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Solar Apprentice Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Technician Apprentice

Lincoln, CA · On-site

$21 - $35/hr

Clean gutters, clean windows, clean solar panels, and install & remove Christmas lighting ... The Technician Apprentice must be able to follow a set of procedures, sustain concentration while ...

PG&E Corporation

Solar Technician

Moss Landing, CA · On-site

$65.27/hr

The Solar Technician position is a journeyman level position. Required skills are those of a ... apprenticeship OR have a minimum of 5 years experience operating and maintaining electrical ...

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How much do solar apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for solar apprentice in California is $18.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.67 and $20.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Solar Apprentice position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Solar Apprentice, you need a basic understanding of electrical systems, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hand and power tools, an OSHA safety certification, and the ability to read blueprints are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work well in a team are valuable soft skills for this position. These qualifications ensure safe, accurate installation and maintenance of solar systems while supporting effective collaboration on job sites.

How much solar power does it take to run a house?

A Solar Apprentice working in the solar industry learns that the amount of solar power needed to run a house depends on the home's energy consumption, typically ranging from 4 to 8 kilowatts for an average household. This requires installing a solar panel system with the appropriate capacity, considering factors like location, roof space, and energy efficiency. Proper system design and installation are essential to meet the household's energy needs reliably.

What does solar mean?

In the context of a Solar Apprentice, 'solar' refers to solar energy, which is power generated from sunlight using solar panels. The role involves installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting solar photovoltaic systems, often requiring knowledge of electrical work and safety protocols.

Why are people getting rid of their solar panels?

People may remove or replace solar panels due to system malfunctions, aging equipment, or changes in energy needs. Solar apprentices often assist with maintenance, troubleshooting, and upgrades to ensure optimal performance and safety of the solar energy system.

What does a typical workday look like for a Solar Apprentice?

As a Solar Apprentice, your typical day involves assisting with the installation and maintenance of solar panels, preparing materials and tools, and following safety protocols under the guidance of experienced technicians. You may work outdoors on rooftops or construction sites, often as part of a crew, and collaborate with electricians and installers to complete projects efficiently. Daily tasks can include mounting panels, running wiring, checking system performance, and cleaning up job sites. This hands-on experience is designed to build your skills and knowledge, preparing you for more advanced roles in the solar industry.

What is a Solar Apprentice job?

A Solar Apprentice is an entry-level position in the solar industry where individuals learn how to install, maintain, and troubleshoot solar panel systems under the guidance of experienced technicians. This role involves hands-on training in electrical work, roofing, and safety procedures. Apprentices typically assist with mounting panels, wiring systems, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. The position provides valuable experience toward becoming a certified solar installer or electrician.

Does rain affect solar panels?

For a solar apprentice, rain can temporarily reduce the efficiency of solar panels by washing away dirt and debris, which can improve performance over time. However, heavy or prolonged rain can cause safety concerns and may require inspections to ensure panels and electrical components remain in good condition after weather events.
What are the most commonly searched types of Solar jobs in California? The most popular types of Solar jobs in California are:
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What job categories do people searching Solar Apprentice jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Solar Apprentice jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Solar Apprentice jobs? Cities in California with the most Solar Apprentice job openings:
Solar Apprentice jobs near you
Solar Service Technician (Sacramento)

Solar Service Technician (Sacramento)

Simply Solar

Sacramento, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

When you join the Simply Solar team, you join an amazing culture of people who care deeply about the work they do. You join an organization committed to empowering people to make positive, measurable changes in their personal lives and our communities.
We also offer competitive pay with excellent benefits, company trips/events, PTO, 401K, and more. Plus, we're pet-friendly!
Join our team, and do work that matters!
We're looking for skilled Solar Service Technicians to join our growing service team. This role is for someone who knows their way around solar and battery systems, can diagnose problems quickly, and takes pride in solving technical challenges. You'll be working on a mix of residential and commercial systems throughout the Bay Area, keeping solar and battery installations running at peak performance.
This isn't entry-level work. We need technicians who can think on their feet, troubleshoot complex issues, and represent Simply Solar professionally in front of customers. Many of the systems you'll service were installed by other companies and may have been neglected, so you'll need the skills and confidence to figure things out without a roadmap.
What You'll Actually Be Doing
Daily Service Work
  • Diagnose and troubleshoot system performance issues across a variety of PV and battery installations.
  • Perform inverter replacements, module swaps, and component repairs on SolarEdge, Enphase, Tesla, and other major systems.
  • Remove and reinstall solar arrays for roof repairs, replacements, or structural work, ensuring proper reconnection and system commissioning.
  • Complete full system removals for customers who are moving, selling homes, or decommissioning installations.
  • Conduct detailed system inspections and identify potential problems before they become failures.
  • Install critter guards, perform system cleaning, and handle preventive maintenance tasks.
  • Test and verify system performance after repairs to ensure everything is working correctly.

