Trade Schools
Solar installation technicians are in high demand but involve routine work that can get boring and also have little opportunity for advancement.
If you’re looking to transfer to a similar career path, then don’t worry.
Solar installation techs have a wide array of skills that easily translate to other jobs.
Their expertise in electrical systems, project management, and solar technology can help them in many other industries.
List of Alternative Careers
1. Wind Turbine Technician
A wind turbine technician focuses on the installation and upkeep of wind turbines.
They are in charge of installing, inspecting, and maintaining turbines for clients.
Maintenance ranges from greasing generators, swapping gearboxes, and repairing any damages.
Wind turbine techs often have a lot of overlap with solar installation tech.
They are responsible for electrical work such as wiring and troubleshooting, they also need mechanical aptitude.
Aside from that, they will need to diagnose an issue promptly and also adhere to regulations and safety protocols.
Those wanting to be a wind turbine technician will need to attend a technician school and complete a two-year program.
However, depending on the state, some will allow their employees to have on-the-job training.
That said, on-the-job training positions do require at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
Both jobs tend to have overlap in electrical work, which allows the skill sets to transfer well.
Working as a wind turbine technician, you’ll also get to work outdoors and problem-solve electrical issues.
Despite the similarities, wind turbine technicians have a higher earning potential and are also in high demand.
2. Electrician
An electrician is someone who works with electrical systems in industrial or residential buildings.
They are responsible for installation, maintenance, and repairs.
As an electrician, you can either work freelance or be employed by a company.
Electricians have many similar skills to solar installation technicians.
They also work with installing electrical components, troubleshooting electrical issues, and inspecting components.
They may also have to rewire fixtures, train interns, and schedule appointments with clients.
Since electricians work with their hands, they will either receive on-the-job training or attend a technician college.
A degree often isn’t necessary, but those wanting to work in the field will at least need a GED or high school diploma.
They will also need to attend an apprenticeship, where they will learn how to work with electrical components with an instructor.
Both solar installation technicians and electricians have a bit of overlap with skill sets.
However, an electrician will have a more complex understanding of commercial and residential electrical units.
That said, the job is more challenging and the pay is often better.
3. HVAC Technician
An HVAC technician installs, maintains, and repairs HVAC systems.
They work in either commercial or residential settings, ensuring that heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration are working properly.
HVAC techs will either work as freelance or will work in a company.
Working as an HVAC will require similar skills to a solar installation tech, such as mechanical skills, problem-solving and troubleshooting, and reading blueprints.
They will also have strong communication and customer service skills, as well as be punctual and efficient at troubleshooting electrical issues.
A high school diploma or GED is required to work as an HVAC in the United States.
They will also need to either attend a program or apprenticeship before being able to take a certification exam.
The exam is the EPA Section 608 certificate exam and certifies you to work with refrigerants.
Just be sure to check your state licensing, as there may be additional certification needed.
A solar installation technician may enjoy working as an HVAC tech because it’s more consistent and in higher demand.
HVAC technicians also require less knowledge than a solar installation tech, and mainly only focus on HVAC components.
That said, the pay may not be as lucrative, but an HVAC tech can work independently and accrue a higher paycheck.
4. Roofing Contractor/Installer
While similar to solar installation techs, a roofing contractor focuses on installing, repairing, and maintaining roofs on residential or commercial buildings.
They are also responsible for ensuring the structural integrity of materials and replacing damages.
Mainly, they focus on either repairs or replacements, but can also do installations for new roofs.
A roofing contractor and a solar installation technician don’t have too much overlap, but enough to make them similar.
A roofing contractor will be responsible for project management tasks, communicating with clients, and assisting with troubleshooting.
A roofer will also be responsible for structural assessment and adhering to safety protocols, similar to a solar installation tech.
Becoming a roofing contractor will vary depending on your state of residency.
Each state has specific laws ranging from two to four years of prior experience working in a similar field.
That said, you may also need to attend an apprenticeship and apply and pass an exam for certification.
Solar installation technicians will likely enjoy working as roofers, as it’s less complex but requires a similar skill set.
5. Construction/Maintenance Worker
A construction and/or maintenance worker is a professional who performs journey-level work in multiple skilled trades.
