The Solar Training Network addresses a critical need for high-quality, local, accessible training in solar installation and related skills. It was established under the Solar Training and Education for Professionals (STEP) funding program in 2016 and is administered by The Solar Foundation. The Network allows for greater connection between solar employers, trainers and training institutions, workforce investment boards, and trainees and job seekers, in order to meet ever-changing market demands, especially in regions where solar energy is rapidly expanding. Visit the Solar Training Network website.

DOE’s Solar Training Network partners with leading solar workforce development and training organizations to connect people interested in solar careers with the training they need to enter the industry and the solar employers who need skilled workers.

Trainings are available (some with continuing education credits) for those involved in solar energy permitting, installation, inspection and approval processes including local policymakers, code enforcement officials, inspectors, engineers, architects, and first responders. Access free technical training and workshops. SEI’s Free Online Course Welcome to the world of renewable energy! RE100 is a free course that covers the basics of renewable energy, and is a great introduction for those new to the field, those who are looking to make a career change, or those who just want to learn more about energy from the.

The Solar Training Network will be guided by a Solar Jobs Strategy Commission consisting of solar industry representatives, workforce development subject matter experts, diversity group leaders, and other key industry stakeholders. The Solar Jobs Strategy Commission will encourage greater collaboration and information exchange between solar employers, training institutions, workforce investment boards, and solar job candidates. By increasing active connections between each of these sectors, the solar industry will improve training programs, provide more hands-on learning opportunities, and cultivate an educated workforce with the specialized training needed to start a new career in solar.

Solar Ready Vets® is a separate training program available specifically to military personnel on select military bases who are in the process of retiring and transitioning to civilian life. In contrast, the Solar Training Network can be utilized by all interested job seekers, including current veterans and their spouses who are interested in solar energy.

The Solar Training Network builds upon the networks created by the Solar Instructor Training Network (SITN), a program and partnership between DOE and the U.S. Departments of Labor and Education, which began in 2009. The program increased the number of qualified solar instructors at the community college level from just over 50 in 2006 to more than 1,000 today, providing access to more courses in solar energy across the country. It also developed solar training for building and electrical inspectors and created a comprehensive system linking training and credentialing for the solar workforce across residential, commercial, and utility-scale photovoltaic installation activities.

How Do I Become A Certified Solar Installer

The Solar Instructor Training Network developed a robust local training network across the United States. During its term, the program partnered with more than 400 community colleges, labor training centers, and technical high schools. The Energy Department invested $17.5 million in SITN, which included $10 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds. As a result of these efforts, more than 30,000 students throughout the United States have received some solar training from an SITN-supported educational partner.

The regional training providers within SITN collaborated to develop curricula, identified career pathways, shared labor market data, and resolved issues related to solar training and workforce development. Providers offered multiple resources, including live train-the-trainer workshops and webinars, distance learning courses, and mobile laboratory training modules. They also provided training equipment and tools for instructors. This strong foundation provides the new Solar Training Network with the basis for more advanced training and more active coordination with solar employers.

Below are the regional training networks that remain active since the conclusion of DOE funding for the Solar Instructor Training Network. Learn more about the current Solar Training Network.

NORTHEAST

Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts
Kennebec Valley Community College (PV)
Hudson Valley Community College (PV)

NORTHERN MID-ATLANTIC STATES

How Do I Get Certified To Install Solar Panels

Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Delaware
Northern Mid-Atlantic Solar Education and Resource Center at Pennsylvania State University

SOUTHERN MID-ATLANTIC STATES

North Carolina, South Carolina, Maryland, District of Columbia, Virginia
North Carolina Clean Technology Center, North Carolina State University

SOUTHEAST

Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi, Arkansas; Guam, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands
Florida Solar Energy Center at University of Central Florida

MIDWEST

Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio
Midwest Renewable Energy Association

ROCKY MOUNTAIN PARTNERSHIP

Utah, Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Nebraska, Kansas, Alaska
Salt Lake Community College, Solar Energy International, and the Utah Solar Energy Association

CALIFORNIA AND HAWAII PARTNERSHIP

California, Hawaii
California Community College Chancellors Office and the University of Hawaii System

For media inquiries, please email the Energy Department's Office of Public Affairs at DOENews@hq.doe.gov and be sure to reference 'Solar Training Network' in the email subject line.

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Are you ready to train for an industry that provides a solution to climate change AND quality wages? Apply for training today!Employers are looking for reliable & dependable employees who show up everyday on time, who work well on a team, who are able take instruction and feedback in a positive manner. This growing industry provides living wage work often with access to benefits like health insurance and 401(K) retirement plans.

Outdoor Installation Lab

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we are taking our training from inside the classroom to outdoors. Through the North Texas Cares fund’s first grant cycle, Green Careers Dallas was honored, grateful and pleased to receive grants from United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and Communities Foundation of Texas that will fund the building of 2 outdoor 20’x16’ mock rooftops.

This generous spacing will allow instructors, assistants and trainees to maintain the physical distancing recommended by the Centers for Disease Control. Another great benefit to preventing the spread of this deadly virus, is natural outdoor airflow. Additionally, staff will sanitize tools, provide masks and hand sanitizer. Our goal is to have this new outdoor learning lab constructed in October 2020 for a new class of trainees to move directly into the solar PV installation industry upon graduation via internships and full-time employment.

Our instructors are solar PV industry installation and design experts. Trainees will complete an online 12-hour solar-specific safety course before attending Green Careers Dallas’ new 2-day hands-on training. During these 2 days in our new outdoor lab, t

Free Solar Installation Training