How to Get an Entry Level Solar Installer Job
The Insider’s Guide to a Career in Solar Energy -
Part 3. Solar Installer Jobs.
How to get your foot in the door for a solar installer job.
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How to know which solar installer job you actually want.
Introduction
Installing solar is an incredible way to get your foot in the door in the industry and gain early career skills like design, execution, and deep technical understanding. You’ll get to work outside with your hands, be part of a close knit team, and be part of the energy revolution.
The most organized, creative, and successful installers will often advance into team lead, project management roles, and even executive roles. In a fast growing industry, talent is recognized. And the solar sector is booming, with ample opportunities for those who are eager to learn and grow. Whether you're aiming to be a solar electrical technician, a trainee solar PV installer, or just want to dive into the action as a laborer, the sun is shining on your career prospects. Let’s light up the path to your first job in solar installation.
But knowing how to apply is just the first step. You also need to know what type of job you actually want! And how to interview for it successfully. Which means you need to understand the most common roles on a project that solar installers might take, as well as common types of solar projects.
But first things first.
How do you find solar jobs?
There are four primary routes to a solar installer job.
Company Job Boards
Company Apprenticeship Programs
Third Party Apprenticeship Programs
Temp Agencies
We’ll look at each of these. But to understand these paths, let’s take a moment to provide some context on apprenticeship programs, which have rocked the solar industry recently.
Understanding Apprenticeship Programs
Apprenticeship programs are installer and electrician training programs that have recently become much, much more common.
The Biden Administration’s “IRA” bill, passed in 2022, has led to a boom in apprenticeship programs.
Companies that use apprenticeship program labor receive bonuses, so that the rewards of solar can be shared more broadly with installation teams.
Apprenticeship programs might be sponsored by a third party like a Union. Or they might be sponsored by a solar company or a group of solar companies.
A great place to start is the federal government-sponsored apprenticeship finder.
Company Apprenticeship Programs
Many solar panel companies are not just hiring; they’re actively investing in training new talent through apprenticeship programs. These programs are golden opportunities to earn while you learn. Here are a few notable ones:
Union and State Level Apprenticeship Programs
Beyond individual companies, unions and state governments offer apprenticeship programs that are often more structured and can lead to widely recognized certifications.
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW): IBEW offers excellent apprenticeship programs that combine classroom learning with on-the-job training, perfect for those looking to become solar electrical technicians.
Union chapters, “locals,” field incoming requests for apprentices from lots of different companies.
Often, union members have first dibs on large solar jobs.
Local union shops or “Locals” each have their own process for applying. Here’s the local apprenticeship program closest to our HQ in Asheville, NC as an example. You can google “{City Name} IBEW Apprenticeship Program” for more.
Some union locals are actively recruiting. Others may not be accepting new members.
Either way, expect to start at the bottom of the pack at first. Access to new jobs is usually prioritized by seniority.
State-Sponsored Programs: States like California and New York have their own apprenticeship programs tailored to the solar industry. These programs often include job placement assistance and certification upon completion.
Depending on the state, laborers and operators may have their own union paths toward long-term careers as installers
Googling “Your State” plus Solar Apprenticeship programs can often point you in the right direction.
Qualifying for and Entering an Apprenticeship Program
To make your dream of becoming a solar installer a reality, getting into an apprenticeship program is a critical step. If you want to be solar install trainee this is the surest path. Here’s how to navigate this process and boost your chances of acceptance:
1. Meet the Basic Requirements
Most apprenticeship programs require candidates to have a high school diploma or GED. Additionally, you typically need to have completed at least one year of high school mathematics with a grade of C or better. These foundational skills are essential for understanding the technical aspects of solar installations.
2. Prepare Your Application
When applying, make sure to gather and organize all necessary documents. This includes your high school transcripts, any college or trade school transcripts, certificates from relevant training programs, and letters of recommendation from past employers. Demonstrating your commitment and previous experience in related fields can significantly strengthen your application.
3. Gain Relevant Experience
If possible, try to gain some hands-on experience in the construction or electrical fields before applying. Working in entry-level positions like a laborer, racking technician, or warehouse assistant can provide valuable insights and make your application stand out. Many programs, such as those offered by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), value practical experience highly (SEIA).
4. Research State-Specific Programs
Each state has its unique requirements and opportunities for solar apprenticeships. For instance, the Florida Solar Energy Apprenticeship Program provides a pathway to state certification as a Florida solar contractor. This program is designed to produce highly-qualified solar energy technicians capable of installing both photovoltaic and thermal systems (Florida Solar Apprentice).
