Skilled Trades
Solar Panel Installer
Install and maintain rooftop and utility solar arrays. Booming green-energy field with quick entry.
no-degree-requiredhigh-growthgreen-energyhands-onquick-start
Salary progression
What you'll earn over your career
$38k
$52k
$78k
Entry
Mid-career
Senior
10-yr outlook
+22%
+22% (Much faster than avg)
Open positions
4,200
Estimated nationwide
Entry paths
How to get here
Multiple paths lead to this career. Compare time, cost, online vs in-person delivery, and program links.
Certification Hybrid
NABCEP PV Installation
Time
4–9 months
Cost
$1,500 – $6,000
Top programs
NABCEP-certified installers earn 20%+ more.
Fastest ROI
Apprenticeship In Person
Solar Apprenticeship
Time
1–3 years (paid)
Cost
Paid / Free
Top programs
Many solar companies offer paid OJT.
Affiliate disclosure: Some of the program links above may be affiliate partnerships. If you enroll, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only link to programs we have actually reviewed against our methodology. See our methodology for how we evaluate schools.
Attainability breakdown
What are the odds
you actually get there?
Six factors weighted to estimate the realistic probability a motivated person reaches this outcome. Higher = more attainable.
82
Composite
Attainability Score
Data-backed
- Educational difficultyHow hard the required schooling is to complete8820%
- Licensing & examsPass rates and difficulty of required exams9015%
- Entry-job competitionHow many applicants per open entry-level role8020%
- Career stay-rateInverse of early-career attrition / industry exit6515%
- Market demandOpenings vs available workforce9015%
- Alternative pathsHow many viable ways exist to enter the field8015%
Quick math
If you took the fastest path…
You'd train for
1–3 years (paid)
You'd spend (avg)
Paid / Free
Starting salary
$38,000
Mid-career
$52,000
Read more
Articles & resources
Sources: BLS OOH 2024 · NABCEP