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How to Become a Solar Installer: Pay, Training, Certification & Career Outlook

By Chris Gaglardi
| Published October 1, 2026

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Solar installation is one of the fastest-growing occupations in the U.S., but the headline growth rate is only part of the story. The job can offer a relatively quick entry into skilled outdoor work, yet the strongest long-term path often comes from treating installation as a foundation: build field experience, learn the electrical side, and move toward supervision, maintenance, design, or a licensed electrical trade if that fits your goals.

The important thing to know up front is that you do not necessarily need to pay for a solar program before you can get hired. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says solar photovoltaic (PV) installers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and learn through moderate-term on-the-job training. Some take community-college or technical-school courses, and some learn through apprenticeship-related training.

Solar installer career snapshot

• 2025 median pay: $53,140 per year ($25.55 per hour)
• May 2025 wage range: the lowest 10 percent earned less than $41,600; the highest 10 percent earned more than $79,970
• 2025 employment: about 31,100 jobs
• Projected 2035 employment: about 42,400 jobs
• Projected growth, 2025-35: 36.5 percent, rounded by BLS to 37 percent
• Average annual openings: about 4,200
• Typical entry education: high school diploma or equivalent
• Typical postemployment training: moderate-term on-the-job training, commonly 1 month to 1 year

BLS ranks solar PV installers as the second-fastest-growing occupation by percentage in its 2025-35 projections, putting it among today's high-demand jobs. That is impressive, but context matters: solar installation is still a relatively small occupation. The projected increase is about 11,300 net new jobs over the decade, and many of the 4,200 annual openings are expected to come from replacement needs rather than brand-new positions.

What does a solar installer actually do?

BLS defines solar photovoltaic installers as workers who assemble, set up, and maintain systems that convert sunlight into electricity. The title may appear in job postings as solar installer, solar panel installer, PV installer, or solar technician, although employers sometimes use "solar technician" for maintenance and troubleshooting roles that go beyond basic installation.

Typical duties can include:

• Planning or confirming system layouts from site conditions and plans
• Measuring, cutting, and assembling support structures
• Installing racks, modules, panels, or PV shingles
• Applying weather sealing around penetrations and equipment
• Connecting system components where permitted by law and employer scope
• Activating and testing PV systems
• Performing routine maintenance
• Using drills, saws, wrenches, screwdrivers, and other construction tools

The electrical boundary matters. BLS notes that whether a PV installer connects systems to the grid depends on the job and state law; electricians sometimes perform that work instead. Do not assume that a short solar course gives you legal authority to perform every electrical task on a PV project.

What the work is really like

This is a physical construction job, not a clean-energy desk job with occasional sunshine.

Residential installers often work on roofs and may also enter attics or crawl spaces. BLS says installers may travel to jobsites, repeatedly climb ladders, carry heavy materials, and lift equipment weighing up to 60 pounds. Solar-farm installers may work at ground level, which changes the height exposure but not the construction-site environment.

Important realities include:

• Heights: rooftop work may involve ladders, lifts, roof edges, skylights, and fall-arrest equipment.
• Weather: much of the work is outdoors. OSHA specifically warns about heat stress for solar workers as well as cold-weather exposure.
• Electrical hazards: PV systems can expose workers to electric shock, arc-flash, and burn hazards.
• Physical strain: installers spend much of the day standing, climbing, carrying, kneeling, measuring, and fastening components.
• Travel: jobsites change, so a driver's license may be important to employers.
• Teamwork: installers commonly work as part of a crew and coordinate with electricians, roofers, supervisors, and customers.

OSHA says construction workers installing solar panels who are exposed to falls of 6 feet or more must be protected by appropriate fall-protection systems. OSHA also says workers should not climb ladders while carrying solar panels; panels should be lifted with appropriate equipment where possible.

How to become a solar installer

There is no single national pathway. A sensible process is:

1. Check the licensing rules where you plan to work

Before paying for training, look up your state licensing board and local requirements. BLS explicitly says some states require a license for PV installers. The legal scope can differ sharply from one state to another.