5. Take free courses!
Show your intent and get ahead by taking free solar courses online to prepare for your new career. We have several at www.Generation.Academy and you can also try Solar Energy International for lots of great install background knowledge.
Five Places to Find Solar Installer Job Openings
Alright, you’re pumped and ready to go. But where do you find these entry-level solar installer jobs? Here are some tips:
Company Job Boards: Don’t forget to check out the careers section on the websites of solar companies you’re interested in. They often post their best job openings directly on their website only, because this weeds out “spray and pray” applicants
Online Job Board Aggregators: Sites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn are treasure troves of job listings. Just type in keywords like “entry level solar installer” or “solar panel companies hiring” and see what pops up. Then vet the company based on the criteria we’ve talked about in this and previous articles. Just realize that you’re usually competing against hundreds, sometimes thousands, of other applicants anytime you use an aggregator, so be persistent, followup, and cross your fingers.
Networking: Join industry groups on social media platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook. Networking can lead to job opportunities and insider tips.
Job Fairs and Industry Events: Attend local job fairs and industry events to meet potential employers and learn more about the solar industry.
Temp Agencies - Local temp agencies often staff utility scale jobs. Some of the biggest players in the solar temp game are Hill Country Staffing, Hardhat, and PeopleReady.
A Few of Our Favorite Company Job Boards
If you’re looking for a long-term career with lots of opportunities for advancement, you really want a fully integrated EPC team. Here’s a list of some of our favorite and fastest growing companies from the “Amicus Network” of regional full-service installers, broken down by region.
“Amicus” Company Job Boards
Here are the job-boards of some of my favorite and fastest growing companies in the Amicus network that frequently list solar sales jobs.
Northeast-Mid Atlantic Solar Installer Job Boards
Brooklyn Solar Works - If you’re in the big apple, these guys are the best! One of our favorite clients.
Greenspark - Awesome upstate NY company.
Revision Energy - Maine and New England more generally. Employee-owned super-regional installer!
Midwest Solar Installer Job Boards
Straight Up Solar - Missouri and Illinois solar jobs
Kokosing Ohio Solar Jobs
Southeast
Radiance - One of Atlanta’s best sources of great solar jobs
Solar Impact - Gainesville Solar Jobs
Sugar Hollow - If you happen to be my neighbor in Asheville, check out Sugar Hollow Solar!
Southwest Solar Installer Job Boards
Sun Valley - If you’re near my alma Matter of ASU, Arizona’s Sun Valley is a great spot to land.
Mountain West
Namaste - Boulder, Denver, and the Front Range. Employee-owned before it was cool.
Creative Energies - Utah has a hot solar market! Check ‘em out.
Northwest Solar Installer Job Boards
A&R - Even the drizzly Pacific NW gets plenty of sunshine. Check out A&R in Portland Oregon for solar sales jobs and install jobs.
Temp Agency Job Boards
Great companies often hire temporary help on solar sites.
Often, this is a great way to get your foot in the door, particularly if you’re interested in joining a traveling utility scale install team. Sandout stars from the Temporary Team often get job offers, particularly if you express interest from day one in joining up.
Here are some job boards for solar installers from temp labor management companies to check out.
How Do You Find a Solar Installer Job that You Actually Want???
That’s a lot of job opportunities. Remember, there are several hundred THOUSAND jobs in the solar industry. But the reality is that you probably wouldn’t want most of these jobs. You need to find the right project, company, and position type if you’re going to thrive. So next let’s talk about what you're looking for.
you first need to understand that there are two very different types of solar projects
Depending on your willingness to deal with heat, risk, and time away from home, either option might be a better fit. So before we get into the nitty-gritty of job roles, let’s talk about the kinds of solar projects you might find yourself working on. There are two main types: rooftop installs and utility-scale projects. Each offers its own unique set of experiences and opportunities.
Types of Install Jobs - Rooftop vs Ground Mount
Rooftop Solar Installers
Picture this: you're scaling the rooftops of homes and businesses, placing solar panels that will power up the building for decades to come. Rooftop installations are the bread and butter of residential and commercial solar projects. They require a keen eye for detail and the ability to work safely in sometimes tricky conditions. It’s a hands-on, satisfying way to see the immediate impact of your work.
Rooftop installers often get to stay close to home for their whole career, installing on rooftops in their city!
In any major city, there are tens of thousands of roofs. In contrast, there may be space for only one or two larger projects near urban areas. The big utility scale projects are usually hundreds of miles away, requiring a life with long stretches on the road.
