All information about solar technician training and further education

Are you interested in renewable energies and want to work in a future-proof professional field? Maybe you even want to make the world a more sustainable place through your work? Regardless of whether you are also committed to a sustainable lifestyle or simply find the world of solar and photovoltaics exciting - a career in solar and photovoltaic technology could be just right for you! 

The first important piece of information for you right away: Unfortunately, there is (still) no apprenticeship in Germany that will get you directly into the solar and photovoltaic technology sector. But don't worry: you can get your dream job in many other ways. Here you can find out which apprenticeships are the easiest way to start your career in the solar sector and which further training opportunities are open to you afterwards as a solar technician. You will also find all the important information about tasks and your salary prospects in this exciting and future-oriented professional field.

Tasks as a solar technician

As a solar technician, you are basically responsible for planning, installing and maintaining photovoltaic systems . Your work often begins with analyzing the conditions on site to determine which type of solar system is best suited. This also involves talking to your customers and conducting negotiations. As a solar technician, you will work at many different locations in your area or even across the country and have a new and exciting challenge with every new customer. You will also create technical drawings, finalize the planning and then take care of the installation. When everything is ready, you connect them to the power grid. In summary, your tasks as a solar technician include the following:

• Planning and design of solar systems
• Assembly and installation of photovoltaic systems
• Maintenance and servicing of the systems
• Fault diagnosis and repair of solar systems
• Monitoring system performance and efficiency

These tasks not only require technical know-how, but also a high degree of precision and a sense of responsibility, as you will be working with complex systems that are crucial for the energy supply. 

Training in the field of solar and photovoltaics

The profession of solar technician is not a traditional apprenticeship that you can learn from scratch. But don't worry - there are numerous ways in which you can achieve your dream job very quickly. In general, the job title of solar technician is a specialization that you can achieve through one or more further training courses. We recommend training in the skilled trades and especially in the electrical sector, as you can learn the basic technical know-how directly. For example, if you have completed training as an industrial electrician , you can deepen your knowledge in the field of photovoltaics and specialize as a solar technician with just a few targeted further training courses.

There are also numerous other technical training courses that can provide you with a very good foundation for your future career as a solar technician. Here are a few examples:

• Electrician or electronics technician
• Mechatronics technician
• Network or communication technician
• Industrial mechanic
• SHK plant mechanic

The difference between these apprenticeships lies in their specific focus: While electronics technicians concentrate on electrical systems, mechatronics technicians often work at the interface between mechanics and electronics. All of these apprenticeships open up a wide range of opportunities in the solar industry. So you are free to choose whichever interests you more!

Further training as a solar technician

Specialization as a solar technician usually takes place through targeted further training, which provides you with both in-depth theoretical knowledge and practical skills in a relatively short time. Possible contents that are covered in the further training courses are 

• Decentralized energy solutions
• Photovoltaics
• Electromobility
• Energy law
• Energy storage and energy grid
• KNX and fiber optics
• Hydrogen.

Source: Competence Center (bildung-energie.de)

The content is practice-oriented and often modular so that you can focus on the topics that are particularly relevant to your career. Depending on the educational institution, there are various offers that differ greatly in terms of cost, relevance to your profession and recognition. It makes sense to find out exactly what you need to know!

A tip from us: Many companies now offer further training to become a solar technician as an apprenticeship. This means you are employed by a company, receive the training free of charge and can start working full-time in your new profession straight afterwards. 

As an electrician, mechatronics technician or industrial mechanic, this type of further training offers you an excellent opportunity to specialize in a new area and expand your knowledge. You can find more information on further training opportunities in the electrical sector in our article on further training for electricians.

Salary opportunities in the solar sector

The salary as a solar technician can vary greatly and depends on various factors, such as your professional experience, the size of the company and the federal state in which you work. It also makes a big difference whether you are willing to travel and possibly work all over Germany. As a career starter, you can expect a very good monthly gross salary of 3,385 euros , according to gehalt.de. With increasing experience, your monthly salary will rise to an average of 3,887 euros gross and with further qualifications, such as a master craftsman, technician or degree, you will usually even crack the 5,000 euro monthly salary. For example, after studying to become an electrical engineer, you will receive an average of 5,786 euros per month, according to gehalt.de Note that salaries in southern federal states such as Bavaria or Baden-Württemberg tend to be higher than in other parts of Germany. But you also have a very good chance of earning a high salary in the north: Hamburg, for example, is in second place in a comparison of federal states (gehalt.de).

You can also find out more about salary opportunities in related professions, such as electronics technician salary, on our page.

Find jobs in solar and photovoltaics on WorkerHero

The demand for qualified specialists in the field of solar and photovoltaic technology is high and will continue to rise in the coming years. WorkerHero gives you the opportunity to find suitable job offers in your region quickly and easily. Regardless of whether you have already completed further training in the field of solar and photovoltaics or not - WorkerHero offers you a wide selection of job offers that are precisely tailored to your qualifications and interests. Start your search today and find the job that suits you! 

Working as a solar technician not only offers the chance to work in a future-proof and environmentally friendly field , but also varied and exciting tasks and the opportunity to discover new places every day. With the right training and targeted further training, you can successfully establish yourself in the solar industry and look forward to a high salary! Use WorkerHero to find your dream job in solar and photovoltaics and take your career to the next level!