Solar energy technician
Also known as: solar energy system installer, photovoltaic cell technician, solar technician, solar energy farm technician, solar energy panel technician, solar energy generation technician
About this occupation
Solar energy technicians install and maintain systems that collect solar energy. They prepare the necessary fixtures, often on roofs, install solar panels, and plug them into an electronic system including an inverter to connect the solar energy systems to the electricity lines.
A specialisation of electrician.
Essential skills and knowledge
- comply with legal regulations
- electrical wiring plans
- install circuit breakers
- mechanics
- interpret 2D plans
- follow health and safety procedures in construction
- transport construction supplies
- work ergonomically
- follow safety procedures when working at heights
- use measurement instruments
- check compatibility of materials
- interpret 3D plans
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Solar Energy Systems Engineers (O*NET 17-2199.11). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Conduct engineering site audits to collect structural, electrical, and related site information for use in the design of residential or commercial solar power systems.
- Create plans for solar energy system development, monitoring, and evaluation activities.
- Design or coordinate design of photovoltaic (PV) or solar thermal systems, including system components, for residential and commercial buildings.
- Provide technical direction or support to installation teams during installation, start-up, testing, system commissioning, or performance monitoring.
- Create electrical single-line diagrams, panel schedules, or connection diagrams for solar electric systems, using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
- Perform computer simulation of solar photovoltaic (PV) generation system performance or energy production to optimize efficiency.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Investigative, Conventional
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Writing, Speaking, Complex Problem Solving, Active Listening
US median pay: US$122,930 a year (2025), 154,070 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyVery important (4.2)
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignVery important (4.1)
- WoodworkO*NET: Building and ConstructionVery important (3.9)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (3.8)
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalVery important (3.6)
- PhysicsO*NET: PhysicsImportant (3.3)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.3)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementImportant (3.2)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Solar Sales Representatives and Assessors
- Solar Energy Installation Managers
- Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
- Wind Energy Engineers
- Electrical Engineers
- Wind Energy Development Managers
- Energy Auditors
- Mechanical Engineers
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.