For example:

• California: the Contractors State License Board recognizes a C-46 Solar Contractor classification, and C-10 Electrical contractors may also perform solar work within their licensed scope.
• Texas: TDLR says solar-panel installation must be performed through a licensed electrical contractor using Texas-licensed electricians. Texas residential-solar contracts must identify the licensed electrical contractor that will perform the installation.

Those are examples, not a national template. Always verify the jurisdiction where you actually intend to work.

2. Choose the entry route that fits your situation

You have several legitimate options.

BLS says some technical-school and community-college PV courses last from a few days to several months. It also says construction experience can shorten training time because roofers, electricians, carpenters, and laborers may already understand core jobsite practices.

3. Build the safety and mechanical fundamentals

Employers need people who can work safely around roofs, ladders, tools, electricity, and heavy materials. A useful entry-level training program should help you understand topics such as:

• Fall protection and jobsite safety
• PV system components and terminology
• Basic electrical theory
• Racking and mounting systems
• Weather sealing and roof penetrations
• Tools, fasteners, torque, and measurements
• Basic code awareness
• System testing and troubleshooting concepts

Hands-on practice matters because the job itself is physical. Online learning can help with theory, terminology, and code concepts, but it cannot reproduce the experience of working with real tools, mounting systems, PPE, and mock roof structures.

4. Apply for installer, helper, apprentice, or trainee roles

Do not assume you must finish a private training program before applying. BLS says most PV installers learn on the job with experienced installers, and on-the-job training commonly lasts from 1 month to 1 year.

Search for titles such as:

• Solar installer
• PV installer
• Solar panel installer
• Installer helper
• Solar apprentice
• Solar technician
• PV field technician

Read the duties, not just the title. A "solar technician" posting may describe installation, service, diagnostics, electrical work, or a mix of all four.

5. Add credentials when they solve a real career problem

Credentials can help demonstrate knowledge, but they are not magic permission slips. Pursue one because an employer, incentive program, advancement goal, or specialty path values it, not because a school brochure implies everybody needs it.

Do you need NABCEP certification?

Usually, not to get your first solar-installer job.

NABCEP, the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, offers voluntary renewable-energy credentials. Its own FAQ says Board Certification is peer recognition, not registration or licensure. NABCEP certification does not replace state or local licensing requirements.

NABCEP PV Associate

The PV Associate credential is aimed at people entering or early in the renewable-energy field. NABCEP currently lists two normal ways to qualify for the Associate exam:

1. Complete an eligible course through a NABCEP Associate Registered Training Provider, then pass the exam.
2. Document at least six months of full-time-equivalent work directly involved with photovoltaics, then pass the exam.

NABCEP also maintains a conversion pathway for people who previously earned its older Entry Level Achievement Award.

The practical takeaway: you can use education or real PV work experience to reach the Associate credential. You do not necessarily need to buy training first.

NABCEP PV Installation Professional

The PV Installation Professional (PVIP) Board Certification is an advanced credential, not an entry-level requirement. NABCEP currently lists requirements that include six qualifying project credits in a decision-making role, OSHA 10, and 58 hours of training.

That makes PVIP more relevant after you have built meaningful field experience and responsibility.

Solar certification is not the same thing as a license

This distinction deserves its own section because career pages routinely mangle it.

• Certification shows that you met a credentialing body's standards.
• Licensing is government authorization to perform regulated work within a jurisdiction.
• Employer training teaches you how that company expects work to be done.
• Apprenticeship combines structured work experience with related instruction and may support a licensed-trade pathway.

NABCEP itself states that its certification is not a government-issued professional license and does not authorize somebody to practice where licensing rules apply.

If a school tells you that its certificate "makes you a licensed solar installer," ask exactly which government agency issues that license, in which state, and what legal scope the credential provides.

How much do solar installers make?

According to BLS May 2025 wage data, the national median for solar photovoltaic installers was $53,140 per year, or $25.55 per hour.

