Best Online Solar Technician Trade School Programs for 2025

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What can I expect from an online solar technician trade school program?

Expect short, skills-first courses that cover DC/AC electricity, PV system design, code (NEC), safety, site assessment, commissioning, basic troubleshooting, and intro storage. Good programs align to NABCEP’s PV Associate or PV Installation Professional “board eligible” pathways, so you can test first and complete experience later. Many graduates still build hands-on hours on the job. 

Where can I work with an online solar technician trade school program?

Graduates plug into residential rooftop installers, commercial EPCs, O&M/service teams, and solar-adjacent contractors (roofing, electrical). Most roles are field-based with regional travel; others focus on remote monitoring and performance analytics for large sites. 

Top-employing industries

• Construction (electrical/building equipment contractors): the dominant employer of PV installers.
• Electric power generation/transmission/distribution (solar utility operators): utility-scale build-outs and O&M.
• Hardware/plumbing/heating equipment & supplies merchant wholesalers: distribution/tech support roles for inverters, racking, storage.

Where the jobs cluster

Solar labor markets are largest in states with big install volumes and policy support. Recent census data highlight California, Texas, Florida, Arizona, and Nevada as standouts for solar job growth and totals. 

How much can I make with an online solar technician trade school program?

The U.S. median annual wage for Solar Photovoltaic Installers is $51,860 (May 2024). Remember: field differentials (roof work, travel, utility-scale sites) can push pay higher. 

Recent salary snapshots for solar technician/installer roles:

• Zippia: ~$41,800 average (Solar Technician).
• Salary.com: ~$89,100 average (Solar Technician, national).
• ZipRecruiter: $27.72/hr average (≈$57,658/yr).
• Indeed: $59,184/yr average (updated Jul 28, 2025).
• PayScale: $24.14/hr median (Solar Energy System Installer, 2025). 
• Glassdoor: $59,594/yr average (Solar Technician, 2025).

Bottom line: entry routes start near BLS medians; specialty O&M, utility-scale, and travel roles often land closer to Indeed/Glassdoor ranges.

Best Online Solar Technician Trade School Programs for 2025

1. Bryan University – Solar Energy Technician Diploma

Bryan University is a private career-focused institution founded in 1940. With campuses in Arizona and Missouri, it has a long history of providing vocational training and degrees. Bryan is known for its flexible online programs and robust student support services, including dedicated career assistance for graduates.

• Program cost: Approx. $19,440 total tuition (54 quarter credits at $360 each)
• Program duration: 40 weeks (about 10 months)
• Total credits: 54 quarter credits
• Accreditation: ABHES; NABCEP (Registered training provider)

2. Central New Mexico Community College – Online Solar Energy Courses (CNM Ingenuity)

Central New Mexico Community College (CNM), established in 1965 in Albuquerque, is the largest community college in New Mexicot. CNM is renowned for innovative workforce training. Through its CNM Ingenuity division, the college offers fast-track online courses that upskill students and professionals in emerging fields like solar energy.

• Program cost: $8,478 total (for the 20-hour solar fundamentals and NABCEP prep course)
• Program duration: 6–12 weeks (20 hours of instruction, self-paced)
• Total credits: Non-credit program (20 training hours; eligible for credit-for-prior-learning toward CNM certificates)
• Accreditation: HLC; NABCEP (course fulfills NABCEP exam requirements)

3. Colby Community College – Solar Photovoltaic Certificate Programs

Colby Community College is a public two-year college in Colby, Kansas, founded in 1964. It is known for its strong agriculture and energy technology programs. Colby offers two online solar photovoltaic credentials – a one-year technical certificate and a shorter certificate of completion – both designed to prepare students for entry-level solar installer roles.

• Program cost: Approximately $43 per credit (in-state tuition) – about $1,600 for the 37-credit technical certificate
• Program duration: 1 year (Technical Certificate) or 1 semester (Certificate of Completion)
• Total credits: 37 credits (Technical Certificate) or 12 credits (Certificate of Completion)
• Accreditation: HLC; NABCEP (curriculum aligns with NABCEP certification)

4. Hudson Valley Community College – Photovoltaic Installation Certificate 

Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC) is a public college in Troy, New York, part of the SUNY system and founded in 1953. HVCC has a strong reputation in technical education. In partnership with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), HVCC offers an online certificate in Photovoltaic Installation through the Office of Workforce Development, preparing students for solar panel installer careers.