But there are catches to rooftop installs too. Rooftop install requires a higher level of safety consciousness and detail orientation.
If you’re the type of person who naturally cuts corners, installation in general may be a challenging adjustment. But on the roof, it might mean life or death, for you or the homeowner.
Every year, installers die because they forget or neglect to tie into a fall arrest system. And even after improving safety and quality standards, shoddy electrical workmanship can always cause building fires.
On top of the mindset required, rooftop installations are HOT. In warmer climates, 120 degree ambient temperatures on the roof are common in the summertime. Many people can acclimate with sufficient breaks and hydration, but that type of heat isn’t for everyone.
Rooftop installers must have focus, strong-detail orientation, and a willingness to take the heat. Otherwise, they’re unlikely to last long.
Utility Scale Installers
On the flip side, utility-scale projects involve creating massive solar farms that feed power directly into the grid. Imagine fields of solar panels stretching as far as the eye can see. Working on these large-scale installations often means operating heavy machinery, managing extensive layouts, and being part of a large team. It’s grand, it’s challenging, and it’s absolutely essential to our renewable energy future. There are upsides and downsides to utility scale install jobs as well.
The first thing to know is that:
Utility-Scale Installers usually spend a lot of time on the road.
There are exceptions. In some certain hotbeds of solar you might be able to work consistently within an hour of your hometown. And a single very large projects can take 12-18 months, during which time you’re able to work at a consistent location.
But most utility scale installers in it for the long-time spend at least a week at a time and often more like 4-8 weeks at a time away from home at a stretch. Some stay in hotels or AirBnBs, some buy campers or RVs and stay at campsites.
One upside of this lifestyle is the ability to see many parts of the country, and bond with your fellow road warrior team, but it’s not for everyone. However,
Utility-Scale installers have opportunities for significant compensation, even early on.
While hourly rates for rooftop and utility scale work are often similar, utility scale work is much more likely to include compensation perks like regular overtime pay and per diems.
Even entry level laborers can often clear total compensation of 50k in their first year.
If you enter as an apprentice electrician or apprentice solar technician, expect compensation 50% higher than that. And the most experienced electricians, foreman, and site supervisors regularly bring home total comp packages in the six figures.
Utility-Scale installers have opportunities to learn a lot, fast.
Because of the scale of utility projects, utility scale construction also allows for more opportunity to master a diverse set of complex construction skills, including civil, mechanical, and electrical construction.
Comparatively, rooftop installations are much more similar in terms of the day-to-day work.
Types of Entry-Level Solar Installer Jobs
Ok, so now that we’ve broadly discussed the types of projects, let’s dive into the different role players on the team. Even as an entry level team member, there are a number of installer jobs you might take on.
Solar Technician
Think of a solar technician as the jack-of-all-trades in the solar world. You’ll be installing, maintaining, and repairing solar panels and systems. This role often requires a basic understanding of electrical systems. It's a fantastic starting point for those looking to dive deep into the technical side of things.
Apprentice Electrician
As an apprentice electrician, you’ll work under seasoned pros to learn the ropes of solar installations. This is perfect if you're aiming to eventually become a licensed electrician specializing in solar energy. It’s hands-on learning at its best.
Laborer
Starting as a laborer is a great way to get your hands dirty and understand the ins and outs of a solar project. You’ll assist with carrying materials, setting up sites, and supporting the installation process. It's a foundational role that can lead to more specialized positions down the line. This is the foot in the door role, and as such, it’s easy to rise above the pack if you’re motivated.
Heavy Equipment Operator
If you’re fascinated by big machines, this one's for you. Utility-scale projects need heavy equipment operators to handle forklifts, cranes, and backhoes. It’s a critical role that requires skill and precision to keep large projects moving smoothly.
Site Surveyor
Not exactly an installer role, but most rooftop companies also have a site survey crew that does an initial assessment of each home or building. Often companies are willing to hire and train the right person for this job.
The primary outcomes are having great photos of the building, measurements of the roof and building, and the general outlines of a plan for installing and interconnecting the project that can be explained to your design and engineering.
Conclusion
Starting a career as an entry-level solar installer is your ticket to a bright future in the renewable energy sector.
Check out some common paths to advancing in the solar industry here.
Whether you become a solar electrical technician, an apprentice electrician, or a heavy equipment operator, the opportunities are vast and varied. With the right apprenticeship program, a bit of networking, and a lot of enthusiasm, you can land that first job and start climbing the solar ladder. So, gear up, get out there, and let’s build a greener future together. Your solar adventure is just beginning!