These are statistical wage percentiles, not seniority levels. Do not read the 10th percentile as "beginner pay" or the 90th percentile as "foreman pay." Earnings can vary with geography, employer, experience, responsibility, schedule, and the type of work being performed.

BLS also reports different median wages by major employing industry. In May 2025, solar PV installers working for electrical contractors and other wiring installation contractors had a median annual wage of $58,570, while those in temporary help services had a median of $47,100.

Is solar installation a growing career?

Yes, by percentage. BLS projects employment of solar photovoltaic installers to grow 36.5 percent from 2025 to 2035, which it rounds to 37 percent. That places the occupation second on BLS's current list of fastest-growing occupations.

But percentage growth is not the same thing as a giant labor market.

BLS projects:

• 31,100 solar PV installer jobs in 2025
• 42,400 in 2035
• 11,300 net new jobs over the decade
• About 4,200 openings per year on average

The occupation is growing quickly from a modest base. BLS says continued adoption of PV systems and declining system costs are expected to support demand.

If you care more about the number of possible openings than the growth percentage, compare solar with larger trades before choosing a training path.

Solar installer vs. electrician

Solar installation can be a faster entry into the industry, while electrician training usually creates a broader long-term trade credential.

The electrician occupation is far larger. BLS projects about 72,700 electrician openings per year, compared with about 4,200 for solar PV installers. Electricians also had a higher May 2025 median wage at $63,190.

That does not make solar a bad choice. It means you should decide what you actually want:

• Fastest route into hands-on solar work: installer/helper roles can make sense.
• Broad electrical career with solar as one specialty: electrician training and apprenticeship may be the stronger route.
• Already in construction: solar can be a natural specialization without starting your entire career over.

Solar and electrical careers also overlap. BLS specifically notes that electricians will be needed to connect power-generation systems, including solar and wind, to homes, businesses, and the grid. That crossover is part of the broader future of the electrician trade.

Residential, commercial, and solar-farm work feel different

"Solar installer" is not one identical jobsite.

Residential rooftop solar

Expect more roof work, ladders, attic or crawl-space access, weather sealing, and direct exposure to homeowner properties. Small crews may move between jobsites frequently.

Commercial solar

Commercial projects may involve larger roofs, lifts, longer project durations, and more coordination with general contractors and electrical crews. System scale and electrical complexity can increase.

Utility-scale solar

BLS notes that solar-farm installers may work at ground level. Utility-scale projects can reduce rooftop exposure, but they are still construction environments with equipment, weather, repetitive physical work, and electrical hazards.

If heights are your main concern, ground-mounted work may be worth exploring, but do not assume every "solar" job avoids roofs or every utility-scale role stays close to home.

Is solar installation a good fit for you?

Solar installation may fit well if you:

• Like practical, visible work rather than sitting at a desk all day
• Are comfortable using hand and power tools
• Can work outdoors in changing weather
• Can repeatedly climb, lift, carry, and kneel safely
• Are comfortable working at heights or are willing to target ground-mounted roles
• Pay close attention to measurements and safety procedures
• Want to enter a growing clean-energy field without necessarily earning a four-year degree
• Are open to adding electrical, maintenance, leadership, or design skills later

Think carefully if you:

• Strongly dislike heights and only have access to rooftop installation work
• Need a climate-controlled work environment
• Have physical limitations that conflict with repeated climbing and heavy material handling
• Want a remote or mostly computer-based career
• Are assuming a short solar certificate will automatically qualify you as an electrician
• Want the broadest possible trade license from day one

There is no shame in deciding the work is not for you. A useful career guide should prevent expensive wrong turns, not talk you into one.

Where can solar installation lead?

BLS says experienced PV installers may advance to project supervisor or project manager roles, move into sales, or start an installation business.

Other possibilities can include maintenance and commissioning work, crew leadership, estimating, system design support, or pursuing a separate electrician training and licensing path. The exact route depends on your employer, local licensing rules, technical training, and the kind of projects available where you live.

