Solar Electrician
What is a Solar Electrician
A Solar Electrician is a licensed electrical tradesperson who specialises in designing, installing and maintaining solar PV systems, batteries and EV charging infrastructure. The role requires electrical expertise, a deep understanding of solar systems, strong technical skills and a keen desire to continue learning and upskilling as industry technologies continue to evolve.
As Western Australia moves towards cleaner, smarter energy, solar electricians are playing an essential role in helping households and businesses reduce their power bills and make the shift towards renewable energy.
It’s hands-on, problem-solving work in a rapidly growing field, perfect for people who enjoy variety and want to be part of WA’s clean-energy future.
What Does a Solar Electrician Do?
A solar electrician works across a mix of electrical and renewable energy tasks, focusing on the installation, maintenance and repair of solar energy systems. They are essential to the renewable energy sector, ensuring solar systems function safely and efficiently and supporting residential and commercial clients to transition towards clean energy solutions.
Solar Electricians work across a broad mix of tasks, from installing EV chargers in residential and commercial settings to completing general electrical work, switchboard upgrades and lighting and power installations. The role suits people who thrive in dynamic environments and have strong problem-solving skills, with every job presenting a new challenge.
A day in the life of a solar electrician may involve:
- Installing rooftop and ground-mounted solar systems
- Connecting inverters, batteries and monitoring equipment
- Installing EV chargers in homes and commercial properties
- Upgrading switchboards and completing general electrical work
- Testing systems, completing compliance checks and troubleshooting faults
What’s The Difference Between an Electrician and a Solar Electrician?
All solar electricians start out as fully qualified electricians, but they undertake further training to take their skills a step further and specialise in renewable technologies.
An electrician is trained to work across a broad range of electrical systems, from wiring and lighting to switchboards and general electrical maintenance.
A solar electrician has these same foundational skills and qualifications, but completes additional training in renewable-energy technology, such as installing solar PV systems, batteries and EV chargers. They learn how to design, install and troubleshoot systems that safely collect the solar energy powering an increasing number of WA homes and businesses.
What Sectors Can a Solar Electrician Work In?
One of the biggest advantages of specialising in solar is the variety of industries you can work in.
Many solar electricians start out in residential installation, helping households reduce their energy bills, while others move into commercial and industrial projects fitting larger solar and battery systems.
There is also strong demand for solar electricians in remote and regional communities, where reliable backup power and off-grid systems are essential, and growing opportunities for the installation and maintenance of EV charging infrastructure as more Western Australians move to electric vehicles. Solar electricians are also increasingly involved in WA’s resources sector, with large-scale renewable energy projects now being integrated into major mining projects and operations.
Who Is This Career Right For?
A career as a solar electrician will perfectly suit those who enjoy practical work, have an eye for detail and like understanding how things fit together. It’s a great pathway for anyone who is naturally curious, enjoys problem-solving and keen to play a role in WA’s clean energy future. If you are looking for days filled with variety, enjoy being outdoors and want a secure job with strong long-term demand, a career as a solar electrician is an excellent fit.
Skills and personal qualities that succeed
People who thrive as solar electricians often bring both technical thinking and a steady, methodical approach to their work. The role demands strong problem-solving skills, as every installation is different and will often require thinking on your feet to analyse technical information and troubleshoot faults as they arise.
A careful, accurate and safety-conscious approach is critical, especially when dealing with live systems, working at heights or operating in confined spaces. You’ll also need to be able to distinguish colours for wiring and be physically fit enough for manual tasks, such as lifting solar panels onto a roof.
Teamwork is a big part of most solar installations, so clear communication and the ability to work well in a team are also important skills to have, particularly when coordinating with colleagues, clients or other tradies.
Solar and other renewable technologies are advancing at a rapid pace, and anyone building a career as a solar electrician will need a strong commitment to ongoing learning. New technologies and exciting innovations continue to regularly enter the market, so regular training and upskilling is essential to working safely and keeping pace with the latest developments.
How Do You Become a Solar Electrician?
Step 1: Explore options in high school (work experience & subjects)
If you’re still in high school, choosing subjects such as Maths, Physics, Design & Technologies or Digital Technologies can help you gain the fundamental skills that will serve you well as you begin your career.
But trades can also be a great fit for people who learn by doing and prefer to develop their skills outside of the classroom.
Hands-on experiences like school-based work experience or CTF’s Try-A-Trade program can give you a head start on your career and help you get a real sense of whether electrical work is right for you.
Step 2: Study and training pathways (certificates, diplomas, short courses)
Most Solar Electricians start out by completing a Certificate II in Electrotechnology pre-apprenticeship, which then leads to a Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician apprenticeship.
The Certificate II Pre-Apprenticeship is designed to build your confidence with tools and basic electrical tasks, and eligible students can receive CTF’s $500 Pre-Apprenticeship Award upon completion.
To become a qualified electrician, you must then complete your full apprenticeship. You will earn while you learn, completing a Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician over four years while also learning on the job under a training contract with an employer.
Step 3: Building industry licences, registration or certificates
After you complete your apprenticeship and hold an unrestricted electrician’s licence, you can complete specialist training in designing and installing grid-connected solar PV systems, battery storage systems or Stand Alone Power Systems to gain accreditation through Solar Accreditation Australia. View options here: Clean Energy | Jobs and Skills WA
To work as a Solar Electrician in WA you need:
- A current unrestricted Electrical Licence
- Obtain accreditation through Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA)
- White Card
- Working at Heights certification
Specialized, mandatory training (Statement of Attainment) from a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) is required for specific systems: Grid Connected PV (GCPV), Grid Connected Battery Systems (GCBS), and/or Stand Alone Power Systems
Working Conditions, Salary Expectations & Career Progression
Typical hours and workplace environment
Being a Solar Electricians is usually a full-time job, typically working outdoors on rooftops and construction sites, across a wide variety of residential, commercial and industrial environments.
The work is hands-on, active and diverse and is ideal for people who prefer to be working on practical, outdoor work instead of sitting behind a desk.
Future Pathways for a Solar Electrician
With the transition to net zero well underway, a career as a Solar Electrician offers the chance to build a rewarding and varied career, offering options to progress into designing off-grid systems, specialising in emerging technologies or even start your own business.
It is a career with purpose, supporting WA families and businesses to transition to a clean energy future, while also offering strong earning potential and great long-term job security as the renewable sector continues to expand. The work of a Solar
