Entering the solar trade in Elgin, IN, often begins with a Registered Apprenticeship Program, which combines on-the-job training with technical instruction, providing a comprehensive learning experience. These programs typically last two to four years and require a minimum of 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and 144 hours of technical instruction annually. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the solar industry employed 279,447 workers as of December 2023, with projections indicating a 104% growth by 2032. In Elgin, IN, the average weekly wage for solar professionals is approximately $1,200, with experienced workers earning upwards of $120,000 annually. Opportunities for apprenticeships and career development are facilitated through organizations like NABCEP and the Solar Energy Industries Association, leading to a promising career with significant earning potential.
