How To Become A Solar Installer: What It Is and Career Path

What is a solar installer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Solar installers are responsible for installing solar panels on roofs and buildings. During their work, they take into consideration site-specific schematics and install solar and photovoltaic devices based on codes and standards defined by precise instructions.

As a solar installer, your job will be to measure and assemble solar modules and secure them to structural frames. Setting up the electrical circuits fed by solar energy will also be your task, as well as preparing faulty structures and performing maintenance work on the devices.

You will also be expected to identify any safety hazards related to the installed panels and make sure they are sufficiently sealed and correctly wired. You need specific training to do the job successfully and be aware of necessary safety measures while performing the tasks.

ScoreSolar InstallerUS Average

Salary

2.9

Avg. Salary $37,239

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

6.8

Growth rate 27%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

0.0

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.53%

Asian 5.79%

Black or African American 15.79%

Hispanic or Latino 36.32%

Unknown 6.32%

White 35.26%

Gender

female 5.47%

male 94.53%

Age - 27

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 27

Stress level

6.8

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

7.7

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

5.1

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a solar installer

Explore solar installer education requirements

Most common solar installer degrees

High School Diploma

39.6 %

Bachelor's

20.0 %

Associate

17.5 %

Start to develop specific solar installer skills

Skills	Percentages
Renewable Energy	18.31%
Ladders	12.68%
Hand Tools	9.33%
Customer Service	8.85%
Roofing	6.53%

Complete relevant solar installer training and internships

Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New solar installers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a solar installer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real solar installer resumes.

Gain additional solar installer certifications

Solar installer certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific solar installer certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for solar installers include Photovoltaic System Installation Certification (PVSI) and Solar PV Certification.

More About Certifications

Research solar installer duties and responsibilities

Attain skills to do sheeting, lay shingles, mounting and setting solar panels.
Manage telecommunications, data and CCTV equipment.
Do all electrical from ac to DC.
Ensure the safe installation of ladders on single and multilevel homes in accordance with OSHA regulations.

Prepare your solar installer resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your solar installer resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a solar installer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable solar installer resume templates

Build a professional solar installer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your solar installer resume.