Updated 2024 · Electrical
How to Become a Solar PV Installer
Solar PV installers assemble, install, and maintain solar panel systems on rooftops and ground-mounted arrays for residential, commercial, and utility-scale projects.
Steps to Become a Solar PV Installer
- Meet basic requirements, You must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED. A strong foundation in math, physics, and shop classes helps.
- Apply to an apprenticeship program, Solar PV Installer apprenticeships last 2 years and combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Apply through your local union (IBEW, UA, etc.) or a non-union contractor program. You earn while you learn from day one.
- Complete required training, Complete 4000 hours of on-the-job training and related classroom instruction.
- Earn certifications, Required certifications include: NABCEP PV Installation Professional, OSHA 10/30-Hour, State electrical license (some states), Fall protection certification.
- Pass the journeyman exam, After completing your apprenticeship, pass the journeyman licensing exam in your state to earn full journeyman status and pay.
What Does a Solar PV Installer Do?
Solar PV installers assemble, install, and maintain solar panel systems on rooftops and ground-mounted arrays for residential, commercial, and utility-scale projects.
Daily Duties
- Install solar panels and mounting hardware on roofs
- Connect panels to inverters and electrical systems
- Test system performance and troubleshoot issues
- Perform routine maintenance and cleaning
- Read electrical schematics and site plans
Skills Needed
- Solar panel installation
- Electrical wiring
- Roof work safety
- Inverter configuration
- System design basics
Required Certifications
- NABCEP PV Installation Professional
- OSHA 10/30-Hour
- State electrical license (some states)
- Fall protection certification
Solar PV Installer Salary (2024)
The national median solar pv installer salary is $53,971 per year. Pay ranges from $38,650 in the lowest-paying metro to $70,390 in the highest-paying metro. See the full solar pv installer salary breakdown by city.
Apprentice Pay Progression
Solar PV Installer apprentices earn while they learn, starting at approximately 40% of journeyman pay:
| Year | % of Journeyman | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 40% | $21,588 |
| Year 2 | 90% | $48,574 |
| Journeyman | 100% | $53,971 |
Union vs Non-Union Solar PV Installer Pay
Union solar pv installers earn 15% more than non-union workers, $27.80/hour union vs $24.17/hour non-union. Approximately 8.4% of solar pv installers are union members. See the full union vs non-union comparison.
Work Environment
Solar installers work outdoors on rooftops and ground arrays. Physical work including lifting panels (40-50 lbs each), roof work, and exposure to sun and weather.
Career Outlook
One of the fastest-growing trades. Employment projected to grow 22% from 2022-2032, driven by falling solar costs, tax incentives, and state renewable energy mandates.
Frequently Asked Questions
The national median salary for a solar pv installer is $53,971 per year (2024 BLS data). Pay ranges from $38,650 to $70,390 depending on location, with top earners in the 90th percentile making significantly more.
It takes 2 years to complete a solar pv installer apprenticeship. During this time, you earn while you learn, starting at approximately 40-50% of journeyman wages and receiving annual raises.
No college degree is required to become a solar pv installer. The primary path is through an apprenticeship program or trade school. You will need to earn specific certifications: NABCEP PV Installation Professional and OSHA 10/30-Hour.
Solar PV Installer earns a Trade Pay Score grade of B, meaning it rates well on pay relative to cost of living, wage growth, and demand. One of the fastest-growing trades. Employment projected to grow 22% from 2022-2032, driven by falling solar costs, tax incentives, and state renewable energy mandates.
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