Solar Technician Programs in Bakersfield, California

Getting a Solar Technician Degree in Bakersfield, California

Considering a career as a Solar Technician in Bakersfield, California can put you on the front lines of the rapidly growing renewable energy sector. Solar Technicians—also known as solar panel installers, photovoltaic installers, or solar energy technicians—are professionals who install, maintain, and repair solar photovoltaic systems for homes, businesses, and utility-scale projects. With the increasing adoption of solar energy in California, especially in cities like Bakersfield, the demand for skilled Solar Technicians is projected to remain strong for years to come.

There are several education paths to becoming a Solar Technician. Options include short-term certificate programs, associate degrees that provide more in-depth technical training, and bachelor’s degrees for those interested in advanced roles, such as system design or project management. Each path is designed to equip you with the knowledge and hands-on skills necessary to launch a successful career in solar energy.

About Bakersfield, California

Bakersfield is the county seat of Kern County, located at the southern end of California’s Central Valley. Known for its historic connection to agriculture and energy production, Bakersfield has emerged as a regional hub for clean energy innovation. The city is home to diverse neighborhoods such as Downtown Bakersfield, Oleander/Sunset, and Seven Oaks, and is surrounded by rich agricultural land and growing industrial sectors. Bakersfield’s commitment to clean energy is reflected in local workforce partnerships and educational programs that prepare residents for jobs in the emerging solar economy. For more information about Bakersfield, visit the official city website.

Solar Technician Training Programs in Bakersfield, California

Bakersfield offers several options for those seeking Solar Technician training, including local colleges and specialized workforce centers. If you are unable to find a program directly in Bakersfield, nearby institutions within Kern County and the broader Central Valley provide accessible alternatives.

1. California State University Bakersfield – Extended Education
Located in central Bakersfield, CSU Bakersfield’s Extended Education division offers a Solar Panel Installer Training course. This 40-hour, intermediate-level program builds on foundational knowledge of solar energy, electricity, and safety. It covers both grid-tied and off-grid systems, emphasizing hands-on skills for installing, wiring, and integrating solar panels, inverters, charge controllers, and batteries. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for industry certification and immediate employment as solar PV installers or technicians.

2. Bakersfield College – Modern Energy Certificate
Bakersfield College, also centrally located, provides a tuition-free Modern Energy Certificate of Completion. This program introduces students to essential concepts in carbon neutrality, renewable energy (including solar), and emerging technologies like hydrogen fuel cells. It is ideal for those interested in a broad foundation for clean energy careers, including solar panel installation and maintenance.

3. Kern Community College District – 21st Century Energy Center
The 21st Century Energy Center operates within the Kern Community College District and offers comprehensive training for careers in renewable energy. Programs include solar installation training, basic electrical concepts for non-electricians, and workforce development initiatives tailored to the local solar sector. The center collaborates with community organizations to ensure training reaches underserved populations and provides practical, hands-on experience.

If you are willing to consider programs within a short drive, nearby institutions such as Los Angeles Trade-Technical College and Santa Monica College also offer specialized solar photovoltaic training and associate degree pathways. These campuses are within 120–150 miles of Bakersfield.

Solar Energy Employment Opportunities in Bakersfield

Bakersfield’s thriving solar sector is supported by several major employers and installation companies, many of which offer career opportunities for newly trained Solar Technicians.

  • SunPower by Sun Solar (Employment Opportunities), located in southwest Bakersfield, is a leading residential and commercial solar contractor known for quality installations and a commitment to expanding solar access within the Central Valley.
  • GRID Alternatives Central Valley (Careers), operating from the downtown area, is a nonprofit organization that provides solar installations for underserved communities and offers workforce training programs, often hiring graduates from their own training tracks.
  • Baker Electric Home Energy (Careers), with a presence in the Bakersfield region, focuses on large-scale residential and commercial solar projects and regularly recruits installation technicians and maintenance staff.
  • Kern Community College District (Jobs), through its energy programs, also partners with local businesses to facilitate job placement for program graduates.

These organizations represent just a sample of the robust solar and renewable energy job market in and around Bakersfield. Many are located near key neighborhoods such as Downtown Bakersfield, Stockdale, and the industrial southeast corridor.

Prerequisites for Solar Technician Programs

Admission requirements for Solar Technician programs in Bakersfield generally include:

  • A high school diploma or GED equivalent
  • Minimum age of 18 years
  • Basic math and science skills (algebra and basic electricity are helpful)
  • Physical ability to lift equipment and work at heights
  • A valid driver’s license (often required for jobs post-training)
  • Some programs may require background checks or pre-screening tests, especially for roles involving residential installations.

While advanced math or science is not always mandatory, comfort with technical concepts and hands-on problem-solving will help you succeed.

Solar Technician Certification Options

Professional certification enhances a Solar Technician’s employability and earning potential. The most widely recognized credential is the NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) certification. NABCEP offers several certification tracks, including the PV Associate and PV Installation Professional (PVIP) credentials.

To become NABCEP-certified, candidates typically need to complete approved training (such as the programs offered at CSU Bakersfield), document work experience, and pass a comprehensive exam. Many training programs in Bakersfield include OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety certification, which is also valued by employers.

California also requires solar contractors to hold a C-46 Solar Contractor License for those performing solar system installations independently. This involves a combination of experience, education, and passing a state licensing exam.

Other certification options include credentials from the Electronics Technicians Association (ETA) and the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), which offer additional pathways for specialization and advancement.

Get Started Today

The solar energy industry in Bakersfield is growing rapidly, offering rewarding careers for those with the right training and credentials. Whether you are new to the field or looking to advance your skills, Bakersfield’s educational institutions provide accessible paths to becoming a Solar Technician. Contact a local college or workforce center today to take the first step toward a future-proof career in solar energy.

For more information about the job outlook for Solar Photovoltaic Installers, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics.