Solar O&M Technician

Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on utility-scale and commercial solar photovoltaic systems to maximize energy production and equipment availability. Troubleshoot inverter faults, tracker malfunctions, and electrical issues using SCADA monitoring data and field diagnostic tools. Conduct thermographic inspections, IV curve testing, and string-level performance analysis to identify and replace underperforming components.

Median salary: $65,000. Projected growth to 2033: 35% (much faster than average) - driven by growing solar installation base. Typical education: Associate's Degree.

At a glance

Median salary: $65,000
Entry-level: $42,000 - $55,000
Senior: $90,000+
Growth by 2033: 35% (much faster than average) - driven by growing solar installation base
Demand: Growing Fast
Remote: On-site Only
Hours per week: 40-50 hours/week
Stress: Moderate

What you'd do

People interaction: Moderate
Team vs solo: 55% Team / 45% Solo
Client facing: Rarely
Impact visibility: Moderate

How to get there

Minimum education: Associate's Degree
Licensing: Varies by State
Years to mid-career: 2-4 years
Years to senior: 5-8 years
Career switching: Easy
Typical student debt: $10,000 - $25,000

Skills you'll use

Hard skills

Solar PV Inverter Troubleshooting & Repair
SCADA Performance Monitoring
IV Curve Tracing & String Testing
Thermal Imaging for PV Inspection
NEC Electrical Safety Compliance
Solar Tracker Maintenance & Calibration

Soft skills

Physical Stamina
Safety Awareness
Attention to Detail
Electrical Troubleshooting
Teamwork

Technical complexity: Moderate

Typical career path

Solar Technician Helper
Solar O&M Technician
Senior Technician
Lead Technician
Site Supervisor
O&M Manager