Trade Career Comparison

Which trade career fits you best?

Solar Panel Installer

Assemble, install, and maintain solar photovoltaic systems on rooftops and other structures.

$51,860/yr median

$33,930$66,850

Much Faster Than AvgHeavyUnion: LowEntry: Low

Training Path

OJT + certification (up to 1 year)

Environment

Outdoor

Outlook

Much Faster Than Avg (+42%)

BLS Code

47-2231

Pros

✓Fastest-growing trade in the country — the solar industry's 22% projected growth rate is exceptional, meaning strong job security and opportunities.
✓Contributing to clean energy transition gives many workers a genuine sense of purpose and environmental impact.
✓Relatively fast entry — you can start working after short-term training and certification, without a multi-year apprenticeship.
✓Growing industry means rapid advancement opportunities — experienced installers can move into system design, sales, or project management quickly.
✓Federal and state incentives continue to drive solar adoption, supporting sustained industry growth.
✓Skills that combine electrical work, roofing, and construction knowledge make solar installers versatile workers.

Cons

✗Working on rooftops in direct sun and heat is physically demanding and carries fall risk similar to roofing.
✗The industry is still maturing, and some solar companies have unstable business models — company closures and layoffs do happen.
✗Current pay is moderate compared to established trades — the median lags behind electricians, plumbers, and HVAC techs.
✗Low union representation means fewer protections, weaker benefits, and less bargaining power compared to traditional union trades.
✗Work is weather-dependent and can be seasonal in some regions, particularly in areas with heavy snow or frequent rain.
✗The physical work is demanding — carrying panels up ladders, working on sloped roofs, and installing racking systems in direct sun.

What the Life Is Like

Solar installers assemble and install photovoltaic (PV) panel systems, primarily on rooftops. A typical installation day involves setting up safety equipment, installing mounting rails on the roof structure, placing and securing solar panels, running conduit and wiring from the panels to inverters and the building's electrical panel, and performing system testing. Most residential installations take 1-3 days, while commercial installations can take weeks.

Hours are typically standard construction hours, starting early to take advantage of daylight. The pace is steady — installation crews of 3-5 people follow established procedures for each system. The work culture in solar tends to be younger and more environmentally motivated than traditional construction trades. Many workers are drawn to the industry by the combination of hands-on outdoor work and a sense of contributing to something meaningful.

Physically, the work is similar to roofing — you carry heavy panels (40-50 pounds each) up ladders, work on sloped surfaces, drill and fasten mounting hardware, and run electrical connections. Sun exposure and heat are constant factors. The electrical component means you are working with DC voltage from the panels, which requires safety awareness (solar panels produce electricity whenever they are exposed to light — you cannot turn them off). Despite the challenges, the rapid growth of the industry creates a dynamic, opportunity-rich environment that many workers find exciting.

How to Get Started

Take a solar installation training course

Several organizations offer solar installation training, including community colleges, trade schools, and dedicated solar training providers. Programs range from 40-hour introductory courses to more comprehensive certificate programs. Look for IREC (Interstate Renewable Energy Council) accredited programs.

Get NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) entry-level certification

The NABCEP PV Associate credential is the industry's recognized entry-level certification. It demonstrates foundational knowledge of solar PV systems and makes your resume stand out to employers. The exam requires completing an approved training program or equivalent education.

Apply to solar installation companies

The solar industry is actively hiring in most markets. Apply to residential and commercial solar installers in your area. Many companies provide additional on-the-job training for workers with basic solar knowledge. Entry-level positions involve working as part of an installation crew.

Gain experience and pursue OSHA and electrical training

On the job, focus on learning installation techniques, electrical connections, and safety procedures. OSHA 10-hour construction training and basic electrical knowledge strengthen your skills and career prospects. Some installers pursue an electrical license to handle more complex work.

Advance into design, sales, or project management

The solar industry offers rapid advancement. With experience, you can move into system design (using Aurora or similar software), solar sales (which can be very lucrative with commission structures), inspection, project management, or pursue the full NABCEP PV Installation Professional certification for the highest technical credibility.