• Program cost: ~$205 per credit for NY residents (17 credits ≈ $3,490 total)
• Program duration: 2 semesters (can be completed in under 1 year)
• Total credits: 17 credits (credit-bearing certificate)
• Accreditation: MSCHE; NABCEP (approved training provider)

5. North Carolina State University – Renewable Energy Technologies Diploma (Solar Track)

North Carolina State University, in Raleigh, is a leading public research university known for engineering and technology programs. Through the NC Clean Energy Technology Center (founded in 1988 as the NC Solar Center), NC State offers a Renewable Energy Technologies diploma series. This includes an online Fundamentals of PV Design and Installation course that provides in-depth solar technician training.

• Program cost: ~$2,200–$3,400 for bundled diploma packages (multiple courses)
• Program duration: 40 contact hours for the core solar course (120 hours for full diploma)
• Total credits: Non-credit program (certificate of completion for 40-hour PV course; part of 120-hr diploma)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC; NABCEP (diploma satisfies NABCEP PV Associate training criteria)

6. California State University, San Bernardino – Online Solar Panel Installer Training

California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) is a public university in California’s Inland Empire, founded in 1965. CSUSB is recognized for its professional and continuing education programs. The university offers an intermediate Solar Panel Installer Training course fully online, covering both grid-tied and off-grid solar PV system installation in depth.

• Program cost: $1,395 total tuition
• Program duration: 3 months (40 hours of coursework)
• Total credits: Non-credit program (40-hour training certificate)
• Accreditation: WSCUC; NABCEP (curriculum aligned with NABCEP standards)

7. San Diego State University (SDSU Global Campus) – Online Solar Panel Installer Course

San Diego State University, founded in 1897, is one of California’s largest public universities. SDSU’s Global Campus offers an Online Solar Panel Installer Training program that is entirely online and self-paced. Designed by industry experts, the course provides comprehensive training in solar technology and installation practices and meets NABCEP’s educational criteria for PV installer certification.

• Program cost: $1,521 total
• Program duration: ~3 months (40 course hours)
• Total credits: Non-credit program (certificate of completion, 40 hours)
• Accreditation: WSCUC; NABCEP (approved for NABCEP PV Associate educational requirements)

8. University of Texas at Arlington – Online Solar Energy Training

The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), established in 1895, is a major public research university in the Dallas–Fort Worth area. UTA’s Continuing Education division provides an Online Solar Energy Training course aimed at those starting or advancing a solar career. The program covers solar panel installation basics and prepares students for entry-level roles in the solar industry.

• Program cost: $1,495 total (inclusive of course materials)
• Program duration: 3 months (40 hours of instruction)
• Total credits: Non-credit program (40-hour training certificate)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC; NABCEP (curriculum geared toward NABCEP Associate exam)

9. Central Michigan University – Online Solar Panel Installer Training

Central Michigan University (CMU) is a public research university in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, founded in 1892. CMU is known for its outreach in online education. Through its Innovation and Online division, CMU offers a fully online Solar Panel Installer Training course. This program teaches practical installation skills and solar technology fundamentals, leveraging CMU’s expertise in distance learning.

• Program cost: $1,295 total (includes all course modules)
• Program duration: 3 months (approximately 40 hours of content)
• Total credits: Non-credit program (40-hour completion certificate)
• Accreditation: HLC; NABCEP (meets training standards for NABCEP PV Associate)

10. University of Florida (UF TREEO Center) – Online Solar PV Technician Training

The University of Florida, a top public university founded in 1853 and based in Gainesville, is renowned for its engineering and sustainability programs. UF’s TREEO Center (Training, Research and Education for Environmental Occupations) offers an online solar PV technician training. This continuing education course provides a solid foundation in solar energy concepts and installation practices through the lens of UF’s reputable environmental training institute.

• Program cost: $1,295 total (estimated)
• Program duration: 3 months (40 training hours, self-paced)
• Total credits: Non-credit program (40-hour course certificate)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC; NABCEP (training recognized for NABCEP exam prep)

How long does it take to complete an online solar technician trade school program?

Most online solar technician trade programs are intentionally short. Non-credit, NABCEP-aligned bootcamps and certificate courses commonly run 6–12 weeks of self-paced modules with instructor check-ins, simulations, and a capstone design/installation plan. Credit-bearing certificates typically span one or two academic terms (roughly 12–30 credits), delivered 100% online with proctored assessments. 

Plan extra time for prerequisites you might need (basic DC/AC theory, math refreshers), elective add-ons like OSHA-10/30 and first-aid, and scheduling the NABCEP PV Associate exam after finishing coursework. If you’re working full time, a realistic cadence is 8–10 hours weekly; most learners finish within three to six months. Fast-track completers with prior electrical/roofing experience can move quicker, while career changers often prefer a cohort-paced rhythm. 

