Solar Panel Installer

Impact: Clean energy generation, reduced carbon emissions, and energy cost savings for residential and commercial customers

Install photovoltaic solar panel systems on residential and commercial rooftops and ground mounts, including electrical wiring, racking systems, and inverter connections, to deliver clean energy solutions for customers.

What the day looks like

People interaction: Moderate
Team vs solo: 70% Team / 30% Solo
Client facing: Sometimes
Impact visibility: High
Travel: 10 to 30% within regional market
Schedule flexibility: Structured
Remote work: On-site Only
Typical work hours: 40 to 55 hours/week
Stress level: Moderate

At a glance

Median salary: $60,000
Entry-level: $38,000 - $52,000
Senior: $85,000+
Growth by 2033: 22% (much faster than average; solar energy adoption is accelerating rapidly)
Demand: Growing Fast
Freelance potential: Moderate
Salary growth potential: Moderate, with 50 to 80% growth; lead installers and project managers earn more
Typical student debt: $0 - $5,000

Skills you'll use

Hard skills

PV System Design Basics
Racking & Mounting Installation
DC & AC Electrical Wiring
Inverter Installation & Commissioning
Roof Safety & Fall Protection

Soft skills

Safety Awareness
Teamwork
Attention to Detail
Customer Communication
Physical Stamina

Technical complexity: Moderate

How to get there

Minimum education: High School Diploma
Licensing: Yes
Years to mid-career: 2 to 4 years
Years to senior: 5 to 10 years
Career switching: Easy

Where this career leads

How people arrive here

Where you can go from here

Typical progression

Solar Laborer > Installer > Lead Installer > Crew Lead > Project Manager

Future outlook

Automation probability: 20% moderate risk; robotic installation is emerging but complex rooftop work remains manual
AI disruption risk: Low
Demand trend: Growing Fast

How people feel about it

Overall satisfaction: 7.5/10
Meaning: 8/10
Work-life balance: 7/10
Prestige: 6/10
Social perception: High