Solar Energy Technician
Solar energy techniciansâoften called solar photovoltaic installersâassemble, install, inspect, and maintain systems that turn sunlight into electricity. They work on rooftops, ground-mounted arrays, and other solar projects while following electrical, structural, and safety requirements.
What does this career do?
Solar energy techniciansâoften called solar photovoltaic installersâassemble, install, inspect, and maintain systems that turn sunlight into electricity. They work on rooftops, ground-mounted arrays, and other solar projects while following electrical, structural, and safety requirements.
Core tasks
- Read plans and determine where solar modules, supports, wiring, and equipment will be installed.
- Measure, assemble, and secure mounting systems and photovoltaic panels.
- Connect or assist with electrical components according to codes and project procedures.
- Test systems, troubleshoot performance problems, and replace damaged components.
- Follow fall-protection, electrical, weather, and job-site safety procedures.
Installing Clean-Energy Systems
- Prepare roofs or ground-mounted sites and accurately position solar equipment for safe, reliable operation.
- Coordinate with electricians, contractors, inspectors, and customers so the system meets design and code requirements.
Maintaining Performance & Safety
- Inspect panels, wiring, mounting hardware, inverters, and monitoring systems for damage or performance issues.
- Use system data and testing tools to diagnose problems and keep energy production on target.
A Day in This Career
- Review the installation plan, weather, equipment list, and safety setup.
- Lay out mounting points and prepare the roof or ground structure.
- Install racking and solar modules with the crew.
- Help connect equipment, check system readings, and troubleshoot anything outside expected ranges.
- Document the work, clean the site, and review the system with the customer or project lead.
Where You Might Work
- Solar installation contractors
- Electrical and construction companies
- Commercial and utility-scale solar projects
- Operations and maintenance firms
- Clean-energy developers
Education & Training
- A high school diploma is typical for entry; some workers complete technical or community-college training in solar, electrical systems, or construction.
- Installers commonly receive on-the-job training, and electrical work may require licensed electricians depending on the task and location.
- Safety training, basic electrical knowledge, construction math, and comfort working at heights are valuable.
Skills That Matter
- Mechanical ability
- Construction math
- Electrical basics
- Troubleshooting
- Safety awareness
- Teamwork
High School Game Plan
- Take algebra, physics, electricity/electronics, construction, engineering, and environmental science.
- Join robotics, STEM, sustainability, or skilled-trades programs.
- Learn safe tool use through supervised shop or CTE classes.
- Explore a small solar kit and measure how angle, shade, and weather affect output.
- Look for job shadowing with electricians, solar contractors, or energy programs.
Whatâs Changing in This Career?
Solar installation is one of the fastest-growing U.S. occupations. Crews are working with larger systems, battery storage, smart inverters, digital monitoring, and increasingly standardized safety and quality practices.
Could this be a good fit for you?
You do not need to have your whole future figured out. These interests are simply clues that this career may be worth exploring.
Research basis: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for Solar Photovoltaic Installers and U.S. Department of Energy solar workforce materials. BLS reports 2024 median pay of $51,860 and projected growth of 42% from 2024 to 2034.