Energy and utilities
How to become a solar installer
Put solar panels on roofs and build solar farms.
About $51,000 typical pay. Training time: Weeks to months. Many companies train you on the job. How to start: Get paid while you learn.
Take the career quiz See first steps
What does a solar installer do?
Solar installers mount solar panels on roofs and build large solar farms. Many companies hire people without experience and train them on the job, and some installers later become electricians for higher pay.
What the work is like
- Physical: Very physical. Expect lifting, standing, and moving all day.
- Heights: Regular work at heights, on ladders, or in tight spaces.
- Blood and medical: No medical tasks.
- Schedule: Mostly regular daytime hours.
- Travel: Some overnight travel to job sites.
- Math: Some everyday math.
Steps to become a solar installer
Training: Weeks to months. Many companies train you on the job. You can earn while you learn.
- Apply directly to local solar companies. Many hire with no experience.
- Get OSHA 10 certified.
- Move toward electrician work later for higher pay.
Not sure this is the one? Take the free quiz to compare it with 43 other careers.
Where solar installer jobs are in demand
California
- Coachella Valley and Inland Empire: Desert heat keeps HVAC busy year-round, plus solar, warehouses, resorts, and healthcare.
- Central Coast: Agriculture, hospitality, healthcare, and energy keep these towns hiring.
- Central Valley: Farming needs mechanics and drivers, and new solar and healthcare jobs are growing.
- Bay Area and Sacramento: Electric cars, solar, chip makers, and a big push to upgrade buildings.
Regional demand is a general guide. Check with your local workforce office for current openings.
How to pay for solar installer training
Many people start this career through a paid apprenticeship or an employer who trains you, so training can cost little or nothing.
Fill out the FAFSA to see if you qualify for a Pell grant. Since 2026, Workforce Pell can also cover some short programs of 8 to 15 weeks. High school CTE and dual credit classes are often free.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a solar installer make?
Typical pay is about $51,000, based on approximate national medians. Starting pay is usually lower, and pay varies by area and experience.
How long does it take to become a solar installer?
Weeks to months. Many companies train you on the job.
Can you get paid while training?
Yes. Many people in this career are paid while they train, through a paid apprenticeship, an employer who covers training, or on-the-job learning.
Do you need a college degree?
No. This career doesn't require a four-year degree.
Similar careers to explore
- Power lineworker: About $86,000. Lineworker school (about 10–15 weeks), then a 3–4 year paid apprenticeship
- Wind turbine technician: About $62,000. 6 month to 2 year certificate
- Oilfield hand: About $50,000 and up with overtime. Hired on with a few days of safety training
- Process technician (plant operator): About $70,000. 2-year process technology degree at a community college
Is solar installer the right fit for you?
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