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Solar Photovoltaic Installers

Typical education: Certificate or apprenticeshipHigh pressure Bright Outlook

What they do

Assemble, install, or maintain solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on roofs or other structures in compliance with site assessment and schematics. May include measuring, cutting, assembling, and bolting structural framing and solar modules. May perform minor electrical work such as current checks.

Kinds of work

  • Realistic: Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals, often outdoors.
  • Conventional: Organizing information, following clear procedures and working with data and details.

High pressure: How much pressure workers in this job report: deadlines, conflict, dealing with upset people, the cost of mistakes, responsibility for others' safety, competition and long hours. It varies a lot from one employer to the next. Source: U.S. Department of Labor worker surveys.

Pay, tasks and more

Salary

United States $53,140 Median per year · $25.55/hr Most earn $41,600–$79,970

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025.

What you might do

  • Identify installation locations with proper orientation, area, solar access, or structural integrity for photovoltaic (PV) arrays.
  • Determine appropriate sizes, ratings, and locations for all system overcurrent devices, disconnect devices, grounding equipment, and surge suppression equipment.
  • Determine appropriate sizes, ratings, and locations for all system overcurrent devices, disconnect devices, grounding equipment, and surge suppression equipment.
  • Assemble solar modules, panels, or support structures, as specified.
  • Select mechanical designs, installation equipment, or installation plans that conform to environmental, architectural, structural, site, and code requirements.
  • Visually inspect and test photovoltaic (PV) modules or systems.

Job outlook

Bright Outlook Rapid Growth

United States
37% more jobs by 2035, much faster than average · about 4,200 openings a year

Openings include new jobs and jobs left by workers who retire or change careers. Projections: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Bright Outlook": U.S. Department of Labor.

Where they work

  • Electrical contractors and other wiring installation contractors38.7%
  • Temporary help services17.4%
  • Solar electric power generation10.9%
  • Plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning contractors10.6%
  • Power and communication line and related structures construction10.5%

Share of all workers in this career. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Employment Matrix.

Experience before this job: 1 to 2 years

Some people start through an apprenticeship: paid training on the job, often with classes. Search apprenticeships on Apprenticeship.gov (opens in a new tab) ↗

Career path

How people usually get into this career, from school to their first job and beyond.

Typical education: Certificate or apprenticeshipExperience before this job: 1 to 2 years

Solar Photovoltaic Installer is an entry-level job you can get after training, usually with a certificate or apprenticeship and about 1 to 2 years of related work experience. Many people start as a helper and learn on the job.

  1. High school diploma or GED

    4 years

    Finish high school with strong math and science, which you'll use for measuring, reading diagrams, and basic electrical work.

  2. Solar or electrical certificate program, or pre-apprenticeship

    6 months to 1 year

    Learn PV system basics, electrical safety, and how to read site plans, often through a community college or trade training program.

  3. Solar Installation Helper

    6 months to 1 year

    Work on install crews under experienced installers, handling modules, framing, and tools while you build hands-on skills.

  4. Solar Photovoltaic Installer

    Ongoing

    Assemble, mount, and maintain solar PV systems on roofs and other structures, following site assessments and schematics.

Where it can lead

  1. Lead Solar Installer

    2-4 years of experience first

    You take charge of a small install crew, plan daily work, check quality and safety, and train newer installers.

  2. Solar Project Manager

    5+ years of experience first

    You manage whole solar projects, including schedules, budgets, customers, and inspections, which usually requires strong planning and communication skills.

What you can do now

Ideas for high school and college students.

In high school

  • Take algebra, geometry, and physicsThese classes build the measuring, angle, and electrical concepts you'll use on solar job sites.
  • Join a career or technical education (CTE) programMany high schools offer electrical, construction, or engineering tech courses that give you hands-on practice early.
  • Get a summer or part-time job in construction or landscapingWorking outdoors with tools and teams shows employers you can handle the physical side of installation work.
  • Join a robotics or engineering clubBuilding and wiring projects help you practice problem solving and teamwork.
  • Volunteer on a home repair or Habitat for Humanity buildYou'll learn basic framing, safety habits, and how a roof or structure is put together.

In college

  • Enroll in a solar PV or electrical technology certificateCommunity colleges and trade schools often offer short programs that prepare you directly for installer jobs.
  • Take physics and basic electrical circuits coursesUnderstanding current, voltage, and wiring helps you do the minor electrical checks this job involves.
  • Look for an apprenticeship or helper job with a solar or electrical contractorPaid on-the-job training is one of the most common ways people build the 1 to 2 years of experience employers expect.
  • Earn OSHA safety trainingSafety certifications show employers you know how to work safely at heights and around electrical equipment.
  • Join a trades or sustainability student clubClubs connect you with local contractors, job fairs, and people who can tell you what the work is really like.

Tips for getting started

  • Ask a local solar company or electrical contractor whether they hire helpers or offer training, even if you don't have experience yet.
  • Get comfortable with ladders, heights, and hand and power tools, and take any basic safety training your school offers, since this job is physical and safety focused.
  • Keep a simple record of projects, tools you've used, and certifications you earn, so you can show employers what you can do.

Related jobs that often lead here

Related jobs a step up

Education, experience and related careers: U.S. Department of Labor. The step-by-step path, where it can lead and what you can do now were written by AI as typical examples; many people take other ways.

College majors that lead here

Majors: U.S. Department of Education and BLS (CIP–SOC crosswalk). Earnings and debt: College Scorecard, typical across U.S. colleges.

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