Solar Installer Career Guide in Maine
Explore solar installer salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Maine.
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How to Become a Solar Installer in Maine
Preparation can include PV installer coursework, electrical technology, hands-on solar projects, and employer-sponsored electrical apprenticeship. Solar workers who progress into regulated wiring follow Maine’s electrician licensing pathway.
Note: Training pathways vary by employer, program sponsor, and licensing category. Classroom education may provide useful technical preparation, but it does not automatically replace supervised work experience unless the applicable licensing authority specifically allows that credit.
Solar Installer Salary in Maine
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Maine median wage for solar installer workers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage data. A median wage is the point at which half of workers earn more and half earn less. It is not a guaranteed starting salary.
Actual earnings may vary by experience, license level, metropolitan area, employer, industry, overtime, and union agreement.
Compared with the national median of $51,860, the median wage in Maine is approximately $9,350 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Solar Installers in Maine
Note: Licensing rules, fees, examinations, exemptions, and renewal requirements may change. Applicants should verify current requirements directly with the authority listed above before beginning work, applying for an examination, or enrolling in a training program.
CAREER PREPARATIONSolar Installer Training Requirements in Maine
Solar installers in Maine typically combine photovoltaic coursework with supervised field experience in mounting, electrical safety, and installation procedures.
- Study PV components, array layout, racking, roof protection, inverters, electrical fundamentals, and the National Electrical Code.
- Complete fall-protection, OSHA construction safety, lockout/tagout, and jobsite training.
- Gain hands-on experience through a solar course, employer training, pre-apprenticeship, or paid electrical apprenticeship.
- Use appropriately licensed electricians and required permits for regulated PV electrical installation or alteration; mounting-only work has a different licensing boundary.
Solar Installer Training Providers in Maine
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Maine Community College | Presque Isle | View Program |
| Central Maine Community College | Auburn | View Program |
| Southern Maine Community College | South Portland | View Program |
| Maine Electrical Institute | Portland | View Program |
Note: Program availability, admission requirements, tuition, and credit toward licensing requirements may change. Verify current details directly with the provider and the applicable state licensing authority before enrolling. Listings are informational and do not constitute rankings or endorsements.
PAID TRAINING OPPORTUNITIESSolar Installer Apprenticeship Programs in Maine
Renewable Energy Careers Pre-Apprenticeship
Organization: Portland Adult Education and ReVision Energy
Solar Mechanical Installer Apprenticeship Pathway
Organization: Maine Construction Academy
Solar Installer Licensing Requirements in Maine
Maine distinguishes PV mounting work from regulated electrical installation. Constructing or placing support racking that does not itself convert solar energy into electricity does not require an electrician license solely for that activity. Electrical installation or alteration of a PV system must meet the Electricians’ Examining Board’s licensing and permit requirements.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSSolar Installer Job Outlook in Maine
Employment for solar photovoltaic installers in Maine is projected to grow 11% from 2022 to 2032, with approximately 10 job openings annually.
Note: State employment projections may use a different base period from national BLS projections. Projected growth is an estimate rather than a guarantee of employment, and local demand may vary by metropolitan area, industry, construction activity, and employer investment.
CAREER QUESTIONSFrequently Asked Questions
What is the solar installer salary in Maine?
The statewide median wage for solar installers in Maine is approximately $61,210 per year, or $29.43 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Maine require solar installer licensing?
Licensing requirements for solar installer workers in Maine vary by work scope, license category, and jurisdiction. Applicants should verify current requirements with Maine Electricians’ Examining Board before beginning work or applying for an examination.
How long does it take to become a solar installer in Maine?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately Up to 1 Year, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.
Are solar installers in demand in Maine?
Maine projects solar installer employment to grow by approximately 11% from 2022 to 2032, with about 10 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.
Career Data Sources
State wage, employment outlook, and licensing information is reviewed using government and official regulatory sources. Data and requirements may change after publication.
- May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
- Maine Wages for Solar Installer (SOC 47-2231) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Maine Solar Installer Wages
- Maine Solar Installer Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Maine Solar Installer Employment Trends
- Maine Electricians’ Examining Board — Licensing authority. Maine Electricians’ Examining Board