Consider combining solar with an electrical apprenticeship

Solar installers with a full electrician's license are the most versatile and highest-paid workers in the industry. Many solar companies prefer or require licensed electricians for certain tasks. An electrical apprenticeship alongside solar experience creates an extremely strong career foundation.

Felony Record & Licensing

Generally Accessible

Entry-level installers work under a contractor's license. Individual licensing rarely required.

Solar Panel Installer is one of the more accessible trades for people rebuilding after a conviction.

Training Funding & Support

Pell Grants Are Available Again

As of July 2023, the FAFSA no longer asks about drug convictions. The FAFSA Simplification Act restored Pell Grant eligibility for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated students. If a past drug conviction kept you from financial aid before, you can apply again.

WIOA Workforce Funding

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds free job training, career counseling, and supportive services (transportation, work clothes, childcare) for people reentering the workforce. Contact your local American Job Center (careeronestop.org) to see what's available in your area.

Ban-the-Box & Fair Chance Hiring

Over 37 states and 150+ cities have "ban-the-box" or fair chance hiring laws that prevent employers from asking about criminal history on job applications. Many require waiting until after an interview or conditional job offer. These laws are expanding rapidly — check your state's specific rules.

Licensing laws vary by state and change frequently. This is general guidance, not legal advice. Always verify with your state's licensing board before enrolling in a training program.

Data last verified March 2026 · View sources

We verify our data against official sources. Verification dates show when we last checked — they do not guarantee the information is still current. Laws, rates, and thresholds can change at any time. Always confirm critical information at the official source or with a qualified professional.

National Employment Law Project (NELP) — Fair Chance Hiring

General trade accessibility levels for people with felony convictions — categorized as generally-accessible, varies-by-state, often-restricted, or highly-restricted

https://www.nelp.org/policy-issue/criminal-records-and-employment/

Verified March 2026

trade-schools.net — Jobs for Felons

Trade accessibility and reentry employment guidance for specific trades

https://www.trade-schools.net/articles/jobs-for-felons

Verified March 2026

Hire Felons — Reentry Employment Guide

Employer reentry hiring policies and trade accessibility for people with felony convictions

https://www.hirefelons.org/

Verified March 2026

ASE — About ASE Testing

ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification — no criminal history screening

https://www.ase.com/certification-series/

Verified March 2026

OSHA — Powered Industrial Trucks

OSHA forklift certification — employer-provided, no criminal history screening

https://www.osha.gov/powered-industrial-trucks

Verified March 2026

EPA — Section 608 Technician Certification

EPA Section 608 refrigerant certification — no criminal history screening

https://www.epa.gov/section608

Verified March 2026

Federal Student Aid — FAFSA Simplification Act

Pell Grant eligibility restored for people with drug convictions and incarcerated individuals, effective July 1, 2023; PELL_GRANT_RESTORED_DATE: "July 2023"

FAFSA Simplification Act, Pub. L. 117-103 (2021); 20 U.S.C. § 1070a

https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/fafsa-simplification

Verified March 2026

National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) — Ban the Box Legislation

Ban-the-box and fair chance hiring laws — 37+ states + DC + 150+ localities as of 2026; BAN_THE_BOX_STATE_COUNT: 37; BAN_THE_BOX_CITY_COUNT: 150

https://www.ncsl.org/labor-and-employment/ban-the-box-legislation

Verified March 2026

NELP — Ban the Box: U.S. Cities, Counties, and States

Fair chance hiring law coverage — 37+ states + DC + 150+ localities; BAN_THE_BOX_PRIVATE_EMPLOYER_STATES: ["California", "Illinois", "New Jersey", "Washington"]

https://www.nelp.org/publication/ban-the-box-fair-chance-hiring-state-and-local-guide/

Verified March 2026

U.S. Department of Labor — Reentry Employment Opportunities (REO)

WIOA Section 169 workforce funding for reentry — job training, career counseling, and supportive services

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, 29 U.S.C. § 3224; WIOA Sec. 169

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/reentry

Verified March 2026

Legal Information Institute — 18 U.S.C. § 922

18 U.S.C. § 922(g) — federal prohibition on felons possessing firearms, effectively barring law enforcement careers

18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)

https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/922

Verified March 2026