Solar Panel Installers

Career summary

The most common type of solar module is the 3' x 5' flat solar panel. It is usually mounted on top of a roof. Before adding the panels to a roof, installers make sure that there is enough room and that the roof can hold the extra weight. If the roof isn't strong enough, installers reinforce it.

Once the roof is ready, installers bolt structural framing, or racking, to the roof. They attach the solar panels to the rack and connect them with wires. They check the wiring on the panels and on the building itself to make sure the panels work correctly.

Installers hook the wires to an inverter. This device turns the energy captured by the solar cells into electricity used by homes and businesses. Installers program inverters to specific set points and modes. Some systems include a battery that stores power for later use. Inverters must be wired to buildings by licensed electricians. Because of this requirement, many installers are licensed electricians. When the system is activated, installers ensure the system responds to the controls and performs as designed.

Lead installers may take responsibility for getting work permits and inspections. Lead installers decide what materials and tools to bring to the work site. They evaluate work site conditions. They decide the layout of the system to ensure it is safe, gets enough sun, and is easy to maintain. Some people want their solar panels connected to the power grid or a backup generator. These may require special subpanels or other equipment. The lead installer ensures that all parts of the system work well together. They must label the parts correctly and document that the system meets all requirements.

Work schedules of solar panel installers are similar to those of construction workers. They may work long hours on some days followed by periods of no employment.

Workers must be comfortable working at heights. Many residential installations are on roofs with steep slopes and on loose or fragile materials, such as clay shingles. Installers often wear safety harnesses when working on houses with steep roofs. Most commercial installations are on flat roofs.

Solar panel installers use power tools and hand tools to construct equipment. They must read diagrams and instructions and follow them precisely. They may also keep records on system performance and maintenance.

As the use of solar power expands, the job tasks of solar panel installers change as well. Workers may install active solar systems, like solar collectors. Those at small companies may perform many duties such as maintenance, sales, planning, and wiring.

Related careers

This career is part of the Architecture and Construction cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Carpenters
• Electrician Helpers
• Electricians
• Heating and Cooling System Mechanics
• Roofers

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to solar panel installers.

• Install solar panels according to codes and standards, using drawings and instructions.
• Assemble modules, panels, and support structures.
• Apply weather sealing.
• Determine sizes, ratings, and locations for system devices and equipment.
• Lay out, orient, and mount modules to ensure efficiency.
• Identify various hazards before installation.
• Examine designs to determine current requirements for all parts of the electrical circuit.
• Check electrical installation for proper wiring and grounding.
• Test voltages to make sure operation is within acceptable limits.
• Identify and resolve problems in installation or materials.
• Program, adjust, and configure controls. Test and inspect modules and systems.
• Perform routine maintenance on modules, batteries, safety systems, and weather sealing.

Common work activities

Solar panel installers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Handle and move objects
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Get information needed to do the job
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Process information
• Teach others
• Evaluate information against standards
• Think creatively
• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Repair and maintain electronic equipment
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Provide information or drawings about devices, equipment, or structures
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
• Develop and build teams
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Control machines and processes
• Guide, direct, and motivate others
• Analyze data or information
• Coach others
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
• Perform for or work with the public
• Schedule work and activities

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, solar panel installers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium level of social interaction. They spend time talking to customers but also spend time working alone during installation.
• Are somewhat responsible for the work outcomes and results of other workers.
• Are somewhat responsible for the health and safety of others.
• Sometimes work as part of a team.
• Communicate mostly via telephone and in-person discussions.

Physical work conditions

• Usually work outdoors.
• Are frequently exposed to high places.
• Often wear specialized protective or safety gear when working.
• Are often exposed to hazardous conditions, situations, and equipment that may produce minor cuts or scrapes.
• Are often exposed to hot or cold temperatures, especially during unpredictable weather.
• Must occasionally deal with loud or distracting sounds or noise levels.
• Occasionally must get into awkward positions to reach cramped work spaces.
• Sometimes must work in very bright or very dim lighting conditions.
• May work physically near others, within a few feet.

