Entering the solar trade in Elkhorn, WI, often begins with a Registered Apprenticeship Program, which combines on-the-job training with technical instruction, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. These programs typically last two to three years, requiring 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 nationwide as of December 2023, with projections indicating a 25% increase in clean energy jobs by 2030. In Elkhorn, the average weekly wage for solar professionals is approximately $1,183, with experienced workers often earning over $37,500 annually. Training programs and apprenticeships, facilitated by organizations like NABCEP and local trade schools, provide aspiring solar professionals with the skills and certifications needed to succeed in this rapidly growing field.
