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Kickstart Your Career in Solar Trades in Orlando, FL

If you're looking to start a career in the solar trade in 2025, Orlando, FL, is one of the best places to be. The solar industry in Florida is booming, with over 14,000 solar jobs statewide, making it one of the fastest-growing markets in the U.S. ¹. As of early 2025, Orlando alone has 28 solar installer vacancies, and companies like Freedom Solar Pros are actively expanding their teams ². Whether you're eyeing a career as a solar installer, solar sales consultant, or solar originator, there are structured pathways to enter the field and grow in this high-demand trade; check out Gild for job listings ³⁴².

Understand the Role of a Solar Trade Professional

Before diving into the steps to enter the profession, it's essential to understand what a career in the solar trade entails. Solar professionals work across multiple areas, including installation, sales, design, and project management. Entry-level positions are most commonly found in residential and commercial solar installation and solar sales, where professionals help homeowners and businesses transition to solar energy by assessing needs, explaining financial incentives like net metering, and managing installation logistics; learn more through UCF's solar training ³²¹.

Do You Need Certification to Work in Solar Trades in Orlando, FL?

Yes! While there’s no single universal license for all solar trades, many roles—especially installers—require specific certifications or licensing to work professionally. For example:

• Certified Solar Installer Licenses require passing exams through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) including both Solar Trade Knowledge and Business and Financial Management exams; access DBPR details here ⁵¹⁶.
• Optional but highly recommended credentials include the NABCEP PV Installation Professional certification, which signals higher expertise to employers ⁶.

Solar Trade Training and Certification Pathways

To become a certified solar installer, sales representative, or project manager in Orlando, follow this structured process:

1. Meet the Age Requirement

You must be at least 18 years old to apply for a solar contractor license in Florida ⁶.

2. Choose a Career Track and Gain Relevant Experience

Entry into the solar industry in Orlando typically begins with either solar installation experience or sales training.

• Hands-on Installation: You’ll need four years of field experience, including one year in a supervisory role, to qualify for a solar contractor license; see details on ZipRecruiter for Florida solar jobs ¹⁶. Up to 2 years of college in a related field (e.g., electrical, HVAC, or construction management) may count toward this.
• Solar Sales: While no formal certification is required for sales roles, completing training through local institutions like the University of Central Florida (UCF) or College of Central Florida can significantly boost your employability ⁷¹.

3. Enroll in a Training Program (Recommended)

Although not always mandatory, formal solar-specific training is essential due to the specialized nature of the trade. Here are some top options:

Source: Explore options on UCF's certification page ⁷⁵¹⁸.

These programs cover installation techniques, system design, safety practices, and compliance standards—key areas employers look for ⁷.

4. Obtain Your Solar Contractor Certification

If you’re aiming to work independently or start your own business, you’ll need a Certified Solar Contractor (CVC) or Certified Electrical Contractor (EC) license from the state of Florida. Here’s the breakdown:

• CVC License: Allows residential and commercial solar installation ¹.
• EC License: Requires an associate degree in a related field and additional exam prep for broader electrical work, with potential subcontracting limitations for full solar projects ¹.

Both require passing exams administered by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) ⁶; check Glassdoor for related job openings.

5. Apply for Entry-Level Solar Jobs

With training and certifications in place, you can begin applying for solar trade jobs in Orlando. According to data from early 2025, there are over 163 solar-related job openings on platforms like Indeed, particularly in solar installation and sales; visit Gild for job listings ⁸. Many companies prefer candidates with formal education or some field experience due to the technical nature of solar systems ⁵⁶.

Key Factors Driving Solar Career Growth in Orlando, FL

Several market and policy drivers continue to fuel solar career opportunities in Orlando:

1. Abundant Sunshine: Orlando has over 230 sunny days per year, making it ideal for solar adoption and system efficiency ⁵.
2. Net Metering and Cost Savings: Orlando residents can sell excess energy back to the grid, increasing demand for solar installations and related jobs ⁵.
3. State and Local Renewable Goals: Orlando’s Renewable Energy Goals include powering all city operations with renewables by 2030 and achieving 100% community-wide clean energy by 2050 ⁸; more on this via UCF's solar resources.
4. Growing Industry Infrastructure: With 447 solar companies operating in Florida and a 15% growth in solar employment in 2023, the market is expanding rapidly ¹.

In addition, Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) initiatives are projected to drive up to 355 MW of solar adoption in the city by 2030, creating a need for more professionals across all levels ⁹.

What Are the Top Entry-Level Solar Jobs in Orlando in 2025?

Here are the most accessible and in-demand roles for new entrants to the solar field in Orlando:

1. Solar Installer

   • Average base salary: $50,138/year
   • Responsibilities: Installing and maintaining rooftop solar systems, connecting to electrical systems, and ensuring compliance with local codes; job listings available on ZipRecruiter ⁷⁶.

2. Solar Sales Representative

   • Average total pay: $147,901/year (including commission)
   • Responsibilities: Educating homeowners about financial incentives and system performance, qualifying leads, and closing deals.
   • Requirements: Strong communication, customer service, and basic knowledge of solar energy systems ⁴⁶.

3. Solar Originator

   • Average pay: $160,114/year
   • Responsibilities: Outreach to potential customers, explaining system benefits, and guiding them through the process from education to contract signing.
   • Requirements: In-class training to understand the technical and financial aspects of solar ³.

4. Design or Permitting Assistant

   • Responsibilities: Assisting with solar system design, permitting documentation, and utility interconnection processes; explore opportunities on Glassdoor ⁹.

What Are the Salaries and Career Prospects for Solar Jobs in Orlando?

While salary ranges vary by position, Orlando’s solar industry offers competitive income compared to the national average:

Source: ¹⁶⁹; for more salary insights, check ZipRecruiter Florida salaries.

Given Florida’s 15% growth in solar employment in 2023, these roles will likely continue to expand ⁵. The state added 1,841 new solar jobs, with Orlando at the center of this growth ¹.

Challenges of Entering Solar Trade Careers in Orlando, FL

While opportunities are growing, aspiring solar professionals may face a few hurdles:

1. Limited Local Hands-on Training: Although institutions like UCF and Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) provide foundational knowledge, many entry-level installers still need more practical experience before being job-ready; find training via UCF's certification ⁵⁸.
2. Strong Competition for Entry-Level Jobs: Companies such as Freedom Solar Pros attract numerous applicants, making it harder for job seekers without experience to stand out ⁴.
3. Fast-paced Innovation and Policy Changes: As state incentives evolve and technology improves, professionals must stay updated on best practices and new equipment, making lifelong learning essential ⁵⁹.

Despite these challenges, training pathways and strong employer interest suggest the market is more accessible than ever—especially for those who start with structured programs.

How to Find Solar Apprenticeships and Entry-Level Opportunities in Orlando, FL

To get started, here’s how you can find solar apprenticeships, internships, or entry-level jobs in Orlando:

• Use Gild: Gild aggregates solar trade job listings, including internships, apprenticeships, and first-day-out opportunities. Search for solar installer jobs in Orlando on Gild; start here.
• Check with Local Solar Companies: Freedom Solar Pros, SunPower, and other major installers are expanding in Orlando and often hire for entry-level roles ⁴.
• Leverage Local Education Programs: Enroll in programs like UCF’s solar panel installer training or apprenticeships offered through the Florida Solar Energy Apprenticeship Program ⁷⁹.

Your Next Steps: Launching Your Solar Career in 2025

A career in solar trades in Orlando, FL, offers a combination of competitive salaries, strong job growth, and meaningful environmental impact. With more than 163 solar job vacancies currently posted ⁸, and a supportive educational environment through institutions like UCF and FSEC, now is the best time to get started; explore options on UCF's site.

If you're ready to begin, use Gild to find solar job opportunities and apprenticeships available now in Orlando. From there, you can enroll in training, gain experience, and start a long and rewarding career in the renewable energy revolution.

Whether you aim to go solo as an installer, or grow into a solar sales leader, there’s a future waiting for you in the solar trade in Florida. The time to act is now. Let’s go; check out additional job resources on Glassdoor.

Find Solar Trade Jobs and Apprenticeships in Orlando on Gild

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