Solar Installer Career Guide in Virginia
Explore solar installer salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Virginia.
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How to Become a Solar Installer in Virginia
Entry paths include electrical programs, solar PV coursework, registered electrical apprenticeships, and company-based field training. Installers should understand the National Electrical Code, roof safety, fall protection, structural attachment, grounding, and system 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 Virginia
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Virginia 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 Virginia is approximately $2,670 lower. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Solar Installers in Virginia
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 Virginia
Virginia solar installers typically combine photovoltaic installation training with electrical, construction, and workplace-safety instruction.
- Complete training in PV system components, plans, racking, modules, grounding, testing, and commissioning.
- Obtain supervised field experience through an electrical apprenticeship or solar employer.
- Complete OSHA fall-protection and electrical-safety training for rooftop and energized-work hazards.
- Use appropriately licensed personnel for regulated electrical wiring and interconnection work.
- Consider NABCEP certification after meeting the applicable education and experience requirements.
Solar Installer Training Providers in Virginia
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Virginia Community College | Annandale | View Program |
| Tidewater Community College | Norfolk | View Program |
| Virginia Western Community College | Roanoke | View Program |
| Blue Ridge Community College | Weyers Cave | 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 Virginia
Northern Virginia Electrical Apprenticeship
Organization: IBEW Local 26 / Washington DC JATC
Solar Installer Licensing Requirements in Virginia
Virginia does not issue a separate occupational license titled Solar Installer. Regulated electrical work must be performed by properly licensed electrical tradespeople, and businesses offering complete solar installations may need an appropriate Virginia contractor license and electrical classification.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSSolar Installer Job Outlook in Virginia
O*NET’s current Virginia page does not publish a separate long-term state projection for SOC 47-2231.00. The national 2024–2034 projection is 42% growth with 4,100 annual openings and should not be entered as a Virginia-specific rate.
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 Virginia?
The statewide median wage for solar installers in Virginia is approximately $49,190 per year, or $23.65 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Virginia require solar installer licensing?
Yes. Virginia 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 Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation — Board for Contractors.
How long does it take to become a solar installer in Virginia?
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 Virginia?
Demand for solar installer workers in Virginia varies by metropolitan area, industry, construction activity, and employer investment. State employment projections are estimates rather than guarantees of employment.
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
- Virginia Wages for Solar Installer (SOC 47-2231) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Virginia Solar Installer Wages
- Virginia Solar Installer Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Virginia Solar Installer Employment Trends
- Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation — Board for Contractors — Licensing authority. Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation — Board for Contractors