Entering the solar trade in Douglas, AZ, typically begins with a Registered Apprenticeship Program, which combines hands-on experience with technical instruction, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. These apprenticeships last about four to five years, with a minimum of 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and 144 hours of technical instruction per year. The U.S. Department of Labor reports that the solar industry employed 279,447 workers nationwide as of December 2023, with an anticipated 104% growth by 2032, translating to approximately 538,000 positions. Apprentices in Douglas, AZ, earn an average of $628.50 per week, with experienced professionals often exceeding $850 per week. Training programs, community colleges, and organizations like NABCEP help aspiring solar professionals find apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential and significant growth opportunities in the rapidly expanding solar energy sector.
