Installers read site drawings and schematics to figure out where panels should go for the best sun exposure and structural fit, then spend the day on rooftops or scaffolding assembling modules, sealing them against weather, and running the interconnect wiring between panels. The job carries real physical risk (heights, live electrical connections, hazardous equipment), so identifying hazards and wearing proper protective gear are constant parts of the routine. Most installers work in close-knit crews, and the trade is typically learned through on-the-job training or a short apprenticeship rather than a college degree.
Pros
Explosive projected growth of 42.1%, among the fastest-growing occupations tracked
Low barrier to entry: high school diploma with on-the-job training, no degree required
Team-based work at the center of the renewable energy build-out
Cons
Mistakes can have serious consequences working with live electrical wiring at height
Outdoor work on rooftops, exposed to weather and hazardous equipment
Pay tops out under $80k, more modest than some other electrical trades despite the sector's growth
A typical day
The crew loads panels and rail at 6:30am to beat the heat, and by 8 the first modules are being carried up the ladder. The morning is spent snapping chalk lines, lagging rails into rafters, and flashing every roof penetration so nothing ever leaks. After a quick lunch in the shade, panels get set and clamped one by one, then wired into strings with connectors clicked home and torque-checked. The day ends around 3:30 with cleanup, wire management under the array, and photos for the inspector.
Tasks at the job
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.
Workplace & working conditions
Work happens primarily outdoors, exposed to whatever the weather is doing, and most of the day is spent on your feet, and you work in close physical proximity to coworkers or the public for much of the shift. Noise levels can be distracting or uncomfortable. The role involves regular exposure to hazardous equipment or conditions and contaminants and working at heights, and specialized protective equipment is standard.
There's a regular, moderate amount of time pressure, and you're expected to exercise significant independent judgment day to day. Mistakes can have serious consequences, so accuracy matters a lot. You'll regularly deal with frustrated or upset people as part of the job, and almost all of the work is done as part of a team.
Education necessary or common
High school diploma; some on-the-job training or apprenticeship