Solar PV installer: on the job up to a year, courses, optional NABCEP certification
PV installers typically need a high school diploma and learn on the job for 1 month to 1 year; some take short courses at a community college or technical school, and electrician and roofing apprentices can add PV modules. Some states require a license.
For: Practical, fit people who like working outdoors, on roofs and with electrical systems.
Route 1: On the job with experienced installers Most common
Construction experience (electrician, roofer, carpenter, laborer) can shorten training.
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Start here
High school diploma
BLS
Solar Photovoltaic Installers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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Optional
Solar courses: a few days to several months
From basic safety and PV knowledge to system design; some take online courses.
BLS
Solar Photovoltaic Installers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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1 month–1 year
On-the-job training
Safety, tools and PV installation techniques; manufacturers may train on their products.
BLS
Solar Photovoltaic Installers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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Goal
PV installer
Later: project supervisor or manager, sales, or your own business.
BLS
Solar Photovoltaic Installers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Route 2: Electrician or roofing apprenticeship with PV modules Apprenticeship route
Electrician and roofing apprentices and journey workers may complete photovoltaic-specific training modules.
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Start here
High school diploma
BLS
Solar Photovoltaic Installers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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Apprenticeship
Electrician or roofer apprenticeship
Electrician roadmapBLS
Solar Photovoltaic Installers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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Modules
PV-specific training modules
BLS
Solar Photovoltaic Installers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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Goal
PV installer
BLS
Solar Photovoltaic Installers — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
National certifications and federal rules
Federal rules apply in every state; voluntary certifications are ones employers may ask for. State rules are in the matrix below.
- NABCEP PV Installation Professional (PVIP)
North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners · voluntary - Earned by showing training and experience and passing an exam. Fees: $125 application, $375 exam ($275 re-exam). Some states require certified installers for a project to qualify for solar subsidies.
NABCEP
NABCEP FeesNorth American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
- NABCEP PV Associate (PVA)
NABCEP · entry-level credential - $25 application and $125 exam.
NABCEP
NABCEP FeesNorth American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
- Driver's license
Employer may require - Installers travel to jobsites.
BLS
Solar Photovoltaic Installers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
State rules
Some states require a license for PV installers; contact your state's licensing board. BLS
View source
Where to go next
Every trade on one matrix: entry, license, BLS pay and outlook.
What the job is, BLS pay and job outlook, and the tools of the trade.