Solar Installer Career Guide in South Carolina
Explore solar installer salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in South Carolina.
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How to Become a Solar Installer in South Carolina
South Carolina installers can train through technical colleges, electrical apprenticeships, registered apprenticeship programs, and solar employers. Training should cover rooftop safety, PV equipment, structural attachments, basic electricity, grounding, code compliance, and commissioning.
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 South Carolina
The salary figure shown on this page represents the South 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 South Carolina is approximately $1,370 lower. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Solar Installers in South 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 South Carolina
South Carolina solar installers generally receive photovoltaic and construction-safety education followed by supervised field training.
- Study system layout, modules, inverters, racking, grounding, testing, and commissioning.
- Complete supervised installation training through an apprenticeship, technical college, or solar employer.
- Complete OSHA construction, ladder, roof-access, and fall-protection training.
- Verify state contractor licensing and local electrician requirements for the project location.
- Use qualified electrical personnel for wiring, service equipment, and utility-interconnection work.
Solar Installer Training Providers in South Carolina
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Greenville Technical College | Greenville | View Program |
| Trident Technical College | Charleston | View Program |
| Midlands Technical College | Columbia | View Program |
| Horry-Georgetown Technical College | Conway | 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 South Carolina
Solar Installer Licensing Requirements in South Carolina
South Carolina does not issue a standalone Solar Installer license. Businesses performing electrical or general construction work may require an appropriate state contractor license, while journeyman and master electrician credentials may be regulated locally.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSSolar Installer Job Outlook in South Carolina
South Carolina projects solar photovoltaic installer employment to grow from approximately 30 workers in 2022 to 70 in 2032. This equals projected growth of 133%, with approximately 10 annual openings.
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 South Carolina?
The statewide median wage for solar installers in South Carolina is approximately $50,490 per year, or $24.27 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does South Carolina require solar installer licensing?
South Carolina does not use one uniform statewide licensing rule for all solar installer work. Local requirements may apply, and applicants should verify the rules in the city or county where they plan to work.
How long does it take to become a solar installer in South 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 South Carolina?
South Carolina projects solar installer employment to grow by approximately 133% 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
- South Carolina Wages for Solar Installer (SOC 47-2231) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. South Carolina Solar Installer Wages
- South Carolina Solar Installer Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. South Carolina Solar Installer Employment Trends
- South Carolina Contractor’s Licensing Board — Licensing authority. South Carolina Contractor’s Licensing Board