8 Top Paying Jobs in the Solar Industry Waiting To Be Filled

Let’s explore some of the top roles available for technicians in this growing field.

1- Solar Photovoltaic Installers

If you’re interested in one of the top-paying jobs in the solar industry that doesn’t require a college degree, becoming a solar photovoltaic (PV) installer is a solid option.

In this role, you’ll be responsible for installing solar panels on residential and commercial properties, ensuring they are properly set up to generate electricity efficiently.

The median salary for solar PV installers is around $40,020 annually. This career allows you to work on diverse projects, from small residential systems to large utility-scale solar power plants, making it both a challenging and fulfilling path.

Breaking into a career as a solar photovoltaic installer is more accessible than you might think, especially for career changers. Unlike some technical fields, you don’t need a bachelor’s degree to get started—many successful installers begin with a high school diploma and gain the necessary skills through formal training programs or on-the-job experience. Certification programs can enhance your credentials and job prospects.

The future growth for solar installers is expected to be much faster than average, with the Occupational Outlook Handbook projecting a 27% increase in employment from 2022 to 2032. In that period, an estimated 6,600 jobs should open up. This growth is driven by the rising demand for renewable energy, making it an excellent time to enter the field.

Unmudl offers direct connections to employers looking for skilled workers in the solar industry. Don’t miss out on these opportunities! Get in touch online or email us at info@unmudl.com to learn more.

2- Solar Maintenance Technicians

After installing solar systems, it’s crucial to keep them running at peak efficiency; this is where solar maintenance technicians come in. These technicians ensure solar panels, inverters, and related equipment operate smoothly.

The median salary for solar maintenance technicians is approximately $53,070 per year. This role offers a blend of routine maintenance and problem-solving, making it ideal for those who enjoy a dynamic work environment.

Breaking into a career as a solar maintenance technician is an excellent option for career changers, especially those who enjoy hands-on work and problem-solving.

You don’t necessarily need a college degree to start—many employers look for candidates with a high school diploma and relevant experience in electrical work or mechanical systems. And as with most positions not requiring a degree, completing a certification program can give you a competitive edge.

The demand for solar maintenance technicians is expected to grow significantly, driven by the increasing adoption of solar energy systems. This growth ensures a stable and promising career path in the renewable energy sector.

And the technician shortage in the US means that these jobs are ripe for the plucking:

The phrase “skilled labor shortage” regarding the solar industry underscores a disparity in the supply and demand of professionals, trained and qualified, for the job in the sector.

This gap is not only in numbers but extends to necessary skills and expertise in carrying out the various capacities within the industry. From instructors in solar installation training to experienced solar project managers, the gaps are many.

3- Solar Energy Site Assessors

Before any solar project can begin, a thorough site assessment is necessary to determine the optimal placement and configuration of solar panels.

As a solar energy site assessor, you’ll evaluate factors like sunlight exposure, weather patterns, and local laws to recommend the best setup for a given location. This job pays a median salary of $60,050 annually.

Breaking into a career as a solar energy site assessor is an excellent move for those with an eye for detail and an interest in renewable energy. You'll also need communication skills since you’ll be educating customers and collaborating closely with project developers and engineers.

While a high school diploma is typically the minimum requirement, additional certifications in solar energy or system design can be highly beneficial. Experience in related fields such as construction or environmental science can also provide a strong foundation.

The growing demand for solar energy systems is expected to drive steady job growth in this field, offering promising career prospects.

Interested in a career change into the growing field of solar energy? Unmudl provides the courses and connections you need to succeed. Get in touch online or email us at info@unmudl.com to discover how we can help.

4- Solar Consultants

If you’re passionate about helping customers understand the benefits of solar energy and guiding them through the process of transitioning to renewable energy, a career as a solar consultant might be for you. Solar consultants work directly with clients, providing them with the information they need to make informed decisions about solar installations.

This role offers a median salary of $75,140 per year and requires strong interpersonal skills, extensive knowledge of solar products, and the ability to stay updated on emerging solar technologies. It’s a career that combines technical know-how with customer service, making it both challenging and rewarding.

If you're considering a shift into a career as a solar consultant, this role is accessible to career changers with strong communication skills and a passion for renewable energy. While a formal degree isn't always required, having a background in sales, business, or environmental science can be beneficial.

Certifications can also bolster your expertise and marketability. The demand for solar consultants is expected to grow as more businesses and homeowners seek to adopt solar energy solutions, making this a promising field with solid future prospects.

According to Wood MacKenzie, the solar industry needs more qualified workers:

A shortage of qualified labor is a hurdle; workforce growth has simply not kept pace with industry growth.

