SOC 47-2231.00 · Solar

Solar Photovoltaic Installer: $51,860 Median Pay

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.

Median Annual Wage

$51,860
BLS OES national median for SOC 47-2231.00.

O*NET Job Zone

2 / 5
High school diploma, vocational training

Sector

Solar
20 alternate job titles · 10 related occupations

1. What They Actually Do

Complete task inventory from O*NET (26 tasks).

  1. Install photovoltaic (PV) systems in accordance with codes and standards, using drawings, schematics, and instructions. (Core)
  2. Check electrical installation for proper wiring, polarity, grounding, or integrity of terminations. (Core)
  3. Identify electrical, environmental, and safety hazards associated with photovoltaic (PV) installations. (Core)
  4. Identify installation locations with proper orientation, area, solar access, or structural integrity for photovoltaic (PV) arrays. (Core)
  5. Assemble solar modules, panels, or support structures, as specified. (Core)
  6. Apply weather sealing to array, building, or support mechanisms. (Core)
  7. Install module array interconnect wiring, implementing measures to disable arrays during installation. (Core)
  8. Install required labels on solar system components and hardware. (Core)
  9. Diagram layouts and locations for photovoltaic (PV) arrays and equipment, including existing building or site features. (Core)
  10. Determine materials, equipment, and installation sequences necessary to maximize installation efficiency. (Core)
  11. Test operating voltages to ensure operation within acceptable limits for power conditioning equipment, such as inverters and controllers. (Core)
  12. Determine appropriate sizes, ratings, and locations for all system overcurrent devices, disconnect devices, grounding equipment, and surge suppression equipment. (Core)
  13. Activate photovoltaic (PV) systems to verify system functionality and conformity to performance expectations. (Core)
  14. Identify and resolve any deficiencies in photovoltaic (PV) system installation or materials. (Core)
  15. Visually inspect and test photovoltaic (PV) modules or systems. (Core)
  16. Examine designs to determine current requirements for all parts of the photovoltaic (PV) system electrical circuit. (Core)
  17. Demonstrate system functionality and performance, including start-up, shut-down, normal operation, and emergency or bypass operations. (Core)
  18. Identify methods for laying out, orienting, and mounting modules or arrays to ensure efficient installation, electrical configuration, or system maintenance. (Core)
  19. Measure and analyze system performance and operating parameters to assess operating condition of systems or equipment. (Core)
  20. Program, adjust, or configure inverters and controls for desired set points and operating modes. (Core)
  21. Determine connection interfaces for additional subpanels or for connecting photovoltaic (PV) systems with utility services or other power generation sources. (Core)
  22. Determine photovoltaic (PV) system designs or configurations based on factors such as customer needs, expectations, and site conditions. (Core)
  23. Select mechanical designs, installation equipment, or installation plans that conform to environmental, architectural, structural, site, and code requirements. (Core)
  24. Perform routine photovoltaic (PV) system maintenance on modules, arrays, batteries, power conditioning equipment, safety systems, structural systems, weather sealing, or balance of systems equipment. (Core)
  25. Compile or maintain records of system operation, performance, and maintenance. (Core)
  26. Install active solar systems, including solar collectors, concentrators, pumps, or fans. (Supplemental)

2. Required Competencies

2.1 Skills

Installation3.38
Critical Thinking3.25
Judgment and Decision Making3.12
Quality Control Analysis3.12
Operations Monitoring3.12
Monitoring3.12
Active Listening3.12
Time Management3.00
Troubleshooting3.00
Complex Problem Solving3.00

2.2 Knowledge

Building and Construction4.80
Engineering and Technology4.38
Mechanical4.29
Design4.12
Administration and Management4.11
Customer and Personal Service3.98
Mathematics3.95
Public Safety and Security3.76
Education and Training3.72
Production and Processing3.42

2.3 Abilities

Near Vision3.75
Problem Sensitivity3.75
Visualization3.62
Information Ordering3.38
Finger Dexterity3.25
Manual Dexterity3.25
Arm-Hand Steadiness3.25
Deductive Reasoning3.25
Oral Comprehension3.25
Extent Flexibility3.12

