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Solar Photovoltaic Installers
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.
Other titles employers use
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)
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- 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.
Who it suits
Would this work hold your attention?
This career often appeals to people drawn to practical and organizing work.
- Practical
- Building, repairing, using tools, or working outdoors
- Organizing
- Creating order, checking details, and keeping work accurate
Skills and strengths
What you would get good at.
Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.
Core skills
- Installation
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Operations Monitoring
- Quality Control Analysis
Subjects to know
- Building and Construction
- Engineering and Technology
- Mechanical
- Design
- Administration and Management
Useful strengths
- Problem Sensitivity
- Near Vision
- Visualization
- Information Ordering
- Oral Comprehension
Working day
Picture yourself doing it.
These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.
| Measure | Out of 5 | What that means here |
|---|---|---|
| Close to other people | 4.3 | Arm’s length or closer, most of the day |
| On your feet | 4.3 | Standing or moving for most of it |
| Talking face to face | 4.9 | Continuous — the job is conversations |
| Working with your hands | 4.5 | Handling tools, instruments or materials |
Preparation
How people prepare for this work.
Employers usually ask for a high school diploma. Other routes may also lead into the field.
- High school or less 45%
- A certificate or some college 37%
- A four-year degree 14%
- A two-year degree 3%
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Enterprise application integration software
- Spreadsheet software
- Office suite software
- Electronic mail software
- Word processing software
- Customer relationship management CRM software
- Project management software
- Calendar and scheduling software
Opportunity near you
See where this work is growing.
Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.
- People doing this work
- 11,200
- Job openings each year
- 1,150
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- 41.8%
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 11,200 | 1,150 | 41.8% |
| Texas | 9,550 | 920 | 20.6% |
| Florida | 1,680 | 170 | 38.8% |
| Puerto Rico | 1,470 | 140 | 20.5% |
| New Jersey | 1,440 | 140 | 27.4% |
| North Carolina | 1,400 | 150 | 47.4% |
| Arizona | 1,070 | 110 | 42.7% |
| New York | 920 | 10 | 7.0% |
| Maryland | 900 | 90 | 36.4% |
| Colorado | 870 | 90 | 50.0% |
| Utah | 660 | 70 | 69.2% |
| Ohio | 520 | 50 | 15.6% |
| Illinois | 510 | 60 | 96.2% |
| Oregon | 470 | 50 | 34.3% |
| New Mexico | 430 | 50 | 48.3% |
| Washington | 400 | 60 | 42.9% |
| Massachusetts | 330 | 30 | 37.5% |
| Connecticut | 260 | 30 | 36.8% |
| Michigan | 250 | 30 | 25.0% |
| Vermont | 250 | 30 | 31.6% |
| Guam | 220 | 30 | 100.0% |
| Nevada | 220 | 20 | 57.1% |
| Virginia | 210 | 20 | 40.0% |
| Iowa | 120 | 10 | 9.1% |
| Indiana | 110 | 10 | 22.2% |
| Maine | 100 | 10 | 11.1% |
| South Carolina | 70 | 10 | 133.3% |
| Alabama | 30 | 0 | — |
| Nebraska | 20 | 0 | 100.0% |
Career to college
Build a path toward this work.
Start with a related major, then compare colleges where students complete that field.
Where to study
Colleges with strong activity in these fields.
Start with program size, admission, and likely cost. Open a college for the full picture.
The University of Texas at San Antonio
- Degrees each year
- 76
- Admit rate
- 88%
- Annual cost after aid
- $9,000
Rowan University
- Degrees each year
- 56
- Admit rate
- 78%
- Annual cost after aid
- $19,000
Texas Tech University
- Degrees each year
- 47
- Admit rate
- 71%
- Annual cost after aid
- $17,000
Excelsior University
- Degrees each year
- 32
- Admit rate
- Not reported
- Annual cost after aid
- —
Maine Maritime Academy
- Degrees each year
- 30
- Admit rate
- 61%
- Annual cost after aid
- —
Ferris State University
- Degrees each year
- 26
- Admit rate
- 81%
- Annual cost after aid
- $8,000
Tuskegee University
- Degrees each year
- 12
- Admit rate
- 31%
- Annual cost after aid
- $35,000
SUNY Buffalo State University
- Degrees each year
- 10
- Admit rate
- 76%
- Annual cost after aid
- $15,000
Compare every college offering energy systems technologies/technicians