Everything you need to know about getting a solar energy job is here!

The 5 top types of jobs, the solar companies that are hiring the most, and the solar trade and non-profit associations.

#1 Job: Solar PV Roof-top Installer

This is the most advertized of all solar jobs, and includes

• residential roof-top installation. These jobs usually require prior experience in roofing, general construction, or carpentry.
• commercial roof-top installation on warehouses, retail buildings, office buildings, government buildings, and schools.

Both positions require the installer to have a full range of mobility in upper and lower body, be fit, and able to lift 50 lbs of weight frequently throughout the day.

To find solar installation jobs, run the following searches:

• Solar Installer
• PV Installer
• PV Crew

#2 Job: Solar PV Sales

There are several types of sales jobs:

• "inside sales" or "telemarketing" are desk jobs, making calls to potential customers. Calls can be "cold" calls, or calls to lists of potential customers obtained by canvassers (see below) or at trade shows.
• "outside sales" or "canvassing" is going door-to-door to briefly introduce the company and solar systems. In most of these jobs, if a home owner in interested, the lead is passed on to a sales representative or a consultant/auditor (see below).
• "sales representative" can be either inside sales or outside sales.

Most of these jobs don't require any degree (not even H/S). Canvassers are often junior or senior high-schoolers, or college students. Good communications skills are required.

To find solar sales jobs, run the following searches:

• Solar Sales
• Solar Canvassing

#3 Job: Solar Consultant, or Solar Auditor

Solar consultants or auditors perform site visits to assess the feasibility and cost of a solar installation. They produce design documents to help prepare the work of the installation team, and obtain all necessary permits. They work in close collaboration with the sales team.

To search for these jobs, run the following searches:

• Solar Consultant
• Solar Auditor

#4 Job: Solar Installation Electrician

The Solar Electrician is responsible for the installation of electrical systems that interconnect the solar array to the grid power and the homeowner electrical panel. This position requires knowledge of local electrical installation regulations. These positions require an electrician license (usually a local State license). Some companies also require a North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) certification. In most cases, a minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience is preferred.

To find solar electrician jobs, run the following searches:

• Solar Electrician
• Electrical Foreman
• Commercial Electrician

#5 Job: Solar PV Engineer/Designer

These engineers design large-scale solar installations such as ground-mounted arrays for large solar farms and large roof-top mounted arrays for commercial buildings.

The positions often required a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, with knowledge of autoCAD software.
To find solar engineer jobs, run the following searches:

• Solar Engineer
• PV Engineer

Solar Companies

Here are some the the solar energy companies hiring the most:

• Solar City - Residential Roof-top
• Verengo Solar Plus - Residential Roof-top
• Real Goods Solar - Residential Roof-top
• REC Solar - Residential Roof-top
• SunPower - Solar panel manufacturer
• SunEdison - Commercial Roof-top
• The Solar Company - Residential Roof-top
• Vivint Solar - Residential Roof-top
• Recurrent Energy - Solar Farms
• SunRun - Commercial Roof-top
• Ascent Solar - Manufacturer of thin-film photovoltaic modules

Browse our green company directory for a list of over 120 solar companies in our directory.

Solar Trade Associations and Non-Profits

• The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is the leading solar trade association.
• The Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) is comprised of over 560 utilities and solar industry members.
• Solar Energy International (SEI) is a USA non-profit organization whose mission is to help others use renewable energy and environmental building technologies through education..
• The Solar Foundation seeks a world where clean, renewable energy powers economic growth and empowers people to achieve their highest potential.
• Solar Oregon provides public education and community outreach to encourage Oregonians to choose solar energy.