Depending on which state you live in and whether you go to online school, some programs can last a few weeks, while others can take up to a year to complete. Most, if not all, of these technical programs, provide hands-on experience to learn the tricks of the trade. Some of the classes that you will likely take in order to complete a program include:. Many programs require classroom time, lab time, as well as some type of internship or externship working in the field.
In a program for installing solar panels, there are several things that you will have the experience working on:. There are laws in some states that require a Solar Panel Installer to become licensed, so you will need to check your state laws in order to find out more information.
Usually, to obtain a license as a Solar Panel Installer, you will need at least two years of experience on the job, as well as experience in designing and supervising.
A license can provide clients with the assurance that you know what you are doing, and that they will get the quality service they need. In states where a license is not necessary, some Solar Panel Installers are opting for certifications instead. There are many certifications to obtain as a Solar Panel Installer, and each accreditation will show the competency and knowledge of the credential holder. In order to gain certification as a PV Installation Professional, candidates must be:.
The same requirements go for the rest of the certifications; however, it is important that the Solar Panel Installer has experience in that specific area in order to become certified. For example, someone who wants to become a PV Design Specialist must have experience working with designs and have physically drawn and installed designs in the past. This can be done through a trade school, online, or possibly through your prospective employer as well.
A Solar Panel Installer should not have an issue finding a career opportunity, as this career is expected to grow around 63 percent within the next decade. Due to the dwindling cost of solar panel modules, many more people are becoming interested in this renewable energy.
There will likely be a rise in solar panel modules in places that are highly populated or have a green community.
Those that work as Solar Panel Installers say that they have a calmer construction job than many others in the same field. The work to life balance is perfect for those looking for a low-stress job, but still want to work with their hands in the construction business. Even though there is not much upward mobility in this field, there are many opportunities to earn promotions and raises.
Solar Panel Installers that are just starting out in the field with less experience, or ones that work in smaller populations will likely make less than someone working in a more populated area. The career of a Solar Panel Installer is expected to grow at least 63 percent within the next several years. This is due to the increased interest in renewable energy sources, as well as advancements in technology. The cost of solar panels and modules has begun to decrease, which means more people are going to purchase them in the future.
This calls for more job opportunities for people who are interested in becoming Solar Panel Installers. Also, there are several Solar Panel Installation programs to look into, many of which can be done online. Depending on the requirements for your state, and how much education you want, it can take a few months to finish a program, or it can take several years.
Elevation Solar is a fast growing rooftop solar business only ranking so low on our top 10 list because it currently only serves five states. While some companies are available in all, or most of the 50 U. Some solar panel installation companies will sell you the solar equipment so you can own it outright and immediately start keeping all the money you save on utility bills for yourself. Other companies make starting your journey to using green, renewable energy affordable by leasing the solar set-up to homeowners.
This helps you save money upfront and employ your utility savings to help you eventually pay off the equipment. Another way solar installation companies can help make solar panel installation more affordable is through financing. Other solar companies offer referral deals to help both you and your friends save money by referring each other for solar consultations and more. Finally, some solar companies bundle solar panel equipment with other home energy equipment, such as batteries, to save you money by using additional technology and more efficient renewable energy alternatives.
One final way to determine if a solar panel installation company is the right fit for you is to see what kind of solar equipment it uses. Many companies offer a variety of equipment from numerous manufacturers.
Some companies will mix and match panels, inverters and other equipment from different manufacturers to save you money or because company technicians are knowledgeable about the best combinations of different manufacturers equipment.
Companies also offer solar panels of different styles and designs including some that are lower profile or designed for more extreme weather. Some companies, like Tesla, also offer solar roofing tiles. Solar power is an incredibly fast growing industry and there are many companies trying to make a quick buck by scamming or doing a job only halfway. Almost all of the companies we reviewed are accredited and well rated on the BBB. Another great reason to consider hiring a solar panel installation company is if it offers free consultations and estimates.
