Construction & Extraction
Solar Photovoltaic Installers
Also called: Journeyman Electrician PV Installer (Journeyman Electrician Photovoltaic Installer), PV Installation Tech (Photovoltaic Installation Technician), PV Installer (Photovoltaic Installer), Solar Designer
US median pay
$53,140
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+36.5%
faster than average
Openings a year (US)
4,200
31,100 employed
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
Preparation 2/5 · Some preparation
What this job is
Assemble, install, or maintain solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on roofs or other structures in compliance with site assessment and schematics. May include measuring, cutting, assembling, and bolting structural framing and solar modules. May perform minor electrical work such as current checks.
What they do day to day
- Install photovoltaic (PV) systems in accordance with codes and standards, using drawings, schematics, and instructions.
- Check electrical installation for proper wiring, polarity, grounding, or integrity of terminations.
- Identify electrical, environmental, and safety hazards associated with photovoltaic (PV) installations.
- Identify installation locations with proper orientation, area, solar access, or structural integrity for photovoltaic (PV) arrays.
- Assemble solar modules, panels, or support structures, as specified.
- Apply weather sealing to array, building, or support mechanisms.
- Install module array interconnect wiring, implementing measures to disable arrays during installation.
- Install required labels on solar system components and hardware.
- Diagram layouts and locations for photovoltaic (PV) arrays and equipment, including existing building or site features.
- Determine materials, equipment, and installation sequences necessary to maximize installation efficiency.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Installation3.4/5
- Quality Control Analysis3.1/5
- Operations Monitoring3.1/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.1/5
- Troubleshooting3.0/5
- Time Management3.0/5
- Coordination3.0/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.0/5
Knowledge
- Building and Construction4.8/5
- Engineering and Technology4.4/5
- Mechanical4.3/5
- Design4.1/5
- Administration and Management4.1/5
- Customer and Personal Service4.0/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 2 of 5 — Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma; some previous work experience or training helps.
Typical entry education (BLS): High school diploma or equivalent.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Post-secondary certificate37%
- High school diploma34%
- Bachelor's degree14%
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.