How to hire a solar electric installer

How to hire a solar electric installer, step by step

Here's a step-by-step solar electric installer hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a solar electric installer job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new solar electric installer
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your solar electric installer job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a solar electric installer for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A solar electric installer's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, solar electric installers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list shows salaries for various types of solar electric installers.

   Type of Solar Electric Installer	Description	Hourly rate
   Solar Electric Installer	Solar photovoltaic (PV) installers, often called PV installers, assemble, install, or maintain solar panel systems on roofs or other structures.	$13-24
   Installer	Installers are assigned to assemble equipment or fixtures in the client's work or home area. They should have extensive knowledge of the product they will install to ensure it works as intended... Show more	$14-24
   Solar Technician	A solar technician fits solar panels. They read blueprints and schematics to correctly conduct installations... Show more	$14-26

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Hand Tools
   • PV
   • Safety Hazards
   • Roofing
   • Solar Modules
   • Electrical Equipment
   • Electrical Systems
   • Electrical Circuits

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage telecommunications, data and CCTV equipment.
   • Perform preventative maintenance, troubleshot breakdowns and repair malfunctioning HVAC systems and components; utilize measuring and testing instruments.
   • Track and report repair activities from discovery to resolution including manufacturer's RMA process, freight delivery, and warranty documentation.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your solar electric installer job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A solar electric installer can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, solar electric installers' average salary in florida is 37% less than in alaska.
   • Seniority. Entry-level solar electric installers 45% less than senior-level solar electric installers.
   • Certifications. A solar electric installer with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a solar electric installer's salary.

   Average solar electric installer salary

   $38,192yearly

   $18.36 hourly rate

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   Entry-level solar electric installer salary

   $28,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 16, 2025

4. Writing a solar electric installer job description

   A job description for a solar electric installer role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's a solar electric installer job description:

   Solar electric installer job description example

   We install solar systems across the nation and are looking for hardworking and reliable individuals with Solar Electrical experience to join our team. We want to hear from you! Apply today!
   
   The main purpose of an Electrical Solar Installer is to install/build various Electrical systems / components of solar and Renewable Energy systems on an active construction site. This person will exercise great care in safety and quality and will be a great team player. Depending on work location, travel may be required. Local to nationwide travel options are available for candidates interested in full time travel.
   Essential functions of the position include, but are not limited to:
   
   Layout, assemble and install various solar array, Racking and tracking components required for construction of a solar/Renewable energy production plant.
   
   Including but not limited to the safe execution of these task.
   
   Above and below ground cabling installs
   
   Testing, terminations and Q AQC of various systems and components.
   
   Commissioning and troubleshooting of power and communications systems throughout the plant.
   
   Working with and supporting mechanical activities associated with equipment installation.
   
   Assess and prepare work location for task and maintain housekeeping standards.
   
   Safe use of power tools, test instruments and other necessary equipment.
   
   Use Personal Protective Equipment at all times (Gloves, safety glasses, safety vest, proper work boots, and proper clothes, etc.)
   
   Candidates will be familiar with use of Arc rated and Electrical protection PPE, Energized work practices, NFPA 70e standards for working on or near Energized Electrical equipment.
   
   May assist in guiding equipment operations as needed for both electrical and mechanical activities. Includes supporting Crane operations.
   
   Load/unload and stage materials such as solar panels, Electrical and Mechanical equipment, etc.
   
   Attend and complete mandatory training as required (OSHA, AHJ)
   
   Able to follow instructions from leadman/Foreman and field leadership members
   
   Timely and consistent attendance is an essential function of this position.
   
   Maintain quality and production/productivity standards presented by site leadership.
   
   Safe operation and preventive maintenance of site equipment.
   
   Perform other duties as assigned
   
   Disclaimer: This job description may not be inclusive of all assigned duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the job described, and may be amended at any time at the sole discretion of the Company.
   
   Pay: Starting $18.00 per hour
   
   Must be 18+ years or older
   
   Must have a valid driver's license and unexpired personal auto insurance, and their own reliable transportation
   
   Minimum 6 months experience with Electrical installations in the solar / Renewable industry. (Higher hourly pay is dependent on previous experience)
   
   Minimum 4 years of verifiable electrical experience.
   
   OSHA 10 Certification
   
   Ability to do physical and repetitive tasks for extended durations.
   
   Ability to work in all weather
   
   Frequently lift heavy items and materials and/or move up to 50+ pounds
   
   Frequently work with specialized tools and equipment
   
   Must be able to work at heights above 6' above grade.
   
   Requires constant attention to safety and quality at all times
   
   Our Company is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications for all positions equally without regard to their race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, genetic information or any disability as defined in the Americans With Disabilities Act, or for any other reason protected by State and/or Federal law.
   
   Applicants - a job offer is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check, negative drug test satisfactory to the AUI drug and alcohol policy and per state law. Test will be performed at a federally certified lab. Upon request an operator/safety certification must be provided.
   
   This application will be given every consideration, but its receipt does not guarantee that the applicant will be employed. Each question should be answered in a complete, accurate and legible manner as no action can be taken on this application until all questions have been answered.

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5. Post your job

   To find the right solar electric installer for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with solar electric installers they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit solar electric installers who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   To find solar electric installer candidates, you can consider the following options:

   • Post your job opening on Zippia or other job search websites.
   • Use niche websites that focus on engineering and technology jobs, such as constructionjobs.
   • Post your job on free job posting websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit solar electric installers, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new solar electric installer

   Once you've decided on a perfect solar electric installer candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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