Education
A high school diploma or equivalent is the typical entry-level education for Solar Photovoltaic Installers. Individual apprenticeship sponsors establish their own education and eligibility requirements.
National Apprenticeship Pathway
Solar Installer Apprenticeship Guide
Apprenticeship Snapshot
- Apprenticeship Length
- Varies by program
- On-the-Job Training
- Paid hands-on solar installation training; hours and duration vary by apprenticeship program
- Paid Training
- Yes
- Technical Instruction
- Related instruction in solar PV systems, construction safety, electrical fundamentals, drawings, installation practices, and related skills
Apprenticeship Guide Navigation
What Is a Solar Installer Apprenticeship?
A solar installer apprenticeship combines paid workplace training with related technical instruction to develop skills used to assemble, install, test, and maintain photovoltaic (PV) systems. Depending on the program, apprentices may learn site preparation, racking and mounting systems, module installation, basic electrical concepts, system components, construction safety, drawings and schematics, and PV system testing.
Solar Photovoltaic Installers are classified under SOC 47-2231. BLS notes that some PV installers learn solar installation through an apprenticeship, while others enter the occupation through shorter employer-based on-the-job training, technical-school courses, or previous experience in construction trades.
Solar apprenticeship structures are not uniform nationwide. Solar-specific training may be incorporated into Registered Apprenticeship programs for construction laborers, electricians, roofers, or other related trades, while some employers and sponsors operate solar-focused apprenticeship pathways. Applicants should therefore evaluate the occupation, sponsor, work processes, electrical scope, and training standards of each program rather than assume that every “solar apprenticeship” follows the same structure.
Solar Installer Apprenticeship Entry Requirements
Math and Measurement Skills
Applicants benefit from basic mathematics and measurement skills. Solar installers use measurements and mathematical concepts when laying out arrays, positioning mounting systems, working with drawings, and calculating angles, dimensions, and areas.
Construction and Mechanical Readiness
Solar apprentices should be prepared to learn the use of hand and power tools, mounting systems, structural components, fasteners, PV modules, wiring-related components, and other equipment used during photovoltaic installations.
Heights and Safety Readiness
Many solar installations are performed on rooftops or elevated structures. Apprentices should be prepared to work at heights and follow fall-protection, electrical, tool, lifting, and other jobsite safety procedures.
Sponsor-Specific Requirements
Minimum age, driver's-license requirements, physical requirements, aptitude assessments, drug screening, background checks, prior construction experience, and other eligibility standards may vary by apprenticeship sponsor or employer. Applicants should verify each program's current requirements before applying.
How Much Do Solar Installer Apprentices Earn?
Workers in a Registered Apprenticeship earn wages while completing structured on-the-job learning. For solar installation apprentices, starting wages and wage progression depend on the sponsor, employer, apprenticeship occupation, geographic area, and program standards.
There is no single national apprentice wage for Solar Photovoltaic Installers. Solar workers may participate in solar-specific programs or in apprenticeships associated with electrical, construction laborer, roofing, or other occupations, so wage schedules can differ substantially.
For occupational context, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a May 2025 median annual wage of $53,140, or $25.55 per hour, for Solar Photovoltaic Installers. This is the national occupational median and should not be treated as an apprenticeship wage or used to calculate a universal apprentice pay schedule.
How to Apply for a Solar Installer Apprenticeship
Search for Solar and Related Apprenticeships
Use Apprenticeship.gov and local solar employers, electrical contractors, construction apprenticeship programs, workforce agencies, and training providers to identify Registered Apprenticeship opportunities that include photovoltaic installation work.
Review the Apprenticeship Occupation
Determine whether the program is structured around solar installation, electrical work, construction craft labor, roofing, or another occupation, and review how much photovoltaic-specific training is included.
Review Program Requirements
Compare eligibility requirements, work locations, training duration, solar work processes, electrical scope, related instruction, wage progression, safety training, and any licensing or certification requirements.
Complete the Application and Selection Process
Submit the sponsor's required application and documentation. Depending on the program, applicants may also complete interviews, aptitude assessments, employer screening, orientation, or other selection steps.
Begin Paid Solar Training
Once selected and employed, begin supervised field training and related technical instruction while progressing through the work processes and competencies established by the apprenticeship sponsor.