2.4 Work Styles

Attention to Detail4.70
Dependability4.53
Integrity4.43
Cooperation4.38
Self-Control4.37
Analytical Thinking4.21
Stress Tolerance4.18
Leadership4.17
Concern for Others4.15
Adaptability/Flexibility4.12

3. Day-to-Day Work

3.1 Generalized Work Activities

Performing General Physical Activities4.51
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials4.32
Handling and Moving Objects4.26
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment4.08
Getting Information4.06
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.96
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events3.87
Making Decisions and Solving Problems3.86
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.83
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment3.77

3.2 Work Context (5-point scale)

Face-to-Face Discussions4.93
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets4.79
Work With Work Group or Team4.78
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather4.69
Telephone4.59
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls4.55
Exposed to High Places4.55
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.39
Responsible for Others' Health and Safety4.34
Physical Proximity4.32

4. Education, Training & Experience

Related Work Experience (Years)

Related Work Experience36.9%
Related Work Experience27.1%
Related Work Experience16.4%
Related Work Experience9.7%
Related Work Experience8.8%
Related Work Experience1.0%

Required Level of Education

Required Level of Education36.9%
Required Level of Education33.7%
Required Level of Education13.9%
Required Level of Education11.0%
Required Level of Education3.4%
Required Level of Education1.1%

PT

On-Site or In-Plant Training25.0%
On-Site or In-Plant Training21.6%
On-Site or In-Plant Training14.5%
On-Site or In-Plant Training10.1%
On-Site or In-Plant Training10.0%
On-Site or In-Plant Training9.8%

OJ

On-the-Job Training22.1%
On-the-Job Training20.7%
On-the-Job Training19.0%
On-the-Job Training16.4%
On-the-Job Training14.5%
On-the-Job Training6.5%

IM

Job-Related Professional Certification2.8%
Apprenticeship2.6%

5. Interests (Holland Codes)

Realistic7.00
Conventional4.06
Investigative2.65
Enterprising1.68
Artistic1.35
Social1.28

6. Work Values

Support4.00
Achievement4.00
Working Conditions3.50
Independence3.33
Relationships3.00
Recognition3.00

7. Technology & Tools

Software and tools used by people in this role, per O*NET. “Hot” technologies are flagged by O*NET as in-demand.

Extensible markup language XML 🔥 Microsoft Excel 🔥 Microsoft Office software 🔥 Microsoft Outlook 🔥 Microsoft Word 🔥 Salesforce software 🔥 Computer aided design CAD software Cost estimating software Project management software Work scheduling software

8. Also Known As

20 alternate job titles used by employers for this occupation.

Electro-Mechanical Solar Technician (Electro-Mechanical Solar Tech) Installer Journeyman Electrician PV Installer (Journeyman Electrician Photovoltaic Installer) PV Fabrication and Testing Technician (Photovoltaic Fabrication and Testing Technician) PV Fabrication Technician (Photovoltaic Fabrication Technician) PV Installation Tech (Photovoltaic Installation Technician) PV Installer (Photovoltaic Installer) PV Panel Installer (Photovoltaic Panel Installer) PV Technician (Photovoltaic Technician) PV Testing Technician (Photovoltaic Testing Technician) Residential Solar Installer Solar Designer Solar Electric Installer Solar Electric Practitioner Solar Energy System Installer Solar Energy Technician (Solar Energy Tech) Solar Field Service Technician (Solar Field Service Tech) Solar Installer Solar Panel Installation Technician (Solar Panel Installation Tech) Solar Panel Installer

9. Related Occupations

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SOC 47-2152.04 · Primary-Short
Solar Energy Installation Managers
SOC 47-1011.03 · Primary-Short
Wind Turbine Service Technicians
SOC 49-9081.00 · Primary-Short
Geothermal Technicians
SOC 49-9099.01 · Primary-Short
Lighting Technicians
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Hydroelectric Plant Technicians
SOC 51-8013.04 · Primary-Long
Electricians
SOC 47-2111.00 · Primary-Long
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
SOC 49-2094.00 · Primary-Long
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment
SOC 49-2093.00 · Primary-Long
Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
SOC 49-9071.00 · Primary-Long

Data source: O*NET Database 29.1 (tasks, skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, work context, education, technology, alternate titles, related occupations); BLS OES (median wage).

Last updated: April 2026.