Want a career that gets you outside, pays well, and supports clean energy? Solar installers build the systems that power homes and businesses, and you don’t need a college degree to get started.
Solar photovoltaic (PV) installers set up and maintain solar panels on rooftops or other structures. They follow site plans, assemble mounting systems, and make sure the solar array is safe and functional. Some roles also include minor electrical work like connecting panels or checking current.
Depending on the employer or project, you might be called a solar technician, PV installer, solar designer, or photovoltaic installer—but it’s all part of the same fast-growing trade.
You don’t need a four-year degree to install solar panels, but you do need technical skills, safety training, and a strong attention to detail.
Here’s how most people get started:
Finish high school or earn a GED: Most employers and training programs require this baseline.
Learn construction or electrical basics: Experience in roofing, general construction, or basic wiring can be helpful, but not required.
Take a short-term training program: Trade schools, nonprofits, or community colleges may offer solar installation programs that last a few weeks to a few months.
Apply for an entry-level solar installer job: Some companies offer paid, on-the-job training for motivated candidates willing to learn.
No. Most installers learn through short-term training or on-the-job experience. You may need a high school diploma or GED.
Training can take a few weeks to a few months, depending on the program. Some companies offer paid training while you work.
Mostly on rooftops of homes, businesses, or industrial buildings. Some work on ground-mounted systems in open fields or solar farms.
Yes. As demand for clean energy increases, solar installation is one of the fastest-growing jobs in the skilled trades.
