Solar photovoltaic (PV) installers, often called PV installers, assemble, install, or maintain solar panel systems on roofs or other structures.

Although most PV installation is done outdoors, installers sometimes work in attics and crawl spaces to connect panels to the electric grid. Installers must also travel to job sites. Most work full time during regular business hours, but some are required to be on call for emergencies.

Although some installers need only a high school diploma and they typically receive on-the-job training lasting up to 1 year, many candidates take a course at a technical school or community college, or receive training as part of an apprenticeship program.

Employment of solar photovoltaic (PV) installers is projected to grow 24 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. The continued expansion and adoption of solar panel installations will result in excellent job opportunities for qualified individuals, particularly those who complete a photovoltaic training course at a community college or technical school.

This occupation supported 4,800 jobs in 2012 and 5,900 jobs in 2014, reflecting an increase of 22.9%. In 2012, this occupation was projected to increase by 22.9% in 2022 to 5,900 jobs. As of 2014, to keep pace with prediction, the expected number of jobs was 5,000, compared with an observed value of 5,900, 18.0% higher than expected. This indicates current employment trends are much better than the 2012 trend within this occupation. In 2014, this occupation was projected to increase by 31.2% in 2024 to 7,400 jobs. Linear extrapolation of the 2012 projection for 2022 results in an expected number of 6,100 jobs for 2024, 17.6% lower than the 2014 projection for 2024. This indicates expectations for future employment trends are much better than the 2012 trend within this occupation.