Solar photovoltaic installers
SOC Code: 47-2231Also known as:
Electro-Mechanical Solar Technician (Electro-Mechanical Solar Tech), Installation Technician (Installation Tech), Installer, Journeyman Electrician PV Installer (Journeyman Electrician Photovoltaic Installer), PV Fabrication and Testing Technician (Photovoltaic Fabrication and Testing Technician)
Median Annual Salary
$51,860
+42.1% growth (2024-2034)
4K
Openings/Year
29K
Current Jobs
What Solar photovoltaic installers Do
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.
💰 Salary
$51,860
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+42.1%
Much faster than average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
4K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
28,600
Projected Employment (2034)
40,600
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Top Skills Required
Installation
Critical Thinking
Active Listening
Monitoring
Operations Monitoring
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Diagram layouts and locations for photovoltaic (PV) arrays and equipment, including existing building or site features.
- Determine materials, equipment, and installation sequences necessary to maximize installation efficiency.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Post-Secondary Certificate
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Solar photovoltaic installers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a solar photovoltaic installers:
Solar Energy Technology/Technician
341 degrees awarded •
28 colleges offer this program
Roofer
37 degrees awarded •
2 colleges offer this program
Solar Energy System Installation and Repair Technology/Technician
25 degrees awarded •
4 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Solar photovoltaic installers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become solar photovoltaic installers.
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do solar photovoltaic installers make?
The median annual salary for solar photovoltaic installers is $51,860.
What education do solar photovoltaic installers need?
Most solar photovoltaic installers positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Solar Energy Technology/Technician, Roofer, Solar Energy System Installation and Repair Technology/Technician.
Is becoming solar photovoltaic installers a good career choice?
Solar photovoltaic installers is projected to see +42.1% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is much faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 4,100 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for solar photovoltaic installers?
Top colleges for aspiring solar photovoltaic installers include
Appalachian State University, Colby Community College, Texas State Technical College, South Georgia Technical College, Centralia College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to solar photovoltaic installers?
Solar photovoltaic installers may also be known as: Electro-Mechanical Solar Technician (Electro-Mechanical Solar Tech), Installation Technician (Installation Tech), Installer, Journeyman Electrician PV Installer (Journeyman Electrician Photovoltaic Installer), PV Fabrication and Testing Technician (Photovoltaic Fabrication and Testing Technician), PV Fabrication Technician (Photovoltaic Fabrication Technician), PV Installation Tech (Photovoltaic Installation Technician), PV Installer (Photovoltaic Installer), PV Panel Installer (Photovoltaic Panel Installer), PV Technician (Photovoltaic Technician), PV Testing Technician (Photovoltaic Testing Technician), Residential Solar Installer, Solar Designer, Solar Electric Installer, Solar Electric Practitioner, Solar Energy System Installer, Solar Energy Technician (Solar Energy Tech), Solar Field Service Technician (Solar Field Service Tech), Solar Installer, Solar Panel Installation Technician (Solar Panel Installation Tech).
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.