Solar Roofer
A Comprehensive Guide to the Job of a Solar Roofer
A solar roofer is responsible for installing solar panels on roofs, ensuring that the panels are secure and properly connected to the building's electrical system. This involves ensuring that the roof is in a condition to support the solar panels and partnering with the installation team in assembling the panels and adequately attaching them to the rooftop.
Overview of the Solar Roofer Job
Residential and Commercial installations of solar panels require expertise in understanding how to install, repair, and replace rooftops. Roofers are increasingly being turned to for their domain expertise by solar companies to ensure panels are installed in a efficient and sustainable manner.
Solar Roofer Salary
Nationally, roofers earn $47,920 with the top 10% of earners making more than $75,930 while the bottom 10% earn less than $31,470 per the 2021 BLS data. As with most jobs, is strongly correlated with skills/expertise required, location, and experience on the job. Roofers with solar expertise can expect to earn above average as they broaden their skillset to understand on the PV panel function.
Common Solar Roofer Job Descriptions
The key responsibilities of a Solar Roofer include:
Site Assessment and Preparation: Before installation, a solar roofer will assess the site to determine the best location for the panels. This involves evaluating the roof's pitch and orientation, checking for shading or obstructions, and assessing the roof's condition to ensure it can support the weight of the solar panels.
Installation: Depending on the project, a solar roofer will be required to install roofs ranging from shingles, tiles, torch down, TPO roofing, and more if the customer does not have an adequate rooftop
Panel Installation: Once the site assessment is complete, a solar roofer will install the panels by measuring and cutting them to fit on the roof. They will also attach mounting brackets and secure the panels to the roof. This requires precise measurements and cutting skills, as well as knowledge of safety procedures when working at heights.
Electrical Wiring: Once the panels are installed, a solar roofer will run electrical wiring from the panels to the inverter, which converts the DC power generated by the panels into AC power that can be used by the building.
Troubleshooting: Solar roofers are also responsible for troubleshooting any issues with the panels, wiring, or other components of the solar system. This requires problem-solving skills and the ability to work with electrical equipment to diagnose and fix issues
Solar Roofer Job and Skill Requirements
Solar companies will look to hire a specialist roofer who has significant experience before joining the company. This is likely a transition role for most folks who may run their own business, but want to join a solar company
The following are the key requirements you’ll see as you apply to jobs:
A high school diploma or equivalent
Generally, a minimum of 3 years experience working in roofing
Some states may require certifications - here is a list of roofer certifications by state
Knowledge of and excitement about solar panels. Even if you haven’t worked in solar, you should do your research before applying to a job at a solar company
OSHA certification sometimes required or at least desired
Ability to lift 50+ pounds, and comfortable working at heights and in heat (comes with any roofing job!)
High-level of customer service and attention to detail
Knowledge of electrical codes, standards, and safety procedures at the local, state, and federal levels are helpful, though this will not be your primary responsibility
Generally require a state driver’s license with travel
What's the day-to-day of a Solar Roofer
Residential projects typically last less than one week, so you will move quickly between jobs unless a home requires a complete reroofing. In the commercial space, projects likely span weeks depending on the scale of the project. Common tasks include:
Travel to and from project sites
Participate in regular weekly/monthly team meetings reviewing progress and any updated safety
Install new roofing across a variety of different materials
Apply adhesives, layers, and covers over roof surfaces to prepare for mounting the solar panels
Measure and cut materials to fit together on the roof
Adjust any roofing to accommodate the solar panel installation
Partner closely with the installation team to ensure that set up is built into the roofing membranes, shingles, or tiles
Ensure the worksite is cleaned after a project is installed or document next steps for the following date
Talk to customers to answer any of their roofing concerns around maintenance and forecasted repair timeline
Job Outlook for Solar Roofers
With the increasing demand for solar energy, the solar industry and the demand for solar roofers are expected to grow in the coming years. As more solar panels are installed throughout homes and businesses in the US, maintenance will be required to update and repair existing systems.
Career Opportunities for Solar Roofers
Solar roofers will gain invaluable onsite experience in supporting the teams. You’ll be able to bridge into becoming a PV installer (LINK) and progress to be a project manager within a solar company over your career if you choose. Solar Project Managers grow to oversee the entire planning and implementation of projects and your experience as a roofer will be valuable expertise. With solar, there is also the opportunity to become a specialist in types of installations, whether they are large-scale commercial projects, apartments, or car ports.
How to Become a Solar Roofer
The best way to find a job as a solar roofer is to check if solar companies in your area are looking for anyone to hire with roofing experience. Job boards like Indeed are a good starting point, but niche job boards like WorkInSolar will provide the latest jobs specifically for solar companies.
If you do not see any specific “Solar Roofer” jobs on job boards in your area, try reaching out to local solar companies. While they may not be looking for an experience roofer, they may need additional PV installers and be willing to take on training to complement your skillset
You can also search online job boards like Indeed and niche job board like WorkInSolar that will have only the latest solar jobs in the market.
Make sure to have a resume and cover letter that highlight your experience, qualifications, certifications, and/or licenses for the role. List how many projects you’ve completed or troubleshooted and the tools/systems for which you have expertise.
How to keep learning more
Experienced roofers are invaluable to a growing solar industry to ensure that the panels are installed properly on sturdy rooftops. To keep up with the latest solar trends as you consider bridging into the industry, subscribe to our blog!