According to training providers Boots on the Roof, government grants for the installation of renewable energy mean more opportunities for solar technicians. Solar technician training takes less time than many other kinds of vocational training. You may also be able to get grants and other incentives to help you retrain for a career in renewable energy.
As a solar energy technician you may need skills such as carpentry, plumbing, or electrical engineering. You may be helping to construct and install active systems, which generate energy directly from the sun. Your work may focus on passive systems which use windows, insulation and other features for heating and cooling. Alternatively you may also working with systems that harness the sun's energy to heat water, which is then used to drive a turbine that generates electricity.
Various organizations provide certification for renewable energy training organizations. One such is the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) in the United States. Look for a training provider that is cited by NABCEP or an equivalent organization.