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Career overview · SOC 47-2231

Solar Photovoltaic Installers

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.

Also called: Journeyman Electrician PV Installer (Journeyman Electrician Photovoltaic Installer) · PV Installation Tech (Photovoltaic Installation Technician) · PV Installer (Photovoltaic Installer) · Solar Designer · Solar Electric Installer · Solar Installer

Median pay (national)
$51,860
$39,070–$80,150 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
28,280
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
+42.1%
~4,100 openings/yr
Typical entry
High school diploma or equivalent

What the numbers say

Refit analysis ·Pay for solar photovoltaic installers shows a broad range: the top 10% earn $80,150 versus $39,070 at the bottom 10% — 2.1x. The median of $51,860 leaves roughly 55% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change +42.1% from 2024 to 2034 — much faster than the 3% average for all occupations. Even so, BLS projects about 4,100 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 28 states with released data, Rhode Island pays the most for this role (median $103,880, +100% vs the national median), while Puerto Rico sits lowest at $24,540 — a 323% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Critical Thinking, Active Listening, Monitoring as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list. On the tools side, O*NET flags Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software as in-demand technologies for this role.

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Top skills employers ask for

Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.

  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Listening
  • Monitoring
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Learning
  • Speaking
  • Mathematics
  • Learning Strategies
  • Writing
  • Science

What they actually do

Core O*NET tasks for this role.

  • Install photovoltaic (PV) systems in accordance with codes and standards, using drawings, schematics, and instructions.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Test operating voltages to ensure operation within acceptable limits for power conditioning equipment, such as inverters and controllers.
  • Determine appropriate sizes, ratings, and locations for all system overcurrent devices, disconnect devices, grounding equipment, and surge suppression equipment.

Tools & technology

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Extensible markup language XML
  • Salesforce software
  • Cost estimating software
  • Work scheduling software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft Word

Knowledge areas

  • Building and Construction
  • Engineering and Technology
  • Mechanical
  • Design
  • Administration and Management
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Mathematics
  • Public Safety and Security