Solar Installer Career Guide in New Jersey
Explore solar installer salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in New Jersey.
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How to Become a Solar Installer in New Jersey
New Jersey offers dedicated PV courses alongside paid electrical apprenticeships and solar-employer training. Students should choose training that covers both safe panel installation and the electrical tasks permitted under their employer’s licensing arrangement.
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 New Jersey
The salary figure shown on this page represents the New Jersey 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 New Jersey is approximately $27,090 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Solar Installers in New Jersey
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 New Jersey
New Jersey solar installers need training in PV equipment, fall protection, electrical safety, and installation methods. Covered PV electrical work must be performed through an appropriately licensed electrical contracting business.
- Complete solar PV or electrical training and obtain relevant construction-safety instruction.
- Gain supervised, paid field experience with a solar installer or through an electrical apprenticeship.
- For covered PV panels, inverters, and electrical components, work as the permitted electrical contractor or its employee.
- Check municipal permits, inspections, and any additional requirements for the project’s construction scope.
Solar Installer Training Providers in New Jersey
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Raritan Valley Community College — Solar PV Training Bootcamp | Branchburg | View Program |
| UCNJ Union College of Union County — Photovoltaic Studies | Cranford | View Program |
| Atlantic Cape Community College — Solar Panel Installer Training | Mays Landing | View Program |
| Bergen Community College — Solar Energy Training | Paramus | 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 New Jersey
Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship — includes solar-rooftop practice
Organization: IBEW Local 400 JATC
Inside Wireman Apprenticeship — related electrical pathway
Organization: IBEW Local 269 JATC
Electrical Apprenticeship — related electrical pathway
Organization: IBEW Local 102 JATC
Solar Installer Licensing Requirements in New Jersey
New Jersey’s electrical contractor rules cover installation, maintenance, servicing, and handling of exposed photovoltaic panels, solar inverters, and other electrical components. This work must be performed by an electrical contractor holding the required business permit or by an employee of that contractor; it does not mean every employee must personally hold an electrical contractor license.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSSolar Installer Job Outlook in New Jersey
Employment of solar photovoltaic installers in New Jersey is projected to grow 45% from 2024 to 2034, with approximately 180 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 New Jersey?
The statewide median wage for solar installers in New Jersey is approximately $78,950 per year, or $37.96 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does New Jersey require solar installer licensing?
Yes. New Jersey 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 New Jersey Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors.
How long does it take to become a solar installer in New Jersey?
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 New Jersey?
New Jersey projects solar installer employment to grow by approximately 45% from 2024 to 2034, with about 180 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
- New Jersey Wages for Solar Installer (SOC 47-2231) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. New Jersey Solar Installer Wages
- New Jersey Solar Installer Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. New Jersey Solar Installer Employment Trends
- New Jersey Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors — Licensing authority. New Jersey Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors