The solar trade in Palatka, FL, is heating up, with 11 direct solar panel roles and 15 energy-related positions listed on platforms like Indeed and Gild as of mid-2024 12. By 2025, Florida’s solar market will exceed $26 billion, with Palatka benefiting from utility-scale projects like the Rice Creek Solar Energy Center 34, plus incentives detailed on EcoWatch. If you’re eyeing this booming field, here’s your roadmap to licensing, training, and securing a high-demand role—no plumbing skills required.
The solar industry in Palatka spans technical, sales, and operations roles, supported by data from IREC's Solar Jobs Census.
A 10% annual growth projection for solar jobs in nearby The Villages 4 signals strong prospects for Palatka, especially with Florida’s $6.5 billion 2024 solar investment 4.
Yes! Florida mandates specific credentials for solar contractors:
To qualify:
Optional but valuable: The NABCEP PV Installation Professional certification boosts employability 3. Learn more about licensing at Florida's Licensing Site.
The Florida Solar Energy Apprenticeship Program is a U.S. Department of Labor-recognized pathway. It combines on-the-job training and technical instruction, aligning with Florida’s licensing requirements 5.
The apprenticeship or training + license process typically takes 4 years, but timelines vary based on education credits and exam schedules 5. Entry-level roles like solar technician may accept apprentices with shorter training if paired with certifications (e.g., NABCEP) 3.
While Palatka lacks dedicated in-person programs, residents can access:
For comprehensive resources, visit SEIA's Florida Report.
Florida’s solar workforce grew to 14,100+ professionals by 2025 4, with Palatka’s market expected to mirror the state’s 10% annual growth 4. Nearby The Villages offers $750/week for skilled tradespeople 4, while statewide, roles range from $30,000–$60,000 annually depending on experience. Check out job listings like those on ConnectWithTalent for more opportunities.
The Rice Creek Solar Energy Center in Putnam County (Palatka) now produces 75 MWac, powering 14,000 homes and creating jobs in construction, maintenance, and management 34. By 2028, FPL plans to expand its Florida solar capacity by 21,099 MW, ensuring ongoing demand for workers 4.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or upskilling, Palatka’s solar boom offers a clear path:
Ready to switch gears into a career with sun-powered potential? Start your journey today with Gild 1 and explore Lumber's Solar Licensing Guide for additional insights.
| Top Solar Jobs in Palatka | Key Responsibilities | Demand Level |
|---|---|---|
| Solar Technician (Utility) | Install and maintain systems | High 8 |
| Solar Sales Representative | Sell residential/commercial PV | High 12 |
| Operations Manager | Manage installation workflows | Moderate 2 |
Average Salary: $750/week in neighboring regions 4
Entry Requirements: License, 4 years’ experience, exams 5
https://www.indeed.com/q-solar-panel-l-palatka,-fl-jobs.html ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6
https://www.indeed.com/q-solar-energy-l-palatka,-fl-jobs.html ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5
https://irecusa.org/census-solar-jobs-by-state/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7
https://seia.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Florida-2.pdf ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9 ↩10 ↩11
https://docs.nrel.gov/docs/fy22osti/82184.pdf ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9 ↩10
https://www.indeed.com/q-solar-panel-l-palatka,-fl-jobs.html ↩ ↩2 ↩3
https://connectwithtalent.com/job/renewables/solar-pv-technician/19749248/solar-technician-utility ↩
