How to become a Solar Photovoltaic Installer

Official title: Solar Photovoltaic Installers

Also called: Journeyman Electrician PV Installer (Journeyman Electrician Photovoltaic Installer), PV Installation Tech (Photovoltaic Installation Technician), PV Installer (Photovoltaic Installer), Solar Designer, Solar Electric Installer, Solar Installer, Solar Panel Installation Technician (Solar Panel Installation Tech), Solar PV Installer (Solar Photovoltaic Installer), Solar PV Integrator (Solar Photovoltaic Integrator), Solar Technician (Solar Tech)

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.

Main tasks

• Install photovoltaic (PV) systems in accordance with codes and standards, using drawings, schematics, and instructions.
• Check electrical installation for proper wiring, polarity, grounding, or integrity of terminations.
• Identify electrical, environmental, and safety hazards associated with photovoltaic (PV) installations.
• Identify installation locations with proper orientation, area, solar access, or structural integrity for photovoltaic (PV) arrays.
• Assemble solar modules, panels, or support structures, as specified.
• Apply weather sealing to array, building, or support mechanisms.
• Install module array interconnect wiring, implementing measures to disable arrays during installation.
• Install required labels on solar system components and hardware.

How to become one

Although installers typically need a high school diploma, some take courses at a technical school or community college. Installers typically receive on-the-job training lasting up to 1 year.

Typical education to start: High school diploma or equivalent

Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Ways in

• Licence: A licence is required in 5 states.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Median pay: $53,140 a year The middle half earn $46,700 to $62,870.
• About 31,100 people work in this job now, and about 42,400 are projected by 2035. (+36.5%)
• People already use generative AI for some of this work. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as medium.

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Solar Photovoltaic Installer?

Although installers typically need a high school diploma, some take courses at a technical school or community college. Installers typically receive on-the-job training lasting up to 1 year.

How much does a Solar Photovoltaic Installer earn in the US?

Median full-time pay is $53,140 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $46,700 to $62,870.

Is a Solar Photovoltaic Installer a growing career in the US?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 37% by 2035, from about 31,100 to about 42,400 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Do you need a degree to become a Solar Photovoltaic Installer?

Usually not. Only 9% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of a Solar Photovoltaic Installer?

People already use generative AI for some of this work. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as medium.

Sources

• Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.