Solar Technician Apprentice

About the role

The Solar Power Apprentice is an entry-level role designed to develop hands-on skills in the safe operation, inspection, maintenance, and troubleshooting of utility-scale solar photovoltaic power plants. Under the direction of experienced Solar Technicians and field leadership, the apprentice will support preventive maintenance, corrective maintenance, site inspections, basic electrical and mechanical tasks, equipment checks, and documentation activities. This position provides a structured pathway for individuals interested in building a career in renewable energy operations and maintenance.

The apprentice will learn solar PV fundamentals, electrical safety, Lockout/Tagout practices, site communication protocols, work order documentation, and the basics of plant performance and reliability.

Responsibilities

• Safety & Compliance
  • Follow all AES safety policies, procedures, and site-specific work practices.
  • Participate in job briefings, safety meetings, and training activities.
  • Learn and follow Lockout/Tagout procedures, electrical safety rules, and PPE requirements.
  • Identify and report unsafe conditions, hazards, near misses, and incidents immediately.
  • Maintain a Safety-First mindset and stop work when conditions are unsafe.
• Operations & Maintenance Support
  • Assist qualified technicians with preventive and corrective maintenance on utility-scale PV equipment.
  • Support routine inspections of PV modules, trackers, inverters, combiner boxes, weather stations, and balance-of-plant equipment.
  • Assist with general site maintenance, equipment checks, cleaning activities, torque checks, visual inspections, and basic component replacement under supervision.
  • Learn how solar power plants operate, including DC collection systems, AC power conversion, monitoring systems, and grid interconnection basics.
  • Support commissioning, testing, outage response, and contractor activities when assigned.
• Training & Skill Development
  • Complete assigned safety training, apprentice learning modules, and technical development activities.
  • Develop familiarity with basic electrical theory, hand tools, test equipment, and solar PV equipment.
  • Learn how to read basic equipment manuals, single-line diagrams, site drawings, and maintenance procedures.
  • Build troubleshooting skills through direct mentorship from experienced technicians.
  • Demonstrate progress toward qualification as a Solar Technician.
• Documentation & Communication
  • Assist with accurate completion of work orders, inspection forms, and maintenance reports.
  • Learn about computerized maintenance management systems and field reporting tools.
  • Communicate clearly with technicians, team leaders, contractors, and site leadership.
  • Maintain professional conduct and support team objectives, plant reliability, and safe execution of work.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Strong interest in renewable energy, utility-scale solar power, electrical systems, or industrial maintenance.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn electrical and solar PV maintenance tasks.
• Ability to use hand tools and power tools safely with proper training and supervision.
• Basic computer skills, including email, Microsoft Office, and digital work order tools.
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record may be required based on site needs.

Skills

• Safety-focused, dependable, and willing to learn from experienced team members.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions in a field environment.
• Strong teamwork, communication, and accountability.
• Ability to work outdoors in remote utility-scale solar facilities.
• Ability to prioritize assigned tasks and ask questions when instructions are unclear.
• Positive attitude, professional behavior, and commitment to continuous improvement.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Work outdoors in heat, cold, wind, dust, and changing weather conditions.
• Walk long distances across uneven terrain and large solar arrays.
• Lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds as needed.
• Use ladders, platforms, hand tools, power tools, and test equipment with appropriate training.
• Wear required PPE for extended periods, including FR clothing, safety glasses, gloves, hard hat, and safety footwear.
• Support overtime, weekend work, outage response, or emergency callouts when business needs are required.

Behavioral Expectations

• Self-starter with strong initiative and willingness to learn.
• Reliable, punctual, and accountable.
• Collaborative team player.
• Respectful communication with employees, contractors, and leadership.
• Driven by excellence, continuous improvement, and high-quality work execution.

Pay

The expected salary for this position, at commencement of employment, is between $28.50 and $34.21 per hour. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position also includes an annual bonus.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Life insurance.
• 401(k) eligibility.
• Paid time off (including vacation, sick leave time, and parental leave).