Solar Installer Career Guide in North Carolina
Explore solar installer salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in North Carolina.
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How to Become a Solar Installer in North Carolina
Solar photovoltaic installers commonly learn through employer-sponsored training, an apprenticeship, a technical program, or supervised on-the-job instruction. Training typically covers PV modules, mounting and racking systems, roof and ground installations, basic electrical theory, system components, blueprint reading, fall protection, electrical safety, weatherproofing, commissioning, and manufacturer requirements.
Training does not automatically authorize every type of solar work. Mechanical mounting, roofing work, electrical wiring, service-panel work, battery storage, system commissioning, and utility interconnection may require different licenses or supervision. NABCEP certification is an industry credential, not a substitute for a state or local contractor or electrician license.
Most Solar Installers in North Carolina complete photovoltaic training programs, electrical technology courses, technical college programs, or employer-based training. Training includes solar panel installation, PV system wiring, inverter installation, battery storage systems, roof safety, electrical code requirements, troubleshooting, and renewable energy maintenance.
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 North Carolina
The salary figure shown on this page represents the North Carolina 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 North Carolina is approximately $8,000 lower. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Solar Installers in North Carolina
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 North Carolina
North Carolina solar installers commonly train in PV modules, mounting systems, roof safety, electrical fundamentals, grounding and bonding, system testing, code requirements, and utility interconnection.
Individuals or businesses contracting for the electrical portion of a PV installation must satisfy North Carolina electrical-contractor requirements. Installers should also verify building permits, inspections, utility approval, and any roofing or structural requirements.
Solar Photovoltaic System Installation
Workers learn to install solar panels, mounting systems, photovoltaic equipment, and electrical components for residential and commercial solar projects.
Electrical Systems & Wiring
Training covers DC and AC electrical systems, inverters, grounding, disconnect systems, and electrical safety requirements.
Roof Installation & Fall Protection
Installers learn rooftop mounting techniques, ladder safety, fall protection, and safe solar installation procedures.
Battery Storage Systems
Training includes installation and maintenance of solar battery storage systems used for backup power and energy management.
NABCEP Certification Preparation
Programs prepare workers for recognized solar certifications that improve employment opportunities and career advancement.
Solar Installer Training Providers in North Carolina
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Central Piedmont Community College | Charlotte | View Program |
| Wake Technical Community College | Raleigh | View Program |
| Guilford Technical Community College | Jamestown | View Program |
| Durham Technical Community College | Durham | View Program |
| Forsyth Technical Community College | Winston-Salem | 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 North Carolina
North Carolina Clean Energy Apprenticeship Program
Organization: North Carolina Department of Commerce
Renewable Energy Training Program
Organization: Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC)
Solar Installer Licensing Requirements in North Carolina
North Carolina does not require a standalone Solar Installer license. However, electrical work involved in photovoltaic (PV) installations must comply with North Carolina electrical licensing requirements and may require licensed electricians or supervision by qualified electrical contractors. Many employers prefer NABCEP certification and OSHA safety training.
North Carolina does not issue one separate license to every solar installer. Electrical portions of photovoltaic systems must be performed within the scope of an appropriately licensed electrical contractor. Mechanical mounting employees may work under the responsible contractor, but electrical connections cannot be treated as unregulated installation work.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSSolar Installer Job Outlook in North Carolina
North Carolina has strong demand for Solar Installers due to rapid solar industry growth, utility-scale solar development, residential solar adoption, and expanding clean energy investments. The state ranks among the leading solar markets in the Southeast, creating continued opportunities for trained installation professionals.
North Carolina projects solar photovoltaic installer employment to increase from approximately 730 workers in 2022 to 1,060 in 2032, an increase of about 45%. Approximately 110 openings per year are projected.
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 North Carolina?
The statewide median wage for solar installers in North Carolina is approximately $43,860 per year, or $21.09 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does North Carolina require solar installer licensing?
Licensing requirements for solar installer workers in North Carolina vary by work scope, license category, and jurisdiction. Applicants should verify current requirements with North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors before beginning work or applying for an examination.
How long does it take to become a solar installer in North Carolina?
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 North Carolina?
North Carolina projects solar installer employment to grow by approximately 45% from 2022 to 2032, with about 110 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
- North Carolina Wages for Solar Installer (SOC 47-2231) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. North Carolina Solar Installer Wages
- North Carolina Solar Installer Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. North Carolina Solar Installer Employment Trends
- North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors — Licensing authority. North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors