Is solar a good career in Florida?

Yes. Florida is one of the top states for solar energy and job growth is expected to remain strong for years to come.

How to Become a Solar Technician in Florida

Q: Do solar technicians need to be licensed in Florida?

No, but OSHA safety training and NABCEP certification are commonly required or recommended. Only solar contractors need a license.

Q: How long does it take to become a solar installer?

Most solar technician training programs take 3 to 12 months. Apprenticeships can take 2 to 4 years but are paid.

Updated December 4, 2025 | Brad Fishbein Table of Contents

So, you're thinking about becoming a solar technician in Florida? You're in the right state - and the right time. Florida ranks #3 in the nation for solar installations[^1], and the need for skilled solar professionals is only heating up.

Whether you're fresh out of high school, pivoting from another trade, or just passionate about clean energy, this step-by-step guide will help you understand everything you need to know about launching your solar career in Florida.

⚡ Do You Need a License to Be a Solar Technician in Florida?

You don't need a license to work as an entry-level solar panel installer, but you will need:

Requirement	Description	Required?
OSHA 10 or 30 Card	Federal job site safety requirement[^2]	✅ Required
NABCEP Certification	Industry-standard solar certification[^3]	✅ Recommended
Electrical Contractor License	Needed only if you want to run your own solar business[^4]	❌ Not for techs

“Florida requires all solar installations to comply with the Florida Building Code and be completed by properly trained personnel.” - Florida Solar Energy Center[^5]

🛠️ Step-by-Step: How to Become a Solar Installer in Florida

1. Meet Basic Requirements

Be 18 or older
High school diploma or GED
Be physically able to lift panels and work on rooftops
Comfortable with heights, tools, and basic math

2. Complete a Solar Technician Training Program

Training Option	Duration	Where to Find It
Certificate Program	3-9 months	Florida trade schools, online platforms
Apprenticeship	2-4 years	Sponsored by IBEW, FSEC, or Florida Solar School
Community College Courses	1-2 years	For those pursuing associate degrees

“Many employers now require job applicants to have completed a solar training program aligned with NABCEP standards.” - U.S. Department of Energy[^3]

Popular Solar Training Programs in Florida:

3. Earn NABCEP Certification (Recommended)

The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is the top credentialing body for solar professionals.

NABCEP Credential	Who It's For
PV Associate Certification	Entry-level installers
PV Installation Professional	Advanced techs & project managers

“NABCEP-certified installers tend to earn higher wages and are preferred by many employers.” - Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC)[^6]

4. Get OSHA 10 or 30 Certification

You'll need OSHA safety training to legally work on most solar job sites in Florida.

Card Type	Time to Complete	Best For
OSHA-10	~10 hours	New solar technicians
OSHA-30	~30 hours	Supervisors & leads

Training is available online through authorized OSHA providers.

5. Apply for Jobs or Start an Apprenticeship

After training and certifications, you can begin working in roles like:

Role	Description
Solar Installer	Mounts, secures, and wires solar panels
PV Technician	Troubleshoots and maintains installed systems
Foreman / Crew Lead	Manages team on-site
Sales / Site Assessor	Surveys rooftops and configures installations

Tip: Entry-level jobs often start at $18-$24/hour and include benefits like health insurance and paid training.

💸 Estimated Cost Breakdown

Item	Estimated Cost
Solar Training Course	$1,000-$5,000
NABCEP Associate Exam	~$150
OSHA-10 Card	$25-$100
Tools & Safety Gear (starter kit)	$300-$1,000
Estimated Total	$1,500-$6,500+

🔗 Other Florida Trades

🙋 FAQs

Do solar technicians need to be licensed in Florida?
No, but you'll need OSHA training and a NABCEP credential is highly recommended. A license is only needed if you plan to contract.

How long does it take to become a solar installer?
Anywhere from 3 to 12 months depending on your program. Apprenticeships take longer but are paid.

Can I get financial aid for solar training?

Is solar installation a good career in Florida?
Absolutely. It's a fast-growing field with great pay, outdoor work, and a clear growth path.

📚 Citations

[^1]: SEIA - Florida Solar Market Insight: https://www.seia.org/state-solar-policy/florida-solar
[^2]: U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration - https://www.osha.gov
[^3]: North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP): https://www.nabcep.org
[^4]: Florida DBPR - CVC/CGC Contractor Licensing: https://www.myfloridalicense.com
[^5]: Florida Solar Energy Center - Workforce Training: https://www.fsec.ucf.edu
[^6]: Interstate Renewable Energy Council - https://irecusa.org
[^7]: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Solar Photovoltaic Installers: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/solar-photovoltaic-installers.htm

Median Pay (2024) $46,130 $22.18 per hour

Mean Pay (2024)

$51,070 per year $24.55 per hour

Wage Percentiles

10th Percentile $40,650

$19.54 per hour

25th Percentile $43,450

$20.89 per hour

75th Percentile $59,130

$28.43 per hour

90th Percentile $61,880

$29.75 per hour

Florida vs U.S.

Median Wage -11.0%

$46,130

$22.18 per hour

Mean Wage -11.0%

$51,070

$24.55 per hour

Percent difference vs U.S.

Employment Outlook

2024 1,940

Employment: 1,940 jobs

Additional Details

Employment per 1,000 Jobs: 0.20
Employment RSE: 15.8%
Total Employment (BLS sample): 1,940 jobs

Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.

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