A good long-term question is not just "How do I get my first solar job?" It is also "What skill will I add after I get good at installation?"

How to choose solar training without wasting money

Because formal school is not universally required for entry, a paid program should provide a clear advantage over simply applying for trainee or helper jobs.

Before enrolling, ask:

1. How much of the program is hands-on? Ask specifically about tools, mounting systems, mock roofs, electrical labs, and safety equipment.
2. Which NABCEP credential, if any, does the course actually qualify me to pursue? "NABCEP aligned" is not the same thing as being an Associate Registered Training Provider.
3. Does the program include OSHA training or recognized safety instruction? Ask what credential or card you receive.
4. Does this training count toward any state electrical or contractor license? Get the answer from the licensing authority, not only the school.
5. What do local employers prefer? Ask for specific employer partners rather than vague job-placement language.
6. What equipment and fees are extra? Tools, PPE, exam fees, books, and lab fees can change the real cost.
7. What is the advantage over direct-hire OJT? The school should be able to explain the value it adds.
8. Can I verify graduate outcomes? Ask how placement data are collected and whether the jobs are actually solar-related.

If you decide structured training is the right route, you can explore solar energy training programs on Trade-Schools.net. Compare the program against your local licensing rules before enrolling.

A practical way to choose your next step

Use this shortcut:

• You already have roofing, carpentry, laborer, or construction experience: apply to solar contractors now and ask what PV-specific training they provide.
• You have no construction background and want confidence before jobsite work: compare short hands-on solar programs or community-college options.
• You are most interested in wiring, controls, batteries, service panels, and broad electrical work: investigate electrician training and apprenticeship routes.
• You like renewable energy but hate roofs and heavy installation work: look at adjacent design, sales, operations, maintenance, or other clean-energy careers instead.

The goal is not to collect the most credentials. It is to pick the shortest credible route to the work you actually want.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a degree to become a solar installer?

Usually no. BLS says the typical entry-level education for solar photovoltaic installers is a high school diploma or equivalent. Some workers take technical-school or community-college courses, but many learn through on-the-job training.

How long does solar installer training take?

BLS says on-the-job training commonly lasts between 1 month and 1 year. School-based courses vary; BLS says many technical or community-college courses range from a few days to several months.

Do solar installers need a license?

It depends on the state, locality, employer, and exact work scope. BLS says some states require licenses for PV installers. Electrical connections may fall under separate electrical-licensing rules. Check the official licensing authority where you plan to work.

Is NABCEP certification required to work as a solar installer?

Not generally for entry-level employment. NABCEP describes its credentials as voluntary, and its Board Certification is not a government license. Some employers, projects, or incentive programs may value or require specific credentials, so check the actual job or program requirements.

How much do solar installers make?

The national median annual wage for solar photovoltaic installers was $53,140 in May 2025, according to BLS. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $41,600 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $79,970.

Is becoming an electrician better than becoming a solar installer?

They are different paths. Solar installation usually has a shorter entry runway, while electrician training typically involves an apprenticeship and creates a broader electrical trade pathway. BLS reports higher median pay and far more annual openings for electricians, while solar PV installation has the higher projected percentage growth rate.

Sources

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Solar Photovoltaic Installers, current 2025 wage and 2025-35 outlook data, last modified August 27, 2026.
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Fastest-Growing Occupations, 2025-35 projections.
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Electricians, current 2025 wage and 2025-35 outlook data.
• NABCEP Associate Program, NABCEP FAQs, and current application requirements, verified October 1, 2026.
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration: Solar Energy, including fall, electrical, heat/cold-stress, and PPE guidance.
• California Contractors State License Board: C-46 Solar Contractor and Solar Smart guidance.
• Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation: Residential Solar Retailer Requirements and solar-panel consumer guidance.

Explore training options

If structured training makes sense for your goals, compare solar energy training programs and verify how each option fits the licensing and hiring requirements in your area.

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