Who Sponsors Solar Installer Apprenticeships?
Solar Installation Employers
Solar installation contractors and renewable-energy employers may sponsor or participate in apprenticeship and structured training programs that combine field installation work with solar-specific technical instruction.
Electrical Contractors
Electrical contractors may provide solar-specific training through electrical apprenticeship programs, particularly where workers install or connect PV electrical components in addition to performing broader electrical work.
Construction and Laborer Apprenticeship Programs
Solar-specific work may be incorporated into Registered Apprenticeship programs for construction craft laborers and related construction occupations. These programs may train apprentices in mounting systems, materials, site preparation, safety, and other solar installation work processes.
Employer and Training Partnerships
Solar employers may partner with community colleges, technical schools, workforce organizations, unions, industry training organizations, or other education providers to deliver related technical instruction alongside workplace training.
Do You Need Trade School Before a Solar Installer Apprenticeship?
Trade school is not a universal prerequisite for becoming a solar installer or entering a solar-related apprenticeship. BLS reports that PV installers typically need a high school diploma, while some complete solar installation courses through technical schools or community colleges.
Solar training courses may cover basic PV concepts, safety, system design, installation methods, electrical fundamentals, site assessment, maintenance, and troubleshooting. BLS notes that course length varies widely, with some programs lasting only a few days and others several months.
Technical education can provide useful preparation, but it should not be assumed to replace the paid workplace training required by a Registered Apprenticeship sponsor. Applicants should compare the curriculum and credentials of a school program with the requirements of the apprenticeship they plan to pursue.
How Apprenticeship Relates to Solar Installer Licensing
Completing a solar installer apprenticeship does not create one universal nationwide solar installation license. BLS reports that some states require Solar Photovoltaic Installers to hold a license, and requirements vary by jurisdiction.
The electrical scope of solar work is especially important. Depending on state law and the work being performed, PV installers may connect panels to electrical components or the electrical grid, while in other situations licensed electricians perform this work.
Apprentices should distinguish apprenticeship completion from occupational and contractor licensing. Before performing regulated solar or electrical work independently, verify the requirements of the state or local licensing authority where the installation will take place.
Certifications for Solar Installer Apprentices
Solar industry credentials can demonstrate photovoltaic knowledge or installation competency, but certification and apprenticeship are separate pathways. Completing an apprenticeship does not automatically result in a national solar certification.
The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) offers the Photovoltaic Associate credential for individuals who demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental principles of photovoltaic application, design, installation, and operation. Candidates may qualify through an approved education pathway or through documented photovoltaic work experience.
NABCEP also offers advanced professional credentials for experienced solar professionals. Certification requirements vary by credential, so apprentices should review the current eligibility standards rather than assume that apprenticeship completion alone satisfies certification requirements.
How to Find a Solar Installer Apprenticeship
Start with Apprenticeship.gov when looking for Registered Apprenticeship opportunities that can lead to solar installation work. Search for solar and photovoltaic opportunities, but also consider related apprenticeship occupations because solar installation is performed by workers from several construction trades.
Depending on the employer and project, solar-specific training may be incorporated into apprenticeship pathways for electricians, construction craft laborers, roofers, or other construction occupations. O*NET directs Solar Photovoltaic Installer users to Apprenticeship.gov for opportunities related to SOC 47-2231.
Also check solar installation contractors, electrical contractors, local union-management apprenticeship committees, workforce agencies, technical colleges, state apprenticeship agencies, and renewable-energy employers. Compare the actual apprenticeship occupation, solar work processes, electrical scope, program duration, paid training, technical instruction, and credential requirements before applying.
Solar Installer Career & Apprenticeship Guides by State
Explore state-specific solar installer salary data, training pathways, apprenticeship information, and licensing requirements.
