Find Your Next High Paying Job As A Solar Installer
In today's world, the urgency of renewable energy has never been greater due to climate change and the energy crisis. As one of the most promising renewable resources, solar energy not only helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but also provides stable and clean electricity for homes and businesses. As an important part of the solar energy industry, solar installers play a vital role in this revolution. You will have the opportunity to be part of this revolutionary movement, contribute to the protection of our planet, and build a promising career in a booming field. The following article will talk about the feasibility and necessity of becoming a solar installer from multiple aspects such as the work content of solar installers, salary range, and how to become a solar installer. Hope it can help you!
1. What Does a Solar Installer Do?
Solar installers are responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. Their tasks typically include:
• Site Assessment: Evaluating the location for optimal sunlight exposure and space.
• Installation: Installing solar panels, mounting systems, electrical connections, and inverters.
• Electrical Work: Wiring and connecting the solar system to the grid or storage systems.
• Testing and Commissioning: Ensuring the system operates correctly after installation.
• Maintenance and Repairs: Performing regular checks and fixing any issues to maintain system efficiency.
• Customer Support: Educating clients about the system's operation and addressing their questions.
• Safety Compliance: Adhering to safety regulations and industry standards throughout the installation process.
The types of jobs related to solar installation derived from the above job responsibilities include:
• Residential solar installer: Focuses on installing solar systems for homes.
• Commercial solar installer: Carries out large-scale solar projects for businesses and commercial buildings.
• Solar technician: Responsible for the maintenance and repair of existing solar systems.
• Lead solar installer: Oversees the installation team and manages project timelines.
• Sales and installation specialist: Combines sales and installation duties.
2. How Much Can Solar Installers Earn?
Solar installer salaries can vary widely based on location, experience, and company. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for solar installers is approximately $47,000.
Top Ten Cities for Solar Installer Salaries (Average Salary):
1 San Diego, CA $59,000
2 San Francisco, CA $58,000
3 Seattle, WA $56,000
4 Denver, CO $55,000
5 New York, NY $54,000
6 Boston, MA $53,000
7 Los Angeles, CA $52,000
8 Austin, TX $50,000
9 Orlando, FL $49,000
10 Portland, OR $48,000
3. How to Become a Solar Installer?
To become a solar installer, follow these steps:
• Education: Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Some community colleges offer courses in renewable energy.
• Training: Gain hands-on experience through apprenticeships or entry-level positions.
• Certification: Consider obtaining certification, such as from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
• Licensing: Check local regulations, as some states require specific licenses for solar installers.
• Continuous Learning: Stay updated on industry trends and technologies through workshops and courses.
4. Who are the top companies hiring for Solar Installer jobs?
The top employers for Solar Installer jobs are:
• Trinity Solar Careers
• Freedom Solar Power
• Adt Security
• Mccarthy-Building-Co
• Vision Solar
• Sunrun
• Gpac
• Erus Energy
• Solcius
• Black & Veatch
5. 230+ Trinity Solar Careers Solar Installer Jobs Hiring Near You
There are installer job openings in many areas, the only difference between them is the salary range. For example:
Installation Crew Lead
Hanover, MD
Full Time
$30 to $35 Hourly
Roles & Responsibilities
• Installation of solar equipment considering codes, company standards and best safety practices.
• Provide leadership and technical expertise for the installation crew.
• Maintain thorough documentation of system installation including photographs, location diagrams for arrays and equipment, and existing site features. Submit all documentation in a timely manner.
• Provide professional and courteous communication to customers.
• Maintain a neat and orderly jobsite.
• Follow company vehicle rules and regulations.
Qualifications & Experience
• High school diploma or GED.
• 1-2 years of electrical or solar experience.
• Good mechanical skill set, such as: working with hands, tools, climbing, good sense of balance, bending, kneeling, crouching, etc.
• Work safely on roofs for extended periods of time; ascend and descend ladders.
• Regularly lift and move up to 40 to 50 lbs.
• Motor Vehicle Report check and pre-employment drug screening.
• Must have regular, reliable attendance record.
What We Offer
• Competitive compensation
• Comprehensive healthcare benefits which include: Medical, Dental and Vision, Life insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Paid training
• A generous PTO program
• 401k plan supported by a company match
• Work-life balance
• Long term stability in a fast-growing industry
6. Solar Apprentice Electrician Installer Hired By Freedom Solar Power
San Antonio, TX
Full-Time
Job Duties:
• Attending safety meetings daily, before any work is performed on-site.
• Installing racking system per manufacturer's specifications and Freedom Solar Power's plans per different residential roof types.
• Installing DC and AC equipment per plans and local codes.
• Commissioning PV systems safely.
• Testing system components while the system is operational.
• Assisting with other duties as assigned by Crew Lead and/or Regional Operations Manager
Qualifications:
• A valid Driver's License and clean MVR are required to drive company vehicles.
• Apprentice Electrical License, preferred Valid OSHA 10; (OSHA 30 preferred)
• Residential solar installation experience, required
• Electrical experience, strongly recommended
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• Knowledge of local electrical codes
• Knowledge of residential PV design and components
• Knowledge of basic trades: roofing, carpentry, plumbing, and metal framing
• Ability to read and understand blueprints, wiring schematics, and electrical instructions
• Ability to make field changes and communicate problems with the Project Manager
• Ability to test voltages from 10V - 1000VDC / 120V - 480VAC
• Ability to receive and distribute instructions
• Ability to drive a truck and trailer safely
Physical Requirements:
• Ability to withstand heights, be on roofs, and climb ladders
• Ability to lift 50-75+ lbs routinely
• Ability to bend, stretch, squat, and lift
• Ability to work in 30-100+ degree weather, as well as in wet and dry conditions
7. How to seek these Jobs or more Solar Installer Jobs?
You can effectively find jobs as a solar panel installer by using the following channels:
Online job search platforms
• Indeed: A large number of solar jobs that can be filtered by location and type.
• LinkedIn: View job postings and connect with industry professionals.
• Glassdoor: Provides job information and company reviews.
• ZipRecruiter: offers diverse job options, smart matching, real-time updates, a simplified application process, and a user-friendly interface.
Industry-specific websites
• SolarJobs: A dedicated solar job search site.
• CleanTechnica: Posts job information for the renewable energy industry.
Company websites
The websites of large solar companies such as SunPower and First Solar often post job openings. Both of the above job postings can be found on the company’s official websites: Trinity Solar Careers and Freedom Solar Power.