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 requiredCSI 48

Wages & Job Outlook

$52k

Median wage

per year

$39k

Entry wage

per year

$80k

Top 10%

per year

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 →

Job & Training Resources

Best Places to Find Construction Jobs With No Experience →Best Construction Job Sites →Best Construction Staffing Agencies →Best Sites for Traveling Construction Jobs →

Apprenticeship.gov Partner Finder

A free U.S. Department of Labor tool for finding registered apprenticeship partners — sponsors, educators, and intermediaries.

Apprenticeship Illinois

Illinois's state apprenticeship initiative, hosted on the Illinois workNet portal, connecting career seekers to registered apprenticeship pathways statewide.

CareerStarter by NCCER

NCCER's free platform that helps job seekers explore construction crafts, build a profile, and connect directly with employers and training programs.

Browse all job & training resources →

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

State	Required?	License type	Issuing body
AZ	Yes	Solar Energy Systems: CR-11 / R-11 (residential) and C-11 (commercial) Electrical	Arizona ROC
CA	Yes	C-46 Solar Contractor	CSLB
FL	Yes	Certified Solar Contractor (CV)	Florida DBPR / CILB
GA	Yes	Electrical Contractor License (Class I/II) — solar performed under electrical license	Georgia State Board of Electrical Contractors (Secretary of State)
IL	Yes	Distributed Generation Installer Certification (ICC)	Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC)
MI	Yes	Residential Builder license + Electrical Contractor license	Michigan LARA
NC	Yes	Electrical Contractor License (Limited / Intermediate / Unlimited or SP-SFD restricted)	NC State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (NCBEEC)
NJ	Yes	Electrical Contractor license (Business Permit) + Home Improvement Contractor registration	NJ Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors / Division of Consumer Affairs
NY	No	–	–
OH	No	–	–
PA	Yes	Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) Registration	PA Office of Attorney General (HICPA)
TN	Yes	Contractor license with Electrical (CE) classification; LLE for small projects	Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors
TX	Yes	Electrical Contractor License (solar performed under electrical license)	TDLR
VA	Yes	Contractor license Class A/B/C with Alternative Energy System (AES) and/or Electrical (ELE) specialty	Virginia DPOR (Board for Contractors)
WA	Yes	Electrical Contractor license (+ PV/Solar Specialty Electrician 06A); contractor registration under RCW 18.27	Washington L&I