How to Become a Solar Installer
Solar photovoltaic installers assemble, install, and maintain rooftop and ground-mounted solar panel systems. Median pay is $53,140 per year ($25.55/hour), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025.
| 2025 median pay | $53,140/year ($25.55/hour) |
|---|---|
| Entry education | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training path | Moderate-term on-the-job training; NABCEP certification helps |
| Job outlook | 37% growth 2025-35, among the fastest of any occupation |
| Jobs in the US | 31,000+ |
The path in, step by step
- Most installers start with no experience; employers train on the job in a few months.
- A NABCEP PV Installation Professional certification meaningfully raises pay and hiring odds.
- Learn basic electrical work; the best-paid installers handle the electrical tie-in, not just panel mounting.
- Commercial and utility-scale projects pay more than residential rooftop crews.
How long it takes
A few months to employable; 1 to 2 years to lead installer.
What it costs
Usually zero; employers train. NABCEP exam fees are a few hundred dollars.
What working tradespeople say
- The growth rate is real but the base is small; pick employers with commercial pipelines for stability.
- Roof work in summer heat is brutal; it is the main reason for turnover.
- Pair solar with battery storage skills; that is where residential margins are heading.
- Electrical license ambitions turn this entry trade into an electrician career.
Run your own numbers
See what the hourly rate means per paycheck with our salary to hourly calculator, and compare lifetime earnings against a college path with the compound interest calculator (four years of earning vs four years of tuition changes the math dramatically). When you are job hunting, our resume templates and cover letter examples are free.
More trade guides
- Electrician$63,190/yr median
- Plumber$63,800/yr median
- HVAC Technician$61,010/yr median
- Welder$53,750/yr median
- Carpenter$60,580/yr median
- Auto Mechanic$50,620/yr median
- Ironworker$62,780/yr median
- Truck Driver (CDL)$58,640/yr median
- Boilermaker$76,410/yr median
- Elevator Installer$109,910/yr median
- Sheet Metal Worker$61,800/yr median
Frequently asked questions
How much does solar installer pay?
The national median is $53,140 per year ($25.55/hour) as of May 2025, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Half earn more, half earn less; apprentices start lower and experienced specialists earn much more.
Do I need college to get into the trades?
No. Every trade on this page lists a high school diploma or a short certificate as the entry credential. The training happens through paid apprenticeships or trade school, not four-year degrees.
How long does it take to become a solar installer?
A few months to employable; 1 to 2 years to lead installer.
Union or non-union: which is better?
Union apprenticeships generally pay more during training and offer stronger benefits and pensions, but can have waitlists. Non-union paths through contractor associations or direct hire can start faster. Many successful tradespeople do both over a career.
Will AI replace trade jobs?
Physical trades that work in unpredictable real-world environments (wiring buildings, fixing pipes, driving trucks) are among the hardest jobs to automate. The BLS projects continued openings driven mostly by retirements.