Entering the solar trade in Palatka, FL, often begins with a Registered Apprenticeship Program, which combines on-the-job training with technical education, allowing individuals to gain practical experience while earning. These programs typically last about four to five 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 Labor, the solar industry employed 279,447 workers nationwide as of December 2023, with significant growth in Florida. In Palatka, the average weekly wage for solar professionals is approximately $500, with experienced workers earning upwards of $100,000 annually. Training programs, community colleges, and industry associations provide pathways to these careers, offering strong earning potential and contributing to the renewable energy sector's expansion.