Customer Interaction
  • Explain technical issues and repair options to homeowners in plain language.
  • Walk customers through system operation and answer questions about performance.
  • Document site conditions, take photos, and provide clear notes for follow-up work.
  • Represent Simply Solar professionally and build trust with customers who may be frustrated with previous service experiences.

Collaboration & Reporting
  • Communicate with the service operations team about job status, parts needs, and scheduling.
  • Flag warranty issues and coordinate with manufacturers on RMA processes.
  • Keep accurate records of work performed, materials used, and time spent on each job.
  • Identify upsell opportunities like battery additions, system expansions, or maintenance plans.

Safety & Compliance
  • Follow all safety protocols for working on roofs, ladders, and electrical systems.
  • Comply with NEC code requirements and local permitting standards.
  • Maintain a clean, organized work environment and vehicle.

What We're Looking For
Required Experience & Skills
  • At least 1 year of hands-on experience servicing solar PV systems. You've been out in the field, dealt with real problems, and know how systems fail.
  • Minimum 1 year working with solar inverters and electrical panels. You're comfortable around AC and DC electrical systems and understand the basics of troubleshooting.
  • Hands-on experience with SolarEdge and Enphase systems. These are the platforms you'll work with most often.
  • Strong diagnostic and problem-solving skills. You can look at a system, identify what's wrong, and figure out how to fix it.
  • Good communication skills. You can talk to customers without being condescending and explain technical issues clearly.
  • Valid California driver's license with a clean driving record. You'll be driving a company vehicle to job sites throughout the Bay Area.
  • Physical ability to work on roofs, lift equipment, and handle the demands of fieldwork.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Familiarity with battery systems including LG Chem, SolarEdge Energy Bank, Tesla Powerwall, and Enphase Encharge.
  • Experience with system monitoring platforms like Enlighten Manager, SolarEdge monitoring portal, and Tesla app.
  • Knowledge of different racking systems, mounting hardware, and roof types.
  • Experience with system removals and reinstallations, including proper waterproofing and flashing techniques.
  • Electrical background or training (C-10 license, electrical apprenticeship, or similar).
  • NABCEP PV Installation Professional or Associate certification.

Personal Qualities
  • Self-motivated. You don't need to be micromanaged. You show up, do the work, and communicate when issues arise.
  • Detail-oriented. You take good notes, follow checklists, and don't cut corners.
  • Customer-focused. You understand that homeowners trust us with expensive equipment on their roofs, and you treat that responsibility seriously.
  • Team player. You're willing to help other techs, share knowledge, and contribute to a positive work culture.
  • Comfortable with technology. You can use mobile apps, upload photos, navigate CRM systems, and aren't intimidated by software.

Tools & Technology You'll Use
  • Monitoring platforms: Enphase Enlighten, SolarEdge monitoring portal, Tesla app, SMA Sunny Portal
  • Testing equipment: Multimeters, clamp meters, meggers, IR cameras
  • Mobile tools: Company-provided phone/tablet for job tracking, photo documentation, and communication
  • Company vehicle: Equipped with common parts, tools, and safety equipment

Work Environment & Travel
  • Service area: Within 100-mile radius of Petaluma office, primarily throughout the Bay Area
  • Schedule: Monday through Friday, typical hours 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with occasional early starts or late finishes based on job needs
  • Travel: Daily travel to customer sites; expect 2-5 jobs per day, depending on complexity
  • Physical demands: Roof work, ladder climbing, lifting equipment up to 50 lbs, working in varied weather conditions
  • On-call rotation: Occasional emergency on-call responsibilities shared across the team

Compensation & Benefits
  • Hourly Rate: $25-$35 per hour, based on experience and certifications
  • Comprehensive Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance: $10,000 policy fully paid by the company
  • Paid Time Off: 10 days PTO during your first year, plus 7 paid holidays
  • Retirement: 401(k) plan available
  • Employee Assistance Program: Confidential support services
  • Company Vehicle: For work use, with fuel and maintenance covered
  • Tools & Equipment: Company provides specialized tools and safety equipment
  • Training & Development: Ongoing manufacturer training and certification opportunities

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