Solar Electrician
A Comprehensive Guide to the Job of a Solar Electrician
Electricians with solar expertise are critical for solar companies as they will set up and ensure the electrical components of a PV system are working properly, and troubleshoot any problems. While all installation and operations roles require a basic understanding of the electrical system, electricians are needed for domain expertise in complex electrical systems and to ensure the project meets the specification while in accordance with local, state, and federal code.
Overview of the Solar Electrician Job
Electricians overall are a quickly growing role, expecting to increase 7% over the next 10 years. Moreover, electricians with specific solar expertise will be critical to updating our energy grid as we’ll need to install, repair, and maintain equipment for the solar systems, while ensuring the work complies with electrical and building codes.
Solar Electrician Salary
Electricians earn $60,240 annually with a distribution depending on location and your experience. The top 10% of Electricians earned more than $102,300 annually per the BLS 2022 data, while the bottom 10% earn less than $37,400. Make sure to do research on jobs in your area to know what a reasonable salary is.
Common Solar Electrician Job Descriptions
The key responsibilities of a Solar Electrician include:
Designing, reading, and/or updating electrical schematics, blueprints, and manuals
Maintaining and repairing existing power systems
Assist project developers with permitting process and inspections
Ensure electrical work is performed professionally and in accordance with NEC and local building code
Inspecting hardware/software to ensure operation is functional
Troubleshooting hardware - ranging from PV systems, transformers, AC/DC equipment, battery cells, and much more
Conducting site surveys to determine the feasibility and potential for solar installations
Installing and connecting the electrical components of solar energy systems
Conducting performance tests to ensure the system is operating at maximum efficiency
Educating clients on the operation and maintenance of their solar power systems
Solar Electrician Job and Skill Requirements
Solar companies will typically look to hire someone who has attained their journeyman electrician status, but may be willing to take on a junior hire in an apprenticeship role if it is a larger organization with established training and development programs. Master electricians status may be needed for more senior roles.
The following are the key requirements you’ll see as you apply to jobs:
A high school diploma or equivalent
A valid electrician's license (Journeyman or Master at the state-level; sometimes Apprentices are hired) and experience/certifications in solar installation generally preferred
OSHA certification sometimes required or at least desired
At least 1 full year of experience working with Solar Electrical systems
Knowledge of electrical codes, standards, and safety procedures at the local, state, and federal levels
Familiarity with renewable energy technologies and photovoltaic systems.
Good problem-solving and critical thinking skills
Physical dexterity and comfortable working at heights
Good communication and customer service skills to educate customers on their new solar system
Generally require a state driver’s license with travel
Strong team player - you’ll be the expert coaching crews on electrical safety, quality control, and proper installation methods.
What's the day-to-day of a Solar Electrician?
Most electrician jobs will require significant travel in and around your area (~75% travel). You’ll routinely be visiting customer and project sites to help with installation, test electrical systems, and often troubleshoot why things aren’t working as they should. Common tasks include:
Prioritizing any urgent calls/requests at the start of each day (e.g. a customer has lost all power from their residential system)
Travel to and from customer sites
Submit service/customer reports with any work orders needed as a result of the inspections
Work with any local inspectors when required to ensure systems are abiding by all local codes
Troubleshoot installation and coaches PV installers are proper wiring techniques
Completes the Quality Assurance / Quality Control processes after an installation is completed and lists any corrective actions that must be taken
Ensuring that the work is carried out in compliance with OSHA regulations and industry standards
Supporting the onsite installation team in laying out panels, ensuring project is going to plan when there is limited electrical work
Reading about the latest news on NEC or local building codes that are changing quickly with the solar growth
Responsible for maintaining cleanliness of the site and any installation equipment
Job Outlook for Solar Electricians
The solar industry is booming and electricians are needed as we completely revamp our energy infrastructure. Electricians are a critical component of the transition to solar and wind power and are expected to grow 7% in the next decade. Electricians skew older than typical employees, so the US will need hundreds of thousands of new electricians in the workforce over the next decade.
Career Opportunities for Solar Electricians
Electricians can continue to specialize in solar once they have entered the industry by advancing their knowledge. Electricians can become local inspectors to help define building codes to achieve both safety standards needed with their local expertise. Electricians can also become more general Solar instructors or a Project Developer within solar firms.
Electrician can also progress from Apprentice to Journeyman to Master. Solar companies are looking to hire across experience levels.
How to Become a Solar Electrician
The best way to find a job as an electrician with solar expertise is to start by obtaining the necessary education and certifications. Electrician's licenses and certifications in solar energy installation are generally required for this field. You can also network with other professionals in the industry, attend industry events and trade shows, and join professional organizations. If you are looking to break into the electrician role, you’ll likely need to attend a trade school and will need to work as an apprentice for 3-5 years befor earning your Journeyman status.
Online job boards, such as Indeed, are good resources for finding job opportunities as an electrician. If you are interested in working specifically in the solar industry, check out our WorkInSolar job board, where you will find electrician jobs offered by solar companies. You can also search for open positions at solar companies and electrical contractors.
It's important to have a well-written resume and cover letter that highlight your experience, qualifications, certifications, and/or licenses for the role.
How to keep learning more
Electricians with solar expertise are a critical role for the United State’s transition to solar energy by understanding our existing electrical systems and the needed changes to be plugged into the sun. Subscribe to our blog to stay on top of the latest news in working in solar.