Energy and solar training for veterans: free and benefit-funded options
Training for solar, wind, utility line work and other energy jobs.
8 programs listed. 5 are free with no VA benefit needed, 2 are free or paid through a VA benefit (GI Bill, VR&E or VET TEC 2.0), and 1 is paid or have unclear cost. Last checked Sep 30 to Oct 4, 2026.
Use the program finder to filter by who you are, your benefits, state and format. Questions about benefits? See the FAQ.
Check before you apply: details change often, so confirm on each program's official page. Verify details = some details not fully confirmed.
Programs (8)
- VEEP - Veteran's Electrical Entry Program (IBEW-NECA)
electrical training ALLIANCE (IBEW and NECA) · Free
Electrical pre-apprenticeship: 7-week in-person or 9-week hybrid inside-wireman course (online-only option), or 16-week outside lineman course; direct entry into an IBEW-NECA…
- Duke Energy Distribution Line Apprentice Program (GI Bill OJT) Verify details
Duke Energy · Free
Paid apprenticeship as a Duke Energy employee building and maintaining the electric distribution system; VA-approved OJT/apprenticeship, so the VA may add monthly GI Bill…
- IREC Exploring Careers in the Solar Industry - free online course
Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) · Free
Free 8-module online course on solar careers, plus links to solar SkillBridge providers and NABCEP veteran pathways
- Net Zero 101: What, Why and How (UN CC:e-Learn)
United Nations University (UNU-IAS) via UN CC:e-Learn · Free
Three short modules on climate science, impacts and net-zero action, with a free certificate of completion from UNU-IAS
- Troops to Energy Jobs (Get Into Energy) - veteran career coaching
Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD) · Free
Free veteran career coach, military skills translator and energy-industry job board
- Airstreams Renewables - wind and communications tower technician Verify details
Airstreams Renewables, Inc. · Cost unclear (Tuition not posted; SkillBridge approved and approved for VA education benefits)
240-hour Renewable Energy and Communications Tower Technician program with climber/rescue, OSHA 10, first aid/CPR, working at heights, fiber optic and electrical certificates…
- Solar Energy International - military and veteran solar training Verify details
Solar Energy International (SEI) · Cost unclear (Veteran scholarships available; amounts not stated)
Solar training toward NABCEP credentials; veteran scholarships and a SkillBridge Solar Ready Vets program for the last 90-180 days of service
- NABCEP Veterans Pathway - solar PV certification exams Verify details
North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) · Paid; GI Bill / VR&E may cover it (Exam fees apply; NABCEP PV credentials are GI Bill reimbursable (per IREC))
Veterans can qualify for NABCEP PV Associate, Installation Professional, Installer Specialist or Commissioning & Maintenance exams through a veterans pathway