TradeAtlas
☀️Careers

Solar

Solar panel installation, battery storage, and energy systems

$52k/yr median+42% growth (10-yr)4,100 openings/yrFast entry (<1 yr)License required

Wages & Job Outlook

$52k
Median wage
per year
$39k
Entry wage
per year
$80k
Top 10%
per year
4K
Annual openings
jobs per year
+42% projected job growth over 10 years — much faster than average.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024) and Occupational Outlook Handbook 2024–34 projections.

Work-Life & Stability

Environment
outdoor
Overtime
common
Physical demand
high
Travel
Travel typically required
Hazard level
High hazard
Moderately cyclical

Overview

Solar installers design and install photovoltaic systems and battery storage on residential and commercial properties. NABCEP certification is the gold standard credential. The trade requires electrical knowledge and is often licensed under electrical contracting.

Day in the Life

Site assessment in the morning — roof condition, shading analysis, meter location. Afternoon: install crew mounts racking system, lays panels, wires combiner box. Coordinate utility interconnection paperwork. Update project management software with milestone photos.

How to Get Started

Certification-First

certification-first

NABCEP PV Installation Professional is the premier credential for solar installers

Duration: varies (exam-based)Cost: Moderate tuition

On-the-Job Training

on-the-job

Many solar techs come from electrical or roofing and transition with OJT

Duration: 1–2 yearsCost: Low / minimal tuition

Trade School / Vocational Program

trade-school

Solar technology programs at community and vocational colleges

Duration: 6–18 monthsCost: Moderate tuition
Find local solar training near you
Programs, apprenticeship openings, and American Job Centers
Find training →

How to Pay for Your Training

Multiple funding programs can offset or eliminate the cost of training. Here are the most commonly applicable ones.

WIOA Individual Training Account (ITA)
Federally funded training voucher for eligible adults and dislocated workers. ITAs pay for approved programs at WIOA-eligible providers (ETPs). Amounts set by local Workforce Development Boards — typically $3,000–$12,000 per year depending on workforce area. Apply at your nearest American Job Center (CareerOneStop).
Up to $12,000
Apply →
Federal Pell Grant
Need-based federal grant up to $7,395/year for eligible students at accredited colleges and trade schools. Does not need to be repaid. Eligible programs include accredited community colleges, for-profit trade schools (UTI, Lincoln, etc.), and union training centers that are accredited institutions.
Up to $7,395
Apply →
Workforce Pell Grant (SAVES Act)
Starting July 1, 2026, Pell Grant eligibility expands to high-quality short-term workforce programs (8–15 weeks) at eligible institutions. For the first time, trade training programs under 600 hours are Pell-eligible — including many HVAC, electrical, and welding certificates. Students earn the same need-based amount as longer programs.
Up to $7,395
Apply →
GI Bill (Post-9/11, Chapter 33) — Apprenticeship
Post-9/11 GI Bill covers On-the-Job Training (OJT) and Registered Apprenticeship programs. Veterans receive a monthly housing allowance (MHA, based on E-5 w/dependents BAH at program location) that scales up as they advance through the apprenticeship. Covers full 3–5 year apprenticeship programs.
Up to $3,200
Apply →
See all programs you may qualify for →

Career Ladder

Solar Installer Helper

$36k/yr
0–1 yrs exp.

Carries panels, assists with mounting and wiring

Solar Installer

$48k/yr
1–3 yrs exp.

Completes installs under supervision, working toward NABCEP

Solar Technician

$62k/yr
3–7 yrs exp.

Leads residential installs, handles service calls

Senior Solar Designer

$80k/yr
7+ yrs exp.

Designs commercial systems, manages complex projects

Solar Contractor

$105k/yr
5+ yrs exp.

Owns solar installation and design company

Licensing by State

StateRequired?License typeIssuing body
CAYesC-46 Solar ContractorCSLB
TXYesElectrical Contractor License (solar performed under electrical license)TDLR
FLYesCertified Solar Contractor (CV)Florida DBPR / CILB
NYNo––
ILYesDistributed Generation Installer Certification (ICC)Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC)
PAYesHome Improvement Contractor (HIC) RegistrationPA Office of Attorney General (HICPA)
OHNo––
GAYesElectrical Contractor License (Class I/II) — solar performed under electrical licenseGeorgia State Board of Electrical Contractors (Secretary of State)
NCYesElectrical Contractor License (Limited / Intermediate / Unlimited or SP-SFD restricted)NC State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (NCBEEC)
MIYesResidential Builder license + Electrical Contractor licenseMichigan LARA
WAYesElectrical Contractor license (+ PV/Solar Specialty Electrician 06A); contractor registration under RCW 18.27Washington L&I
AZYesSolar Energy Systems: CR-11 / R-11 (residential) and C-11 (commercial) ElectricalArizona ROC
VAYesContractor license Class A/B/C with Alternative Energy System (AES) and/or Electrical (ELE) specialtyVirginia DPOR (Board for Contractors)
NJYesElectrical Contractor license (Business Permit) + Home Improvement Contractor registrationNJ Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors / Division of Consumer Affairs
TNYesContractor license with Electrical (CE) classification; LLE for small projectsTennessee Board for Licensing Contractors

Time to Enter

Time to journeyman2 yrs
Fast-entry trade — earning wages in <1 year possible

Wages (BLS 2024)

Entry (10th pct)$39k
Median$52k
Top 10%$80k

BLS OEWS May 2024. Wages vary by state and employer.

Compare all trades side-by-side →Find training funding →

Own a solar business?

Provisional · 1 source

What it's worth today — the starting point for weighing any exit.

Peak Business Valuation
Appraisal / small business
2×–4×
× SDE

Provisional — a single citable source so far; treat as directional until we add a second.

Full valuation breakdown →Explore exit paths →

Ways out for solar owners

Compare all →
Sell to Private EquityMaximizing price · Commonly 4–9 months from first conversation to close.Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)Reward employees · Commonly 6–12 months to establish; ownership transfers over many years.Family SuccessionKeep it in the family · Best run over 3–10 years; rushed handoffs are where regret concentrates.

Industry Associations

  • SEIA

Physical Requirements

  • Roof work at heights
  • Lifting heavy panels (40–70 lbs)
  • Hot outdoor conditions
  • Electrical hazard awareness

Recommended Software

CompanyCamper-userQuickBooks for ContractorssubscriptionDocuSignper-userSafetyCulture (iAuditor)freemium
All Solar software →
Compare top tools →

Related Trades

⚡ Electrical🏠 Roofing🧊 Insulation🏗️ General Contracting