Looking to jump into a dynamic career in the solar trade industry in Ketchikan, AK? By 2025, Alaska is projected to see growth in energy-related jobs, including in skilled solar trade roles, supported by statewide clean energy policies and federal incentives like the Inflation Reduction Act 1. Ketchikan, while a smaller market, offers opportunities in solar installation, electrical work, and renewable project services driven by rising investment and infrastructure improvements 2. Whether you're starting your career or seeking advancement, understanding training paths, licensing requirements, and wage expectations is essential for success in this growing trade.
Before diving into the steps required to enter the field, it's important to understand what a solar trade professional does in Ketchikan, Alaska. These skilled workers focus on designing, installing, and maintaining solar energy systems, ranging from small residential setups to utility-scale projects. Specific roles include solar installers, solar electricians, and solar engineers, each requiring different levels of certification and experience. As Ketchikan’s local utility (Ketchikan Public Utilities) expands solar integration alongside hydropower systems, demand for workers proficient in off-grid solutions and hybrid energy systems is increasing 2.
Yes—while Ketchikan does not enforce its own local solar-specific licensing, most jobs require credentials like a Journeyman Electrical License or solar-specific installer certifications to ensure safety and compliance 3. For higher-paying roles such as lead electricians on solar projects, individuals typically need four years or more of industrial electrical experience and a license from the Alaska Division of Occupational Licensing 3. Additionally, certifications from organizations like the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) can enhance employability and signal advanced expertise.
To begin your path in the solar trade, you must meet the following:
While not always mandatory, completing a training program gives you a solid foundation for entering the solar industry. Several programs across Alaska prepare aspiring technicians with the skills needed for photovoltaic design, electrical wiring, and system maintenance.
Recommended Training Programs:
| Program | Host Institution | Tuition | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| PV 101: Solar Energy Basics | Greenways Academy of Alaska | $0–$760 | Photovoltaic fundamentals, off-grid systems |
| Power Technology Certificate | University of Alaska Southeast | Variable | Machinery repair, electricity basics |
| Sustainable Energy Degree | University of Alaska Fairbanks | $7,896–$22,032 | Renewable project design, internships |
| Pre-Apprenticeship in Solar Trades | Alaska Works Partnership | Free or sponsored | Hands-on skills & job placement |
Consider enrolling in programs offered by the U.S. Department of Energy's Solar Training Network 4 or participating in Alaska's registered apprenticeship pathways 2 for teacher-guided and employer-backed training.
Apprenticeships are a core component for career growth in the solar trade. They provide structured, real-world experience while earning competitive wages. In Ketchikan, individuals often begin working on residential solar installation projects, utility enhancements, or facility upgrades, alongside experienced electricians or solar contractors.
How to Find an Apprenticeship or Entry-Level Position:
Licensing prepares you for higher-paying electrical roles such as Solar Licensed Electrical Journeyman, often requiring a Journeyman License and over four years of industrial electrical experience 3. Solar installers can also pursue certifications from NABCEP or complete programs run by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council to boost their credentials 6.
Job opportunities for solar trade professionals in Ketchikan offer competitive wages based on experience and specialization:
| Role | Hourly Range | Annual Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Solar Installer | $21–$38.83 | $43,000–$80,800 |
| Solar Electrician | $40–$52 | $83,200–$108,160 |
| Solar Engineer | $53.31 (avg) | $110,876 |
Positions like Solar Licensed Electrical Journeyman are currently listed with companies such as Mortenson in Ketchikan and neighboring communities, helping drive local solar expansion 3. Use platforms like Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and Terra.do Climate Jobs to explore current job listings.
Breaking into Ketchikan’s solar trade industry in 2025 offers a promising opportunity for skilled workers, especially with access to state funding, project growth, and rising solar adoption. To kickstart your career:
As businesses like Ketchikan Public Utilities expand renewable integration and with $37.4 million in available clean energy funding, the demand for skilled solar trade professionals is expected to grow steadily 3. Now is the time to leverage available training, certifications, and employer partnerships to position yourself for success in this evolving green economy.
