As climate change continues to threaten our planet, more and more homes and businesses in the USA are looking to switch to renewable solar energy.
This rising demand for solar panels is creating a wealth of jobs for solar installers across the country. If you’re interested in working in a fast-growing green industry while helping the environment, becoming a solar panel installer may be a great career path for you.
This guide will walk you through all the steps you need to take to break into the solar industry in 2024.
Job Description and Outlook
Solar installers assemble, install, and maintain solar panel systems on rooftops or other structures. Most residential and commercial solar panels are mounted on rooftops, but they can also be installed on the ground. As a solar installer, your day-to-day duties typically include:
- Inspecting installation sites to determine the best locations and methods for panel installation
- Assembling racking, mounting systems, and solar panels according to design plans
- Connecting wiring between solar panels and inverters
- Conducting maintenance and repairs on existing solar systems
- Monitoring installation sites for safety and efficiency
The job outlook for solar installers is very strong. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) predicts that over the next five years, solar installer jobs will grow by 52%. Rapidly falling prices for solar panels and tax credits/rebates are making solar energy systems more affordable and driving higher demand.
This means there will be ample job opportunities for qualified solar installers. Median pay is also decent – installers made $46,470 per year or $22.34 per hour in 2021.
Getting the Required Training and Certifications
While requirements vary by state, most solar installer jobs require at least a high school diploma or GED. More importantly, you’ll need technical training and hands-on experience working with solar systems. There are a few routes you can take to get this training:
• Attend a solar energy technical school or community college program. Many vocational schools and community colleges now offer 1-2 year solar energy programs that cover both classroom education and hands-on training. They may also help place you in a solar installer internship or apprenticeship.
• Complete an apprenticeship. Some solar companies provide 3-4 year paid training apprenticeships teaching you every step of the installation process. This earn-while-you-learn model gets you working in the field fast.
• Get certified. North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) certification is considered the gold standard for solar installers. You must complete training plus document a year of hands-on installation experience to qualify for the NABCEP PV Associate Exam. Passing demonstrates you have the skills to perform solar installations.
Other useful certifications solar installers can obtain include OSHA 10 Construction and Electrical Safety, First Aid/CPR, and Licensed Electrician certification in states that require it. Getting certified in soldering or weatherization can also help make you a more attractive solar installer candidate.
Meeting State Solar Contractor Licensing Requirements
Since you will be working as an electrical contractor and climbing on rooftops, most U.S. states require solar installers to be licensed contractors. Exact solar licensing requirements differ in each state but often include:
- Passing a solar contractor exam
- Documenting 1-4 years of solar installation experience under a licensed contractor
- Maintaining the required minimum business insurance coverage
- Paying licensing fees that typically range from $50 to $500
Some states like California even require solar contractors to incorporate as an official business before applying for licensing. Be sure to research what is needed to legally work as a certified solar installer in your particular state.
Finding an Entry-Level Solar Installer Job
Once you have the basic training, certifications, and licenses in hand, it’s time to start applying for solar installer jobs.
Solar panel installation is hot, hard work and requires lifting panels and climbing ladders/rooftops repeatedly during a typical workday. So being physically fit is a must.
Those new to the industry often start as assistant or apprentice installers shadowing more experienced lead installers learning the ropes.
Good places to look for open solar installer jobs include:
- Online solar job boards like SolarPowerJobs.com and SolarJobBoard.com
- Company websites of top national/local solar installation firms
- Classified ads in solar industry trade magazines and on LinkedIn
- Your local electrical workers union chapter
- State solar energy industry associations
Job search pro tip: Smaller regional solar companies are often more willing to take on entry-level installers compared to large national operators.
Pinpoint solar firms operating in your state and city and check their careers pages routinely or call/go introduce yourself in-person with your resume. Showing interest can help get your foot in the door.
Advancing Your Solar Installation Career
Once you get that initial solar installer job and gain a year or two of hands-on experience, there are ways to quickly advance both your skills and position. To move up to lead installer or management roles, you can:
- Get additional NABCEP certifications in solar design, sales, and technical sales
- Consider getting licensed as an electrician for higher pay potential
- Take continuing education courses on new advances in solar technologies
- Move into solar sales, design, or inspection roles at your company or others
- Start your own independent solar installation business
The solar industry also actively promotes from within so demonstrate initiative, leadership skills, and a commitment to quality workmanship and safety.
Before long you can advance from humble beginnings as an assistant installer to lead installer, crew chief, or running your own bustling home solar company.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be good at math and science to be a solar installer?
Will I get electrocuted installing solar panels?
Can I work part-time as a solar installer?
Is installing solar panels dangerous work?
Is there good income potential as a solar installer?
Conclusion
With ballooning demand for renewable energy, solar power promises to be one of the hottest U.S. industries of the next decade. Becoming a solar PV installer gives you an opportunity to begin a stable, well-paying career that also helps the planet.
While getting trained, certified, and licensed requires dedication, this guide outlines manageable steps to break into solar installation in 2024.
So if you don’t mind working hard in the sun while harnessing its power for good, now is the perfect time to get onboard America’s solar energy boom by becoming a professional solar panel installer.