TENNESSEE CAREER DATA PROFILE

Solar Installer Career Guide in Tennessee

Explore solar installer salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Tennessee.

Last reviewed Reviewed by Career In Trades Editorial Team

Solar Installer in Tennessee Snapshot
Median Salary $51,860
Training Time Up to 1 Year
Job Growth Not published
License Local Requirements Apply

How to Become a Solar Installer in Tennessee

Solar installers may train through Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology, electrical apprenticeships, community colleges, or solar employers. Rooftop safety, photovoltaic system layout, electrical fundamentals, grounding, testing, and code compliance are core subjects.

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 Tennessee

State-specific wage data is not currently displayed for solar installer workers in Tennessee. The salary figure shown on this page uses the national median wage reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. It is not a guaranteed starting salary.

Actual earnings may vary by experience, license level, metropolitan area, employer, industry, overtime, and union agreement.

OFFICIAL REGULATORY SOURCE

Licensing Authority for Solar Installers in Tennessee

Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors

Official Website: https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors.html

License Types:

  • Electrical Contractor
  • Limited Licensed Electrician
  • Home Improvement Contractor
  • Local Journeyman Electrician

Authority Notes:

State contractor licensing depends partly on project value and scope. Limited Licensed Electrician credentials apply only within their authorized scope, and participating local governments may impose additional electrical requirements.

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 PREPARATION

Solar Installer Training Requirements in Tennessee

1Registered Apprenticeship
2Trade or Technical School
3Employer Training

Tennessee solar installers generally receive technical education in photovoltaic systems followed by supervised installation experience.

  • Study PV modules, inverters, racking, grounding, system layout, testing, and basic electrical theory.
  • Complete supervised rooftop and ground-mount installation training.
  • Complete OSHA construction, ladder, and fall-protection training.
  • Verify state contractor requirements and city or county electrical-license rules before performing regulated work.
  • Use licensed electrical personnel for wiring, service-panel work, and utility interconnection when required.
EDUCATION DIRECTORY

Solar Installer Training Providers in Tennessee

Provider City Program Website
TCAT Nashville Nashville View Program
TCAT Knoxville Knoxville View Program
Chattanooga State Community College Chattanooga View Program
Pellissippi State Community College Knoxville 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 OPPORTUNITIES

Solar Installer Apprenticeship Programs in Tennessee

Nashville Electrical Joint Apprenticeship

Organization: IBEW Local 429 / NECA

Program Website

East Tennessee Electrical Apprenticeship

Organization: IBEW Local 760 / NECA

Program Website

Chattanooga Electrical Apprenticeship

Organization: IBEW Local 175 / NECA

Program Website

Tennessee Registered Apprenticeship

Organization: Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development

Program Website

STATE AND LOCAL RULES

Solar Installer Licensing Requirements in Tennessee

Tennessee does not license an employee solely under the title Solar Installer. A state contractor license is generally required when a project reaches the statutory contract-value threshold, while electrical licensing and permitting below that threshold may be administered locally. Electrical connections must be handled by qualified personnel.

EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONS

Solar Installer Job Outlook in Tennessee

Not published Projected Employment Growth
4,100 Annual Openings

O*NET currently reports no Tennessee-specific long-term projection for SOC 47-2231.00. The national projection is 42% growth from 2024 to 2034 with approximately 4,100 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 QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the solar installer salary in Tennessee?

A state-specific median wage for solar installers in Tennessee is not currently displayed. The national median shown on this page is approximately $51,860 per year, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.

Does Tennessee require solar installer licensing?

Tennessee 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 Tennessee?

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 Tennessee?

Demand for solar installer workers in Tennessee varies by metropolitan area, industry, construction activity, and employer investment. State employment projections are estimates rather than guarantees of employment.

DATA TRANSPARENCY

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.

  1. May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
  2. Tennessee Wages for Solar Installer (SOC 47-2231) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Tennessee Solar Installer Wages
  3. Tennessee Solar Installer Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Tennessee Solar Installer Employment Trends
  4. Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors — Licensing authority. Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors
CAREER DISCOVERY

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STATE CAREER GUIDES

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