Invest in yourself.
Solar States provides free solar training to Philadelphians of any background. Below are details of available programs and stories of students who have gone on to become solar salespeople, master electricians, and crew leads at Solar States.
Why we educate
But first we need people! Right now, there aren’t enough…
In this field as in so many others, education is growth. You advance by learning and mastering. Solar installers have to understand not only how the technology works and how to handle it, but how to collaborate with others, communicate well, and be a professional. Solar is a team sport. You’ll learn team skills, as well as individual.
We prepare inner-city Philadelphians and others in our region for careers in clean energy because we need you, and because it’s fun watching people grow and thrive in our backyard.
From Philadelphia OIC to Sales Leader
Available programs
Click for upcoming dates and more information.
OIC - SETT Program
Contact Philadelphia OIC for more information.
The next classes are scheduled for January 9th (no seats left) and April 10th.
Philadelphia OIC’s free, 6-week SETT Program trains young adults 18+ from low-income and minority communities for lasting careers in the Energy industry. Students receive hands-on training from industry experts and gain certifications in core competencies within the Solar Energy field such as Wire Management, Field Made Connector Fabrication as well as Roof Flashing Installation.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Valid driver’s license and a clean driving record are a plus!
- Minimum Age of 18
- Copy of High School Diploma/GED or college transcripts
- Must be able to lift and carry at least 50 pounds
- Able to climb an extension ladder
- Complete a reading and math test
Certifications Offered
- OSHA 10 North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Associate Credential – recommended for applying to entry-level solar jobs
PowerCorps PHL
Contact PowerCorps for information on the upcoming programs. Enrollment is ongoing.
PowercorpsPHL is a 4-to-18 month paid workforce development program
that uses environmental service to teach career and technical skills. Participants will gain the opportunity to develop the skills to become environmental stewards,
secure meaningful work, and become civically engaged members of their community.
The program is free with a living stipend.
Apply to PowerCorps PHL if you are:
- Looking to connect to careers
- Interested in improving the community
- Re-entering
- Eager for growth
- Unemployed or Underemployed
- 18-30 years old
- Living in Philly
- Have a HS diploma or GED
Certifications Offered:
- OSHA 30, North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Associate Credential – recommended for applying to entry-level solar jobs
Cohorts start each year in January, March, July and September.
ECA - Solar Training Lab
No scheduled dates. Contact the ECA directly for more information.
Free, 6-week program for young adults hosted at Energy Conservation Association (ECA) – 106 W. Clearfield St, Philadelphia PA 19133
Certifications Offered:
- OSHA 10 North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Associate Credential – recommended for applying to entry-level solar jobs
JobCorps PHL
No scheduled dates. Contact Philadelphia JobCorps directly for more information.
Grateful for our educational partners..
Solar States would like to thank PECO for generously funding our training programs with the Philadelphia OIC. We would also like to acknowledge the hard work of the Philadelphia Energy Authority, PowerCorps PHL, Youth Build Philly, the ECA, the School District of Philadelphia, and Philadelphia OIC for assisting in creating dynamic solar learning environments. We would also like to thank the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
NABCEP-Certified Training Provider
Solar States is NABCEP’s first ever Accredited Training Company. This stamp enables Solar States to administer NABCEP exams for new students and current employees, an important step in our mission to provide safe, fair and accurate training for the renewable energy workforce.
Apply for job training
From PowerCorps PHL to Crew Lead
Grads turned Employees
Marks show their current neighborhood and program they graduated from. Many of our longest-tenured employees came through these programs. And when you work for Solar States you get FULL benefits – 401k, healthcare, paid time off, the works.
From PowerCorps PHL to Master Electrician
'What advice would you give to somebody who's considering joining PowerCorps?'
PowerCorps is a program that will give you the tools you need to succeed if you let it, what you put into the program with time and effort you will receive in experience and resolve.
Interested in providing solar training?
In collaboration with the Philadelphia Energy Authority and other partners, we designed the Bright Solar Futures curriculum, a 3-year, 1080-hour solar energy Career and Technical Education (CTE) vocational program. “The first of its kind in the nation, the program trains students in solar and battery storage installation, design, sales, weatherization, construction basics, and job site safety.”
The ENTIRE curriculum is available for download online.
From PowerCorps PHL to....anywhere
Apply for a program
Some Advice: ``Just start.``