With a shortage of qualified workers, solar may be precisely the field to transition into right now. Unmudl helps you gain the skills to enter high-demand solar energy jobs. Ready to learn more? Get in touch online or email us at info@unmudl.com to start your journey.

5- Solar Project Managers

In the solar energy industry, project managers play a vital role in overseeing the entire process of solar power installations, from planning to execution. They coordinate with engineers, technicians, and other stakeholders to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required standards.

The median salary for solar project managers is approximately $60,990 annually. This position requires strong organizational skills, experience in construction management, and the ability to handle multiple tasks efficiently. It’s an excellent choice if you’re looking to blend leadership with technical expertise.

Breaking into a career as a solar project manager is achievable for career changers, particularly if you have experience in construction management, engineering, or business administration.

While many in this role hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field, you can also enter with relevant work experience and certifications, such as the Project Management Professional (PMP) or a certification specific to renewable energy.

The growing focus on renewable energy means more large-scale solar projects are underway, creating a strong demand for skilled project managers to lead these initiatives.

According to Catherine McLean, CEO and founder of clean energy and sustainability recruitment firm Dylan Green:

“Project development, then project origination, and thirdly, project finance jobs, particularly among utility-scale solar and storage, community solar, commercial and industrial, distributed generation and electric vehicle (EV) companies, are still the most in-demand jobs...

It’s also worth noting that the National Solar Jobs Census reported that 67% of the solar workforce works in development and installation. Solar project development jobs have therefore always been in relatively high demand, but increasingly so now, in light of recent investments in these specific types of roles."

6- Solar Energy Systems Designers

Solar energy systems designers are responsible for planning and creating the layout of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems that maximize efficiency and meet safety standards. This role involves selecting the right components, configuring systems to match site-specific conditions, and ensuring cost-effectiveness.

The median salary for solar energy systems designers is about $94,240 per year, reflecting the high level of expertise required. If you have a background in engineering and enjoy problem-solving, this career offers a chance to make a significant impact on solar power generation.

For career changers looking to break into solar energy systems design, a background in engineering, architecture, or environmental science can be a great foundation.

While many designers hold a bachelor’s degree, especially in fields like electrical or mechanical engineering, it's possible to enter the field with relevant experience and certifications, such as those from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).

The growing demand for efficient and cost-effective solar power solutions continues to drive the need for skilled designers, making this a promising career path.

Based on data from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), solar industry employment has shown growth over the past decade. Even with the growth, it is further accelerating beyond the capacity of trained professionals.

Solar energy-related positions, such as solar panel installers, electricians specializing in solar power systems, and professionals in the domain of solar business software and solar asset management software, are some of the roles in demand.

7- Solar Utility Procurement Specialists

Solar utility procurement specialists manage the acquisition of solar power equipment and materials necessary for large-scale solar projects. They work closely with vendors to secure the best deals on solar panels, inverters, and other components, ensuring that projects remain within budget while maintaining high quality.

The median salary for this role is around $83,535 annually. This position is ideal if you have experience in procurement or supply chain management and want to contribute to the growth of renewable energy by ensuring that solar projects are well-equipped.

Transitioning into a career as a solar utility procurement specialist is an excellent option for career changers, particularly if you have experience in supply chain management, procurement, or project management.

While a bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, or a related field is often preferred, it’s possible to enter the field with relevant experience and certifications in procurement or renewable energy.

The expansion of the solar industry is increasing the demand for specialists who can manage the sourcing of materials and components for large-scale solar projects, making this a promising career path.

8- Solar Fleet Managers

As solar energy becomes more widespread, the need to efficiently manage solar installation and maintenance fleets grows. Solar fleet managers oversee the vehicles, tools, and personnel involved in solar installations, ensuring that everything runs smoothly.

The median salary for solar fleet managers is about $85,400 per year. This role requires experience in logistics and fleet management, making it a good fit for those who excel in coordinating large teams and resources across multiple sites.

If you’re considering a career change to become a solar fleet manager, having a background in logistics, fleet management, or operations can be a strong asset.

While many professionals in this role hold a bachelor’s degree in business or a related field, relevant experience in managing vehicle fleets, especially in construction or energy sectors, can also pave the way. Certifications in fleet management, such as Certified Automotive Fleet Manager (CAFM), can further boost your qualifications.

As the solar industry expands, the need for skilled fleet managers to coordinate installation and maintenance activities is growing, ensuring ongoing demand for this role.

Solar is still the core technology of the US energy transition. Wood Mackenzie expects it to be the largest category of generating capacity on the US grid by 2050. A shortage of qualified labor is a hurdle; workforce growth has simply not kept pace with industry growth.