Solar Energy Technology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Designed for individuals seeking a career in the rapidly expanding renewable energy sector, this program equips learners with foundational engineering knowledge and hands-on technical expertise essential for supporting the design, deployment, and maintenance of solar energy systems. Graduates gain the practical and analytical capabilities needed to contribute effectively within solar technology teams across commercial, industrial, and residential applications.
- Solar energy principles: Explores the science behind photovoltaic and thermal solar systems, including sunlight conversion, radiation absorption, and efficiency optimization in real-world environments.
- Energy storage and transfer technologies: Covers battery systems, inverters, and grid integration methods that enable reliable power delivery and efficient energy management from solar installations.
- Testing and inspection procedures: Teaches standardized protocols for evaluating system performance, safety compliance, and component integrity using diagnostic tools and industry best practices.
- System maintenance procedures: Focuses on preventive and corrective maintenance techniques to ensure long-term reliability, performance, and safety of solar infrastructure.
- Report preparation: Develops skills in documenting technical findings, system evaluations, and operational data using clear, professional formats for stakeholders and regulatory bodies.
Solar Energy Technology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Solar Energy Technology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Solar Energy Technology degrees, including Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other and Solar Photovoltaic Installers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 92,690 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other 17-3029 | $77,390 | $47,010 - $114,630 | 64,410 | $37.21 |
| Solar Photovoltaic Installers 47-2231 | $51,860 | $39,070 - $80,150 | 28,280 | $24.93 |
Solar Energy Technology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $56,320 in Utah to $109,120 in District of Columbia—a 94% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, Maine, and Rhode Island. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 92,690 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Solar Energy Technology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 28 institutions offering Solar Energy Technology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Solar Energy Technology is found at Colby Community College (49 graduates), Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) (45 graduates), Texas State Technical College (TSTC) (35 graduates), Cleveland State Community College (CSCC) (31 graduates), and South Georgia Technical College (SGTC) (19 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 341 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colby Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
49 | Colby, Kansas | Public | colbycc.edu |
| Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
45 | Albuquerque, New Mexico | Public | cnm.edu |
| Texas State Technical College (TSTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
35 | Waco, Texas | Public | tstc.edu |
| Cleveland State Community College (CSCC) |
Other Award
|
31 | Cleveland, Tennessee | Public | clevelandstatecc.edu |
| South Georgia Technical College (SGTC) |
Other Award
|
19 | Americus, Georgia | Public | southgatech.edu |
| Ogeechee Technical College (OTC) |
Other Award
|
18 | Statesboro, Georgia | Public | ogeecheetech.edu |
| Escuela Tecnica de Electricidad |
Other Award
|
18 | Ponce, Puerto Rico | Private | etepr.edu |
| Pennsylvania State University |
Postbac Cert.
|
15 | University Park, Pennsylvania | Public | worldcampus.psu.edu |
| North Georgia Technical College |
Other Award
|
14 | Clarkesville, Georgia | Public | northgatech.edu |
| West Georgia Technical College (WGTC) |
Other Award
|
12 | Waco, Georgia | Public | westgatech.edu |
| Century College |
Other Award
|
12 | White Bear Lake, Minnesota | Public | century.edu |
| Indian River State College (IRSC) |
Other Award
|
11 | Fort Pierce, Florida | Public | irsc.edu |
| Savannah Technical College |
Other Award
|
9 | Savannah, Georgia | Public | savannahtech.edu |
| Triton College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
8 | River Grove, Illinois | Public | triton.edu |
| Crowder College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
6 | Neosho, Missouri | Public | crowder.edu |
| Appalachian State University (App State) |
Other Award
|
6 | Boone, North Carolina | Public | appstate.edu |
| Southeastern Technical College (STC) |
Other Award
|
6 | Vidalia, Georgia | Public | southeasterntech.edu |
| Augusta Technical College (Augusta Tech) |
Other Award
|
4 | Augusta, Georgia | Public | augustatech.edu |
| Genesee Community College (GCC) |
Other Award
|
4 | Batavia, New York | Public | genesee.edu |
| Bryan University (Bryan U) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
4 | Springfield, Missouri | Private | bryanu.edu |
| Arizona Western College (AWC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
3 | Yuma, Arizona | Public | azwestern.edu |
| Okaloosa Technical College (OTC) |
Other Award
|
3 | Fort Walton Beach, Florida | Public | otcollege.net |
| Owens Community College (OCC) |
Associate's
|
2 | Perrysburg, Ohio | Public | owens.edu |
| Erwin Technical College (ETC) |
Other Award
|
2 | Tampa, Florida | Public | hillsboroughschools.org |
| Coconino Community College (CCC) |
Other Award
|
2 | Flagstaff, Arizona | Public | coconino.edu |
| Albany Technical College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
1 | Albany, Georgia | Public | albanytech.edu |
| Sauk Valley Community College (SVCC) |
Other Award
|
1 | Dixon, Illinois | Public | svcc.edu |
| Navajo Technical University (Navajo Tech) |
Associate's
|
1 | Crownpoint, New Mexico | Public | navajotech.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Solar Energy Technology programs
How much can I earn with a Solar Energy Technology degree?
Salaries for Solar Energy Technology graduates vary by role and location. Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other earn a median of $77,390 annually, while Solar Photovoltaic Installers earn around $51,860. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $109,120 compared to $56,320 in Utah. Approximately 92,690 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Solar Energy Technology programs?
Currently 28 accredited institutions offer Solar Energy Technology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Colby Community College (49 graduates), Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) (45 graduates), and Texas State Technical College (TSTC) (35 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a Solar Energy Technology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other, Solar Photovoltaic Installers, . Related occupations employ approximately 92,690 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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