Solar Job Highlight: Training for Equipment Manufacturer

As a part of HeatSpring’s free Solar Career Pathways course, professionals from across the solar industry provide students with an inside look at their careers through bite-sized interviews. Professionals share the details on what their jobs entail, their day-to-day activities, how they got there, and advice for those looking to follow a similar path. 

In this clip, we’re joined by Susan Stark, Senior Manager of Training at IronRidge, as she shares what a day in the life is like at one of the largest solar mounting and racking hardware companies in the United States. 

The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) Solar Career Map highlights the role of Solar Instructor/Trainer and positions it as an advanced level occupation within the installation and operations sector. Solar educators typically bring at least 5 years of real-world experience to the classroom – they’re often licensed electricians who started in apprenticeships or engineers who’ve worked extensively in the field. These passionate educators help students master everything from solar PV fundamentals to crucial safety protocols, drawing on their years of practical know-how to prepare the next generation of solar professionals.

According to the IREC “Solar Instructor” occupation page, these roles command a median compensation of $61,000-$65,000 annually (or $30-31/hour), with opportunities for higher earnings depending on credentials and expertise. Key credentials include the foundational NABCEP PV Associate (which Susan also mentioned), with many advancing to the more comprehensive PV Installation Professional (PVIP) Certification.

Interested in hearing the full conversation with Susan and from more professionals across the solar industry? Enroll today in HeatSpring’s free Solar Career Pathways course!