Solar Installer Career Guide in Maryland
Explore solar installer salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Maryland.
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How to Become a Solar Installer in Maryland
Maryland has solar-specific workforce programs, a solar-focused career school, community-college instruction, and paid electrical apprenticeships. Some programs are preparatory training with subsequent employer placement rather than registered solar apprenticeships.
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 Maryland
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Maryland 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 Maryland is approximately $6,430 lower. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Solar Installers in Maryland
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 Maryland
Maryland solar installation requires training appropriate to the worker’s assigned mounting or electrical tasks. Residential mounting and electrical connections fall under different licensing rules.
- Learn PV components, roof and fall safety, electrical fundamentals, and applicable codes.
- Gain hands-on experience through a solar workforce program, employer placement, or electrical apprenticeship.
- Have residential solar systems mounted through a licensed home improvement contractor.
- Perform electrical work only under the applicable master, journeyperson, or supervised apprentice electrician license.
Solar Installer Training Providers in Maryland
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Montgomery College — Solar PV Design and Installation | Rockville | View Program |
| Hagerstown Community College — Alternative Energy Technology | Hagerstown | View Program |
| Prince George’s Community College — Solar Learning Lab | Largo | View Program |
| Power52 Energy Institute — Solar PV Training | Baltimore | 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 Maryland
Solar Installer Training with Paid Employer Placement
Organization: Civic Works — Center for Sustainable Careers
Electrical Apprenticeship — related electrical pathway
Organization: Baltimore Electrical JATC / IBEW Local 24
Solar Learning Lab — College–Employer Training Partnership
Organization: Clean Slate Solar / Prince George’s Community College
Solar Installer Licensing Requirements in Maryland
Maryland distinguishes mounting from electrical connection. The Maryland Home Improvement Commission states that residential solar panel systems must be mounted by a licensed home improvement contractor. Electrical work must be performed by a licensed master, journeyperson, or supervised apprentice electrician; the solar connection to the electrical box or grid requires an appropriately licensed electrician.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSSolar Installer Job Outlook in Maryland
Employment of solar photovoltaic installers in Maryland is projected to grow 40% from 2024 to 2034, with approximately 90 job openings per year.
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 Maryland?
The statewide median wage for solar installers in Maryland is approximately $45,430 per year, or $21.84 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Maryland require solar installer licensing?
Yes. Maryland requires individuals performing regulated, non-exempt solar installer work to hold the appropriate license or credential. Applicants should verify the current license category, experience, examination, and renewal requirements with Maryland Home Improvement Commission / Maryland State Board of Electricians.
How long does it take to become a solar installer in Maryland?
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 Maryland?
Maryland projects solar installer employment to grow by approximately 40% from 2024 to 2034, with about 90 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
- Maryland Wages for Solar Installer (SOC 47-2231) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Maryland Solar Installer Wages
- Maryland Solar Installer Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Maryland Solar Installer Employment Trends
- Maryland Home Improvement Commission / Maryland State Board of Electricians — Licensing authority. Maryland Home Improvement Commission / Maryland State Board of Electricians