025, Florida will offer solar installation training within its Career & Technical Education programs, which could help address workforce needs ⁹; for updates, check News4JAX.

Your Next Steps

Starting a career in the solar trade in Jacksonville, FL, is an exciting opportunity to enter a field that is both essential and well-paying. Whether you're just finishing high school or considering a career change, following these steps will set you on the path to success in this critical industry. As you gain experience and build your credentials, the opportunities in solar trade will only continue to grow. Good luck on your journey and be sure to check out Gild for apprenticeship opportunities near you; also explore IREC for more solar resources.

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