AlabamaState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Alabama Guide ArizonaState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Arizona Guide ArkansasState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Arkansas Guide CaliforniaState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView California Guide ColoradoState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Colorado Guide FloridaState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Florida Guide GeorgiaState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Georgia Guide HawaiiState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Hawaii Guide IllinoisState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Illinois Guide IndianaState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Indiana Guide IowaState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Iowa Guide KansasState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Kansas Guide KentuckyState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Kentucky Guide LouisianaState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Louisiana Guide MaineState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Maine Guide MarylandState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Maryland Guide MichiganState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Michigan Guide MinnesotaState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Minnesota Guide MissouriState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Missouri Guide NevadaState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Nevada Guide New JerseyState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView New Jersey Guide New MexicoState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView New Mexico Guide New YorkState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView New York Guide North CarolinaState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView North Carolina Guide OhioState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Ohio Guide OklahomaState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Oklahoma Guide OregonState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Oregon Guide PennsylvaniaState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Pennsylvania Guide South CarolinaState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView South Carolina Guide TennesseeState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Tennessee Guide TexasState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Texas Guide UtahState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Utah Guide VermontState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Vermont Guide VirginiaState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Virginia Guide WashingtonState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Washington Guide WisconsinState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Wisconsin Guide
Solar Installer Apprenticeship FAQ
Are solar installer apprenticeships paid?
Registered Apprenticeship programs provide paid on-the-job learning. Solar installation training may be offered through solar-specific programs or through related apprenticeship occupations such as electrical or construction trades, so starting wages and wage progression vary by sponsor and program.
How long does a solar installer apprenticeship take?
There is no single nationwide duration for every solar installer apprenticeship. BLS reports that ordinary on-the-job training for Solar Photovoltaic Installers typically lasts between 1 month and 1 year, but this should not be confused with the length of a Registered Apprenticeship. Solar-related apprenticeships may use different occupations and program structures, so applicants should verify the duration and completion requirements of the specific sponsor.
Do I need solar trade school before starting an apprenticeship?
Not necessarily. BLS reports that Solar Photovoltaic Installers typically need a high school diploma, although some workers complete solar courses at technical schools or community colleges. Individual apprenticeship sponsors determine whether prior solar or construction training is required or preferred.
Do solar installers need an electrician license?
Not every solar installer needs the same electrical license. Requirements depend on state and local law and on the electrical work being performed. BLS notes that PV installers may connect panels to electrical components in some situations, while electricians perform this work in others. Some states also require licenses specifically applicable to PV installers.
Does a solar apprenticeship make me NABCEP certified?
No. NABCEP credentials and apprenticeship completion are separate. For example, the NABCEP Photovoltaic Associate credential requires candidates to qualify through an approved education pathway or documented photovoltaic work experience and pass the applicable examination.
Where can I find registered solar apprenticeship opportunities?
Start with Apprenticeship.gov and also check solar installation companies, electrical contractors, construction apprenticeship programs, union-management apprenticeship committees, state apprenticeship agencies, workforce organizations, and technical colleges. Because solar work crosses multiple construction trades, search related electrical and construction apprenticeship pathways in addition to the phrase “Solar Installer Apprenticeship.”
Sources
- Solar Photovoltaic Installers — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (Data: May 2025 wages; 2025–2035 projections) Supports: Occupation definition, education requirements, typical on-the-job training, apprenticeship pathway, solar installation duties, safety risks, technical-school relationship, licensing considerations, occupational wages, employment outlook, and resources for finding apprenticeship opportunities.. Accessed September 30, 2026.
- Solar Photovoltaic Installers — 47-2231.00 — O*NET OnLine (Data: Updated 2026) Supports: SOC occupation mapping, Solar Installer and Solar PV Installer job titles, occupational tasks, training characteristics, safety and electrical work activities, education information, and apprenticeship opportunity resources.. Accessed September 30, 2026.
- Apprenticeship Job Finder — U.S. Department of Labor — Apprenticeship.gov (Data: Current) Supports: Official search resource for current Registered Apprenticeship opportunities and the primary external resource used by this guide for finding solar and related apprenticeship openings.. Accessed September 30, 2026.
- Solar Photovoltaic System Installer — NCCER (Data: 2024, 2nd Edition; current apprenticeship alignment) Supports: Solar PV technical curriculum, solar installation competencies, site assessment, safety, installation and maintenance topics, NABCEP-aligned education, and curriculum alignment with U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship guidelines for the solar industry.. Accessed September 30, 2026.
- NABCEP Associate Program — North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (Data: 2026) Supports: Photovoltaic Associate credential purpose, PV knowledge areas, examination pathway, education and experience pathways, and the distinction between solar training and professional credentials.. Accessed September 30, 2026.