Job Opportunities in Energy: Solar Installer
By Sammie Trvalik, Earth Forward Group
October is Energy Awareness Month, promoting building optimization and management, energy resilience, and the use of advanced energy technologies to build a more sustainable future.
This month, Earth Forward Group celebrates the rapidly accelerating growth of green energy jobs. Each week, we will be highlighting career opportunities in the energy sector for entry-level professionals, seasoned workers, and career-changers. Green job skills are in high demand — we will cover which valuable skills and certifications will help you land the job for each position.
This week, we are focusing on one of the fastest growing career opportunities in renewable energy — the solar installer.
In 2021, the solar energy sector employed nearly 334,000 workers. Of these jobs, over half were in the construction industry. 93% of employers in the construction sub-sector of solar reported difficulty hiring employees, many citing a labor shortage — meaning there is ample opportunity for those interested in entering the industry.
The following information was collected from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Photovoltaic Installer
Average salary: $47,670 per year ($22.92/hour)
Entry level education: High school diploma or equivalent
Number of jobs, 2021: 17,100
Projected growth over next 10 years: 27% (very high)
Background: Experience in electrical or construction work will make a candidate more competitive
Job duties:
- Plan PV system configurations based on customer needs and site conditions
- Measure, cut, and assemble the support structure for solar PV panels
- Install solar modules, panels, and support structures according to building codes and standards
- Connect PV panels to the electrical system
- Apply weather sealant to equipment being installed
- Activate and test PV systems
- Perform routine PV system maintenance
Skills:
- Mechanical skills
- Physical stamina/strength
- Math skills
- Communication skills
Certifications/training
Certification and training programs will make you more competitive in the labor market. Licenses are a requirement for those working directly with solar equipment, while certifications are optional but encouraged (still required by many employers.) As always, technical school, 2–4-year college programs, apprenticeships and internships are another route for professional development in this field.
- CT Electrical License: Required for all solar installers, differ by state.
- North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP): PV Installation Professional (PVIP) and PV Installer Specialist (PVIS) Board Certifications (PVIP is a more robust certification with broader knowledge and training requirements, PVIS mainly covers installation.)
- ETA Photovoltaic Installer — Level 1 (PV1), Level 2 (PV2) Certifications
- OSHA Construction Safety
- BPI’s Building Science Principles Certification: Learn about the fundamentals of energy efficient home performance and weatherization techniques to optimize the benefits of solar technology for clients. (offered by EFG)
See the NABCEP Solar Career Map for other certification/career routes in the solar industry
Browse these sites to find green jobs and other impactful careers:
If you are interested in learning more about EFG’s own workforce development program design offerings, please contact us at info@earthforwardgroup.com or through our website earthforwardgroup.com.