Work performance

• Must be exact and accurate when performing the job. Errors could impact the performance of the solar panel.
• Sometimes must repeat the same physical or mental activities.
• Are usually able to make decisions on their own that affect their customers. Sometimes they consult with other installers or supervisors before taking a course of action.
• Must meet strict weekly deadlines.

Hours/travel

• Usually work a set schedule.
• Usually work 40 hours per week.
• May work overtime.

Physical demands

Solar panel installers frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.
• Climb ladders, scaffolds, or poles.
• Kneel, stoop, crouch, or crawl.
• Bend or twist their body.
• Repeat the same movements.

It is important for solar panel installers to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for solar panel installers to be able to:

• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.
• Determine from which direction a sound came.
• While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.

Skills and abilities

Solar panel installers need to:

Communicate

• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Read and understand work-related materials.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with people

• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.

Work with things

• Install equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
• Determine the causes of technical problems and find solutions for them.
• Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Construction Trades
• Solar Energy Technology

Other programs of study to consider

• Energy Management and Systems Technology
• Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
• Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Technology

Training

To work as a solar panel installer, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete moderate-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

A college degree is not required to become a solar panel installer. However, some installers have an associate degree in an electrical or solar field, or a certificate from a training program. In these programs you learn about basic safety, photovoltaic knowledge, and system design.

Work experience

It is helpful to have mechanical or electrical work experience. People with construction backgrounds are well suited for the work. Roofing experience is valuable.

On-the-job training

Many installers learn on the job by working with experienced installers. On-the-job training usually lasts between one month and one year. During training you learn about safety, tool use, and photovoltaic system installation techniques.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements . You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Algebra
• Computer Science
• Electricity
• Equipment Maintenance and Repair
• Introduction to Mechanics
• Physical Science

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers look for solar panel installers who have related work experience in this field. Those who are certified may have a competitive edge over other applicants.

Employers look for applicants with excellent communication skills. Installers must communicate with homeowners and other installers, so the ability to write and speak well is important. Those who are organized and detail-oriented are desirable employees as well.

In addition, it is important to be in good physical condition, as installers often have to lift and carry large panels and other equipment. Good balance and no fear of heights is also important.

Costs to workers

Some workers join professional associations or trade groups, which may have annual dues.

Licensing/certification

Typically, workers who install, test, and maintain electrical systems are required to have an electrician's license. In Washington, electrician apprentices must have a training certificate and work under the supervision of a licensed electrician. Electricians must be certified by the Department of Labor and Industries.

For more information, contact:

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
Electrical Section 
PO Box 44460
Olympia, WA 98504-4460
360.902.5269

#2/13/20

Wages

Currently, there is no specific statewide wage information available for solar photovoltaic installers.

Pay varies with the area of the country, the employer, and the worker's experience. Workers who have an electrician's license typically earn more.

Full-time solar panel installers may receive benefits. Typical benefits include health insurance, sick leave, and paid vacation. Installers who work for small companies may have to provide their own insurance. 

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Half of all solar panel installers work in California. California offers many incentives for solar electric power, such as tax credits.

Major employers:

• Manufacturers of solar panels
• Government agencies

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will be very strong, however it is a very small occupation and not many jobs will be created. Demand is increasing as more homes and businesses install solar panels. Government incentives make solar power more affordable.

Job prospects will be best for those with technical or apprenticeship training. Workers with experience in other construction occupations will also have good prospects.

Other resources

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy information 
(US Department of Energy)

Engineer Girl! 
National Academy of Engineering

Institute of Energy Conversion (IEC) at the University of Delaware 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory 
901 D Street SW, Suite 930
Washington, DC 20024
202.488.2200

North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners 
56 Clifton Country Road, Suite 202
Clifton Park, NY 12065
800.654.0021

Solar Energy International 

Solar Energy Technology Basics 

US Department of Energy: Clean Energy Training Programs 

Wind Solar Alliance 

References

Career cluster

• Architecture and Construction

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Solar Photovoltaic Installers (47-2231.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

DOT occupations

• Solar-energy-system Installer (637.261-030) 
• Solar-energy-system-installer Helper (637.687-018) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Conventional/Investigative

COPSystem

• Service Skilled