Remember: programs teach design, code, safety, and commissioning; you’ll still accumulate hands-on hours on the job to qualify for higher-level credentials. Choose a program with an on-campus counterpart or documented skills assessments so employers trust the training footprint.

Why the rush matters: these short programs feed a market that’s expanding fast. The graphic below shows the BLS projection—solar PV installer jobs growing 48% from 2023–2033. Finish in weeks or months now to be ready as demand accelerates over the coming decade.

How does an online solar technician trade school compare to an on-campus program?

Online vs on-campus comes down to delivery, not rigor—provided you choose a reputable option. Strong online certificates mirror the same outcomes: NEC code literacy, PV system design, safety practice, commissioning steps, and NABCEP exam readiness. You trade lab benches for simulations, video walkthroughs, virtual design tools, and remote proctoring, while learning objectives stay intact. If you are exploring science pathways beyond solar or engineering, you can also check out some of the best online physics degree programs to broaden your technical expertise.

Online perks: genuine flexibility, lower indirect costs (no commute, parking, or housing), frequent start dates, and access to instructors from anywhere. Many universities extend career services, tutoring, veteran benefits, and disability accommodations to online learners. 

Limitations: you won’t rack up roof time in class; you still need field hours for advanced credentials and to impress employers. Networking can be thinner unless the program builds cohort spaces and employer showcases. 

Best practice: pick an online program with an on-campus counterpart and clear skills verification (graded design projects, manufacturer trainings, or virtual labs), then pair it with a paid installer-helper or O&M trainee role to convert coursework into marketable experience.

What is the average cost of online solar technician trade school programs?

Sticker prices vary by program type. Short, non-credit solar installer courses offered fully online by public universities typically run about $1,395–$1,595 total—for example: CSU San Bernardino ($1,395), UT Arlington ($1,495), Central Michigan ($1,595), and SDSU Global Campus ($1,521). If you are fascinated by broader topics like astronomy or planetary science, you might also look into earning a space studies degree online for a more expansive science-focused pathway.

Credit-bearing certificates can cost more but may unlock federal aid. One example: Hudson Valley Community College’s 17-credit Photovoltaic Installation Certificate; at $211 per credit (NY resident, 2024–25), tuition is roughly $3,587 before fees. 

Costs also depend on delivery and residency; some colleges publish different online and in-state rates (e.g., Colby CC details online tuition policy and per-credit schedules annually). Many university-run non-credit courses advertise pay-over-time options (e.g., Affirm) to spread costs. Always budget for exam fees (e.g., NABCEP) and materials.

What are the financial aid options for students enrolling in an online solar technician trade school program?

Aid depends on whether your program is for-credit (eligible for federal aid) or non-credit (often ineligible for Title IV but eligible for workforce or employer funding). Here are the common options:

• Federal Pell Grants & Direct Loans (FAFSA) — For eligible undergraduates in credit-bearing certificates at approved institutions.
• WIOA Workforce Grants — State workforce boards can fund short-term, job-training programs on the Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL). Start at CareerOneStop.
• GI Bill benefits — Veterans, service members, and dependents can use benefits for non-college degree job-training; verify providers with VA’s GI Bill Comparison Tool.
• Registered Apprenticeships / Earn-and-Learn — Some employers combine online coursework with paid training in the energy sector.
• Institutional payment plans/financing — Many university-hosted online solar courses offer installment plans (e.g., Affirm) even for non-credit options.
• Employer tuition assistance — Check HR benefits; companies may reimburse approved technical upskilling.

Shopping around? Comparing baselines against the cheapest online engineering degree lists can help you sanity-check tuition across technical programs.

What are the prerequisites for enrolling in an online solar technician trade school program?

Before you hit “enroll,” schools expect basic readiness so you can move fast once classes start. Requirements are lighter than an engineering degree, but you’ll still need foundational math, safety awareness, and reliable tech access.

• High school diploma or GED; age 18+.
• Algebra proficiency; comfort with ratios, Ohm’s Law, and unit conversions.
• Basic PC skills; reliable internet; webcam for proctored exams.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and follow technical manuals (English proficiency).
• OSHA-10 or agreement to complete safety training early in the program.
• Calculator and basic tools; some courses recommend a digital multimeter for labs.
• Physical ability to work at heights and lift 40–50 lbs (for job readiness, even if training is online).
• Prior exposure to construction, roofing, or electrical work is preferred but not mandatory.
• Background check and drug screen may be required by externship employers.
• For NABCEP pathways: no experience needed for PV Associate; advanced certifications require documented field hours later.

These prerequisites keep the online experience efficient and ensure you’re job-ready when opportunities open up.

Why these prerequisites matter: they’re your ticket into one of the fastest-growing trades. The chart below, from BLS (2025), shows solar PV installer employment projected to surge ~48% from 2023–33—far outpacing construction trades and the overall labor market.

What courses are typically in an online solar technician trade school program?

Curricula focus on code-compliant design, safety, and commissioning—everything you need to contribute on day one. Expect concise modules with simulations and scenario-based assessments, plus capstones that mirror field documentation and workflows common in industrial engineering-style process improvement.

• DC/AC fundamentals: voltage, current, power, series/parallel, and wire sizing.
• PV components: modules, inverters, optimizers, racking, BOS selection.
• System design: stringing, array layout, tilt/azimuth, shading analysis.
• Codes & standards: NEC Articles 690/705, labeling, grounding/bonding.
• Electrical wiring & protection: OCPD, disconnects, conduit fill, terminations.
• Performance modeling: production estimates, losses, and yield calculations.
• Mounting & structural basics: roof types, attachments, mechanical loads.
• Safety: OSHA, ladder/fall protection, electrical PPE, lockout/tagout.
• Commissioning: inspections, testing, IV curves, documentation checklists.
• Troubleshooting & O&M: diagnostics, monitoring portals, warranty procedures.
• Energy storage intro: batteries, hybrid inverters, code considerations.
• Permitting & interconnection: AHJ submittals, utility requirements.
• NABCEP exam prep: domain review, practice questions, test strategy.

These courses align with employer expectations and streamline your transition into field roles.

What types of specializations are available in an online solar technician trade school programs?

Online solar tech programs increasingly let you pick a lane, so you don’t waste time learning everything, just the pieces that land jobs. Many paths overlap—installation, design, and service are a continuum—and process-heavy roles can borrow from industrial engineering careers (think efficiency, QA/QC, and data).

• Residential PV installation & roofing integration
• Commercial PV installation (tilt-rack, ballast, metal roof systems)
• Utility-scale construction: QA/QC, punch-list, commissioning
• PV system design & CAD/drafting (plan sets, one-lines)
• Site assessment & shade analysis (irradiance, drones, thermal)
• Operations & maintenance (O&M): diagnostics, IV-curve, thermography
• Monitoring/SCADA & performance analytics (alarms, KPIs, uptime)
• Energy storage integration (battery systems, NEC 706/480 topics)
• Microgrid & backup power configuration (ATS, load shedding)
• Permitting & interconnection specialist (AHJ, utility portals)
• Estimating & sales engineering (bills of materials, pricing, proposals)
• Safety leadership (OSHA, fall protection, LOTO, electrical PPE)
• EV charging add-ons (panel upgrades, load calculations)
• NABCEP credential prep (PVA, PVIP domain coaching)

Pick a specialization that matches local demand and your tolerance for heights, travel, and troubleshooting—then stack skills as you advance. Professionals who broaden their expertise can also explore related career paths, including technology management degree jobs, which combine leadership, project oversight, and technical know-how.

Why specialize? The market is big and getting bigger. The graphic below shows an estimated 279,447 U.S. solar jobs in 2023. Choosing a niche—design, O&M, storage, or utility-scale QA—helps you compete for the fastest-growing slices of that workforce.

How do you choose the best online solar technician trade school program?

You’re making a career bet—treat it like one. Start with the goal (installer, O&M, design?) and work backward. Then pressure-test programs using these checkpoints:

• Accreditation & reputation: Regionally accredited school, strong reviews, employer recognition.
• NABCEP alignment: Clear prep for PV Associate or PV Installation Professional pathways.
• On-campus counterpart: Online curriculum mirrors a proven campus program or lab syllabus.
• Curriculum depth: NEC 690/705, wiring, racking, commissioning, storage basics, and a graded capstone.
• Instructors: Journeyman electricians, NABCEP pros, or utility-scale veterans—not generic facilitators.
• Assessment & simulation: Virtual labs, CAD/stringing tools, proctored exams, documented skills rubrics.
• Career support: Résumé coaching, job boards, employer showcases, alumni or contractor network.
• Cost & funding: Transparent total price, payment plans; for-credit options eligible for FAFSA or workforce grants.
• Schedule fit: Self-paced vs cohort, start dates, typical weekly time load.
• Stackability: Credit toward advanced certificates or an AAS; recognition of prior learning.

If a program can’t answer these in writing, keep shopping.

