Construction and extraction
Solar photovoltaic installer
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.
Median pay
$53,140
Growth to 2035
+37%
much faster than average
Openings a year
4,200
Time to qualify*
6 months
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Solar photovoltaic installer
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Prior experience
- None
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Outdoors in all weather
Hazardous conditions
Solar photovoltaic installer: 26% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- 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.
Also called: Journeyman Electrician PV Installer (Journeyman Electrician Photovoltaic Installer) · PV Installation Tech (Photovoltaic Installation Technician) · PV Installer (Photovoltaic Installer) · Solar Designer · Solar Electric Installer · Solar Installer · Solar Panel Installation Technician (Solar Panel Installation Tech) · Solar PV Installer (Solar Photovoltaic Installer)
Outlook and AI
Solar photovoltaic installers held 31,100 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 42,400 by 2035 (+37%, much faster than average; all jobs: +3.5%).
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