While most companies will offer a free estimate, not so many will actually provide free consultations. It is also important to take into account the customer ratings and reviews of any solar panel installation company that you may be considering. Installation experts from these companies will be on top of, inside and all around your home, so making sure to find a reputable company whose employees are well reviewed, rated and trustworthy is extremely important. This cost does not include any tax credits or other incentives or calculate the reduction in costs when you stop paying for electrical utilities.
The exact number of panels needed depends greatly on the geographic location of your home, the energy consumption habits of your household and the efficiency and type of panels you install as well as the amount of sunlight the panels are exposed to each day. Most solar panel installation companies will offer warranties for 25 to 30 years since the industry standard lifespan of panels is about 25 years.
Chauncey grew up on a farm in rural northern California. At 18 he ran away and saw the world with a backpack and a credit card, discovering that the true value of any point or mile is the experience it facilitates. He remains most at home on a tractor, but has learned that opportunity is where he finds it and discomfort is more interesting than complacency. Samantha is an editor who covers all topics home-related including home improvement and repair.
She edited home repair and design content at websites like The Spruce and HomeAdvisor. She also has hosted videos on DIY home tips and solutions and launched multiple home improvement review boards staffed with licensed pros.
Select Region. United States. United Kingdom. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team. Chauncey Crail, Samantha Allen. Contributor, Editor. Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations. Read more. Best Ofs. Find a Solar Panel Installer. Some states require that for projects to qualify for solar-related subsidies, all PV installers working on the projects must have certification.
PV installers may advance to become a project supervisor or project manager after gaining experience in the trade. PV installers may also transition to sales roles within the industry, given their knowledge of and experience with PV installation. They also may choose to start their own PV installation business. Ability to work at heights. PV installers often must work on roofs, ladders, or lifts that are far above the ground. Communication skills. PV installers need to convey information effectively to clients, team members, and other workers.
Detail oriented. PV installers must carefully follow instructions to ensure that the system works properly. Math skills. PV installers use algebra, geometry, and trigonometry to calculate angles, measurements, and areas. Mechanical skills.
PV installers work with complex electrical and mechanical equipment in order to build support structures for solar panels, connect the panels to the electrical system, and troubleshoot problems.
Physical stamina. PV installers are often on their feet carrying panels and other heavy equipment. Especially when installing rooftop panels, workers may need to climb ladders many times throughout the day.
Physical strength. PV installers must lift heavy equipment and materials weighing up to 60 pounds. Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U. Source: U. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.
In May , the median annual wages for solar photovoltaic installers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program. The continued expansion and adoption of solar PV systems is expected to create jobs for their installation and upkeep. As the cost of PV panels and shingles continues to decrease, more households are expected to take advantage of these systems, resulting in greater demand for the workers who install and maintain them.
The increasing popularity of solar leasing plans—in which homeowners lease, rather than purchase, systems—should create additional demand, because homeowners no longer bear the upfront costs of installation. Demand may be greatest in states and localities that provide incentives to reduce the cost of PV systems. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas.
The link s below go to OEWS data maps for employment and wages by state and area. All state projections data are available at www. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area.
There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code. This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of solar photovoltaic installers.
Carpenters construct, repair, and install building frameworks and structures made from wood and other materials. Masonry workers use bricks, concrete and concrete blocks, and natural and manmade stones to build structures. Construction laborers and helpers perform many tasks that require physical labor on construction sites. Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems.
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers work on heating, ventilation, cooling, and refrigeration systems.
Ironworkers install structural and reinforcing iron and steel to form and support buildings, bridges, and roads. American Solar Workforce. Interstate Renewable Energy Council, Inc.
For details about apprenticeships or other training opportunities in this trade, contact the offices of the state employment service, technical colleges, the state apprenticeship agency, local photovoltaic contractors, firms that employ PV installers, or local union—management apprenticeship committees. Apprenticeship information is available from the U. Department of Labor's Apprenticeship program online or by phone at Visit Apprenticeship. The Solar Foundation.
Solar photovoltaic installers. Green Jobs. Solar Photovoltaic Installers.
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