According to Natural Resources Canada, solar capacity has doubled over the past five years, with the number of installed systems increasing by 92% between 2019 and 2025. The increase in consumer, industrial, and commercial photovoltaic (PV) installations is largely driven by both the Canada Greener Homes Grant, which provides rebates of up to $5,000, and the refundable tax credits of the Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit. The result is a growing solar industry that is quickly attracting construction tradespeople.

For a construction tradesperson interested in becoming a solar technician, the solar industry represents a complementary field that allows them to maximize their earning potential. A direct byproduct of new construction projects includes the installation of new PV systems.

Here are some of the reasons why a construction tradesperson might be interested in becoming a solar technician and some of the transferable skills that would allow them to hit the ground running.

Two-Sided Market

The solar industry and construction industry are the perfect example of a two-sided market; two separate markets and industries that benefit from one another. This could include a commercial building project installing PV systems as part of an energy-efficient solution. It can include a residential construction project offering new homeowners PV installations by helping homeowners leverage the Canada Greener Homes Grant.

In both instances, a solar technician would be needed and be responsible for the installation and maintenance of PV systems.

Growth of Solar Industry

The growth of the solar industry isn’t just limited to Canada. Worldwide, governments are actively pursuing green energy solutions through tax credits, grants, and funding. Solar is a major component of these green energy solutions. This rapid growth represents untapped potential for construction tradespeople wanting to partake in an industry that is largely considered the fastest-growing green energy resource.

As of 2024, 81% of the world’s new renewable energy comes from solar. This growth isn’t just confined to residential and commercial PV system installations. It’s an all-encompassing growth that extends throughout numerous industries. From manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare to utilities and even the oil and gas sector, numerous industries are embracing solar as the clean energy solution of choice.

Reduced Career Redundancy for Construction Tradespeople

In any career, the more skills an individual has, the less redundant they become. Constant training and new skill development are the best future-proof plans for construction tradespeople wanting to ensure they always have work.

By securing a new solar technician certificate – construction tradespeople can increase demand for their services, which increases earnings potential and offers numerous career advancement opportunities.

Maximized Job-Site Revenue

Many of today’s residential and commercial construction companies are jumping on the PV installation bandwagon. These contractors and companies view solar as an extra revenue stream, allowing them to maximize job-side or construction-site project revenue.

This new construction project-driven revenue stream is driving new PV installation capacity, which has led to new career development paths from PV Installer, PV Design Engineer, and PV System Engineer to PV Technical Salespeople, Marketing, and Business Development.

Higher Earnings Potential

While hard data is often hard to come by, there is ample evidence to suggest that hourly rates for PV installers in Canada exceed those of construction workers. Increasing skillsets by securing a certificate and PV installation experience are critical to increased earnings. However, according to one online source, the average starting salary for a construction worker in Canada maxes out at $20, whereas the maximum starting salary for a PV installer can go as high as $28.

Transferable Skills

Whether it’s Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) technicians, electricians, line workers, electrical maintenance technicians, security system installers, roofers, drywall installers, or even plumbers, there are numerous transferable skills that construction tradespeople can leverage to get started in the solar industry

Although HVAC technicians in Canada aren’t required to be electricians, a strong understanding of electrical systems is essential to their role. This includes knowledge of control boards, safe grounding and wiring practices, lockout/tagout procedures, accurately measuring voltage, and replacing components such as contact relays, capacitors, and transformers.

For electricians, familiarity with the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC), specifically CSA C22.1, is an absolute must. The CEC is the equivalent of the National Electrical Code (NEC) of the United States.

Roofing professionals also bring a wealth of relevant experience. Skills such as reading and interpreting layouts, safely installing, repairing, and replacing roofs, laying down underlayment materials, and confidently using a range of power tools are directly applicable to solar installation work.

From those responsible for installing and wiring security systems and electrical garage door installation to those in construction responsible for integrating digital smart home systems, numerous skill sets in residential and commercial construction can be applied to solar.

George Brown College Solar Technician Programs: Leading the Way

George Brown College, located in downtown Toronto, is a major training and fully-accredited post-secondary institution providing certificates, accreditations, and diplomas for over 300 different professions. Of particular importance to those construction tradespeople wanting to migrate to solar are the Solar Energy Technician and Solar Panel Installer programs, two certificate programs that provide students with the technical knowledge and hands-on experience needed to excel in the Canadian solar industry.

If you are a construction tradesperson wanting to increase your earnings potential and pursue a new, challenging career path with one of the George Brown College Solar Technician Programs, call 1-888-553-5333 or contact us by email at [email protected].