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Solar energy specialist education requirements
Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
There are several educational requirements to become a solar energy specialist. Solar energy specialists usually study business, environmental science, or mechanical engineering. 53% of solar energy specialists hold a bachelor's degree, and 18% hold an associate degree. We analyzed 684 real solar energy specialist resumes to see exactly what solar energy specialist education sections show.
The most common colleges for solar energy specialists are the University of Phoenix and the University of Phoenix.
There are also many online solar energy specialist courses to help get the education required to be a solar energy specialist.
There are certain solar energy specialist certifications that you should consider. These solar energy specialist certifications include Certified Energy Manager (CEM) and LEED AP Building Design + Construction (LEED).
What education do you need to become a solar energy specialist?
What degree do you need to be a solar energy specialist?
- Bachelor's, 53%
- Associate, 18%
- High School Diploma, 13%
- Master's, 10%
- Other Degrees, 6%
What should I major in to become a solar energy specialist?
- Business, 28%
- Communication, 5%
- Other Majors, 54%
Most common colleges for solar energy specialists
| Solar energy specialist common college | Percentages |
|---|---|
| University of Phoenix | 8.57% |
| University of Massachusetts Boston | 8.57% |
| University of California, Berkeley | 7.14% |
| Humboldt State University | 7.14% |
| University of Massachusetts Amherst | 7.14% |
Best majors for solar energy specialists
| Rank | Major | Percentages |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Business | 28.0% |
| 2 | Environmental Science | 6.9% |
| 3 | Mechanical Engineering | 6.0% |
| 4 | Communication | 5.2% |
| 5 | Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians | 4.7% |
Best colleges for solar energy specialists
The best colleges for solar energy specialists are Stanford University, Northwestern University, and University of Pennsylvania.
A solar energy specialist with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for solar energy specialists. We based this list on several metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, the ratio of working vs. non-working students ten years after admission, the average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates who become solar energy specialists.
1. Stanford University
Stanford, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$51,354
Enrollment
7,083
2. University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA • Private
In-state tuition
$55,584
Enrollment
10,764
3. Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • Private
In-state tuition
$54,568
Enrollment
8,451
4. Maine Maritime Academy
Castine, ME • Private
In-state tuition
$13,478
Enrollment
979
5. University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$56,225
Enrollment
19,548
6. California State University - Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$7,309
Enrollment
9,142
7. SUNY at Binghamton
Vestal, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$9,808
Enrollment
13,990
8. Villanova University
Villanova, PA • Private
In-state tuition
$53,308
Enrollment
6,819
9. San Diego State University
San Diego, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$7,488
Enrollment
30,018
10. Bentley University
Waltham, MA • Private
In-state tuition
$49,880
Enrollment
4,177
20 best online courses for solar energy specialists
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1. Solar Energy for Engineers, Architects and Code Inspectors
This specialization provides an overview of solar photovoltaics (PV), intricacies of solar system design, and a framework for solar PV project management. Targeted for engineers, HVAC installers, architects and building code inspectors, it is also appropriate for anyone considering a career in the growing renewable energy field of solar power. Courses introduce how PV operates and the anatomy of solar electric systems, the economics of solar power, pros and cons of different systems,...
2. Photovoltaic solar energy
The course is an introduction to the photovoltaic (PV) applications in the general mix energetic context dominated by climate warming mitigation. The various uses of solar energy are firstly presented before a short description of the principle of the direct solar photon conversion into electricity (PV). The various PV technologies are reviewed in the current context dominated by crystalline silicon cells. The perspectives of the various technologies are then analysed in terms of R&D...
3. The Complete 2022 PV Solar Energy PVsyst, Excel & AutoCAD
Your solar Energy guide to design any Grid-tie & Off-grid Photovoltaic Solar Energy with software , layouts & manuals...
4. SOLAR ENERGY Design Course(With SketchUp & PVSYST)-PV system
PV system/Solar Energy deisgn Course. Components, Site survey, Design, SOFTWARES,Pricing ,Technical & finanical Reports...
5. Solar Energy Codes, Permitting and Zoning
This course equips learners to identify national code and zoning rules specific to photovoltaic (PV) systems, as well as key design elements and points for inspection. Curriculum includes zoning variances, critical elements of the permitting process, planning documents necessary for PV system installation and recommendations for permitting offices to streamline the permit process. Learners gain a code inspector’s perspective in relation to building and electrical code requirements. This course...
6. Physics of silicon solar cells
The first MOOC “Photovoltaic solar energy” is a general presentation of the solar photovoltaics technologies in the global energetic context, without extensive details. In particular the description of the solar cell operation is restricted to the ideal case In contrast this second MOOC allows a deep understanding of the properties of solar cells based on crystalline semiconductors. It consists in a general presentation of the physics of the photovoltaics devices with a particular emphasize on...
7. Solar Energy beginner to advanced.SolarPV System Design 2023
2023 Learn solar energy, from the components to the design of a Solar PV System. Focused on both technical & commercial...
8. The complete SOLAR ENERGY course. Beginner to advanced level
The only online course with everything you need to know on Solar Energy - 2023 Online CERTIFICATE - BEST SELLER!...
9. Complete 2023 PV Solar Energy PVSol Premium,Excel,PVsyst
Only online course with everything you need to learn about Solar Energy on grid + off grid using 4 methods from scratch...
10. SOLAR COURSE for Beginners of Solar Energy-
A perfect course with industry examples, tips, thumb rules& calculations for simplified learning, CERTIFICATECourse 2022...