Their main duties are to upkeep, repair, and perform maintenance on existing buildings.
Solar installation technicians also play a similar role as they use skills such as problem-solving, maintenance, and project management on the job.
Skills such as attention to detail, troubleshooting, and training can also translate well into a construction worker position.
To become a construction/maintenance worker, one will need to complete an apprenticeship as a journey-level worker.
This often means that you’ll work in construction or building trades for a minimum of four years.
However, you may also take the educational route and take two years of a vocational training program.
The benefits of working in construction are a variety of projects, faster faster-paced work environment, more hands-on work, and higher earning potential.
6. Field Service Technician
A field service technician will install, maintain, and troubleshoot equipment.
Often, they will work with technology, such as a network technician, and will focus on keeping various systems up and running.
They often work on-site at consumer’s homes and will travel from one location to the next ensuring everything is working properly.
Solar installation technicians will have a skill set that will translate well into the field service industry.
For example, troubleshooting and installation are a huge part of both jobs.
In addition, strong customer service skills and promptness are needed.
Luckily, you will only need a high school diploma or GED to work as one unless the company otherwise specifies.
Becoming a field service technician is a much better alternative career because it has fewer technical tasks, is often more consistent with projects, and offers the ability to work alone.
7. Telecommunications Technician
A telecommunications technician is a professional who works with telecommunication lines or equipment.
They are responsible for maintaining and repairing damaged wiring and testing the lines for any inconsistencies.
Telecommunication technicians will have industry knowledge of telephone equipment, communication circuits, and cabling.
While much different from a solar installation technician, a telecommunications tech often does have some overlap.
They will also be working outdoors and installing, troubleshooting, and repairing any faulty equipment.
Aside from that, they will also need to adhere to safety regulations and be highly detail-oriented in their job.
Becoming a telecommunications technician doesn’t require any education, but most companies will want to see either a certificate or a diploma.
Relevant fields of education include computer networking, but may also include other related fields.
Being a telecommunications tech can be a good choice if you want to be more hands-on with projects.
In addition, electrical knowledge is similar to solar installation techs.
However, the job is more complex but has better pay.
8. Industrial Maintenance Mechanic
An industrial maintenance technician is an individual who is responsible for maintaining, installing, and repairing commercial and industrial machinery.
They often work in manufacturing settings and will usually complete preventative maintenance to ensure machinery is working without issues.
Skills as a solar installation technician can easily translate well into this job.
Many industrial maintenance mechanics will have to be detail-oriented and be able to think on their feet.
They will also be responsible for troubleshooting complex problems and working alongside other technicians to ensure that everything will go smoothly.
To become an industrial maintenance mechanic, one will need on-the-job training or a two-year associate degree in industrial maintenance.
Unlike solar installation technicians, industrial maintenance mechanics will work on maintaining machinery, which can be more rewarding work.
There is also a high demand for the job and offers very good pay compared to a solar installation technician.
You will also get more chances to work with your hands versus being responsible for project management, which some people enjoy better.
Tips for Transitioning Careers
Transitioning away from a solar installation tech can be difficult since many other career paths require some formal education or training.
However, the skill set that you build in the solar industry can come in handy in many other fields.
As a solar installation tech, you will learn project management, hands-on experience with electrical wiring, and also maintenance and troubleshooting.
If you’re thinking of transitioning to another field, then it’s best to look for entry-level positions where you can take on an apprenticeship.
These positions often don’t require you to have any formal education and you’ll end up learning while you’re on the job.
You will also get paid while working, which means the transition won’t require you to take time off of work to learn new skills.
That said, some companies will require that you have degrees.
If you do want to go this route, then ensure that it’s a profession that you’ll want to do.
See if you can shadow someone or volunteer in the industry before investing in pursuing education.
Conclusion
Leaping to transition from one career to the next can be very difficult.
However, you’ve already gained many skills that will help in a wide variety of careers.
Being a solar installation technician can be fun, but sometimes you want a job with more hands-on positions or you may want to move away from the sector if you are moving to an area that doesn’t utilize solar as much.
Regardless, there are plenty of career opportunities out there for you to transition to.