Let demand steer your choice. The chart below breaks down U.S. solar jobs by sector (IREC 2023): Installation & Project Development ~64.6% of roles, with Wholesale/Distribution, Manufacturing, and O&M each around 12%. Prioritize programs that map directly to these largest employment buckets.

Meanwhile, the chart below shows the U.S. solar jobs by sector:

What career paths are available for graduates of online solar technician trade school programs?

Solar careers stack fast if you pick roles that build on each other. Here’s a common ladder from first job to leadership (with specialty detours), and yes—skills from fields like an automotive technology degree can transfer smoothly into electrical diagnostics and safety.

1. Installer Helper / Apprentice — learns safety, wiring, racking, tool use.
2. Residential PV Installer — completes roof/ground mounts, conduit runs, terminations.
3. Lead Installer / Crew Lead — plans stringing, QA/QC, closes permits.
4. Commercial PV Technician — large arrays, tilt/ballast systems, advanced NEC compliance.
5. O&M Technician — diagnostics, IV curves, thermal scans, inverter replacement, monitoring.
6. PV Designer / CAD Specialist — one-lines, layout, load calcs, interconnection packages.
7. Site Supervisor / Foreman — manages crews, schedules, safety, subcontractors.
8. Project Coordinator / Scheduler — supply chain, inspections, utility/AHJ submissions.
9. Project Manager — budget, timeline, change orders, stakeholder comms.
10. Operations Manager / Regional PM — portfolio performance, hiring, vendor strategy.
11. Senior Roles (PVI/PVIP, Microgrids, Storage) — complex commissioning, microgrid/ESS design, compliance leadership.

What is the job market for graduates of online solar technician trade school programs?

Short version: it’s hot and getting hotter. Solar photovoltaic installers are projected to grow 48% (2023–2033)—one of America’s fastest-growing occupations—with about 4,100 openings per year. Industry demand backs that up. The U.S. added a record 50 GW of solar in 2024, and solar represented 84% of new power capacity added—momentum that keeps installers and O&M techs busy.

Work is widespread and expanding. The Solar Jobs Census 2023 counts 279,447 solar workers, up 15,564 year over year, with job gains in 47 states; California, Texas, Florida, Arizona, and Nevada remain standouts. Growth is also shifting toward long-term operations & maintenance roles as installed capacity scales, creating stable technician demand beyond construction spikes.

If you are interested in public service, leadership, or defense-related careers alongside renewable energy, you might also explore earning a military studies degree online to broaden your opportunities.

Graduates who can read plans, wire safely to NEC 690/705, and document commissioning have multiple entry points—residential, commercial EPCs, and utility-scale O&M—with national demand reinforced by record deployments and strong 10-year projections.

The image  below underscores the surge we discussed here: in 2024, solar plus battery storage made up 84% of all new U.S. power capacity. That buildout translates directly into hiring—more installs today, and a growing base of systems that need commissioning and long-term O&M tomorrow.

Here's What Graduates Have to Say About Their Online Solar Technician Trade School Program

Other Things You Should Know About Online Solar Technician Trade School Programs

Do I need NABCEP certification to get hired?

Short answer: often no for entry-level roles, yes for faster advancement. Many contractors hire graduates as installer-helpers and then sponsor the NABCEP PV Associate exam. Higher-tier credentials (e.g., PV Installation Professional) usually require logged field hours plus an exam. Treat the online program as your theory foundation and NABCEP as the credibility booster that opens lead tech and O&M doors.

How do I get hands-on experience if my program is 100% online?

Pair coursework with real work. Apply for installer-helper or warehouse/solar staging roles while studying, then ask to shadow crews. Look for manufacturer trainings, local weekend “bootcamps,” and utility-scale seasonal projects to rack up hours quickly. Apprenticeships with electrical contractors can also credit hours toward advanced certifications. Your goal: stack verifiable tasks—wiring, terminations, commissioning, and troubleshooting.

What tools and gear should I plan to use or own?

Expect basic PPE (hard hat, safety glasses, gloves, fall-protection harness), a digital multimeter, torque wrench, tape measure, torpedo level, impact driver, and assorted nut drivers. Many employers supply major tools and specialized meters; you bring the everyday kit and dependable boots. Online programs often publish a recommended list, so match your purchases to their lab rubrics and job descriptions.

Will I need licenses, background checks, or a perfect driving record?

Solar crews typically work under a licensed electrician or licensed contractor; you won’t pull permits solo. Requirements vary by state, but employers commonly run background checks, drug screens, and motor-vehicle record checks, and may require OSHA-10 early. A valid driver’s license, comfort with ladders/heights, and reliable attendance often matter more than prior experience when you’re breaking in.