11. Complete Solar Energy Design Course From Zero To Hero
The Most Comprehensive and Detailed Course on Designing Off-grid, On-grid, and Solar Water Pumping Systems for Beginners...
12. The Ultimate OFF-GRID Solar Energy Course. Become a Pro 2023
Solar Off-Grid certificate: The only SOLAR OFF-GRID course you'll ever need!...
13. Financial modeling Renewable Energy: Solar & Wind
Learn how build a financial model for solar plants and wind plants, and help seal renewable energy deals worldwide!...
14. OFF-GRID Solar Energy Systems: Design and Operation - 2023
[HIGHEST RATED] Taught by an Energy Engineer - Online Certificate - The Latest Technologies - Design Examples & Diagrams...
15. Project Schedule: Monitor & Control Specialist (Accredited)
Schedule Management: Monitor & Control Schedule, Analyze Schedule, Solve Project Schedule Problems Earn CPDs & PDUs...
16. Business Communication Skills: Handling Clients & Customers
Soft Skills Training Social Skills Business Etiquette Business English Customer Service Training...
17. Project Finance Modeling for Renewable Energy
Learn Financial Modeling for wind and solar projects...
18. Customer Service Foundation
An introductory course about understanding the foundations of Customer Service...
19. Fundamentals of Energy
Energy & Low Carbon Sustainable Energy Systems - Beginner Masterclass...
20. Customer Service, Customer Support, And Customer Experience
Customer service, customer support, and customer experience training. Loyal clients through world-class customer service...
Top 10 most affordable universities for solar energy specialists
The most affordable schools for solar energy specialists are SUNY Farmingdale, california state university - bakersfield, and baruch college of the city university of new york.
If the best universities for solar energy specialists are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for solar energy specialists.
1. SUNY Farmingdale
Farmingdale, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$8,306
Cost of attendance
16,091
2. California State University - Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$7,309
Cost of attendance
16,714
3. Baruch College of the City University of New York
New York, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$7,262
Cost of attendance
14,046
4. California State University - Dominguez Hills
Carson, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$6,942
Cost of attendance
14,469
5. Brooklyn College of the City University of New York
Brooklyn, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$7,240
Cost of attendance
13,991
6. Brigham Young University
Provo, UT • Private
In-state tuition
$5,620
Cost of attendance
18,136
7. SUNY Polytechnic Institute
Utica, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$8,238
Cost of attendance
21,567
8. USF Sarasota-Manatee
Sarasota, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$5,587
Cost of attendance
13,043
9. San Diego State University
San Diego, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$7,488
Cost of attendance
22,990
10. Clayton State University
Morrow, GA • Private
In-state tuition
$5,419
Cost of attendance
17,697
Top 10 hardest universities to get into for solar energy specialists
The hardest universities for solar energy specialists to get into are Stanford University, Northwestern University, and University of Pennsylvania.
Some great schools for solar energy specialists are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for solar energy specialists based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.
1. Stanford University
Stanford, CA • Private
Admissions rate
4%
SAT average
1,497
2. Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • Private
Admissions rate
8%
SAT average
1,508
3. University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA • Private
Admissions rate
8%
SAT average
1,492
4. Boston University
Boston, MA • Private
Admissions rate
22%
SAT average
1,420
5. New York University
New York, NY • Private
Admissions rate
20%
SAT average
1,419
6. University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA • Private
Admissions rate
13%
SAT average
1,445
7. Villanova University
Villanova, PA • Private
Admissions rate
29%
SAT average
1,407
8. Bentley University
Waltham, MA • Private
Admissions rate
43%
SAT average
1,338
9. SUNY at Binghamton
Vestal, NY • Private
Admissions rate
40%
SAT average
1,376
10. Brandeis University
Waltham, MA • Private
Admissions rate
31%
SAT average
1,398
Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for solar energy specialists
The easiest schools for solar energy specialists to get into are Oklahoma Wesleyan University, notre dame de namur university, and holy names university.
Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a solar energy specialist without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for solar energy specialists.
1. Oklahoma Wesleyan University
Bartlesville, OK • Private
Admissions rate
68%
SAT average
964
2. Notre Dame de Namur University
Belmont, CA • Private
Admissions rate
82%
SAT average
983
3. Holy Names University
Oakland, CA • Private
Admissions rate
70%
SAT average
849
4. Notre Dame College
Cleveland, OH • Private
Admissions rate
90%
SAT average
994
5. LIM College
New York, NY • Private
Admissions rate
83%
SAT average
1,061
6. Nyack College
New York, NY • Private
Admissions rate
98%
SAT average
999
7. Life University
Marietta, GA • Private
Admissions rate
94%
SAT average
979
8. D'Youville College
Buffalo, NY • Private
Admissions rate
100%
SAT average
1,072
9. Presentation College
Aberdeen, SD • Private
Admissions rate
97%
SAT average
1,050
10. Oregon Institute of Technology
Klamath Falls, OR • Private
Admissions rate
96%
SAT average
1,139
Average solar energy specialist salary by education level
| Solar energy specialist education level | Solar energy specialist salary |
|---|---|
| Master's Degree | $96,072 |
| High School Diploma or Less | $49,071 |
| Bachelor's Degree | $79,454 |
| Doctorate Degree | $89,522 |
| Some College/ Associate Degree | $52,413 |
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Updated January 8, 2025
Updated January 8, 2025