Solar Energy Installation Managers

O*NET 47-1011.03 · SOC 47-1011

Solar Energy Installation Manager is a solid career choice. Median pay is $80k a year with +5% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 67,000 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.

Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27

Projected Growth
+5%
2025–2035
Median Salary
$80k
BLS OEWS, May 2025
Annual Openings
67k
positions/year
Education Level
Zone 3
Medium preparation needed (vocational or associate's)

What You'd Actually Do

  • →Schedule and supervise solar panel installation crews daily.
  • →Review blueprints and plans for rooftop solar projects.
  • →Order materials and equipment needed for upcoming installations.
  • →Inspect completed solar installations for code compliance and quality.
  • →Train crew members on safe solar installation procedures.

Education & How to Get In

📋
Job Zone 3
Medium preparation needed (vocational or associate's)

Most Solar Energy Installation Manager positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.

Get Started Learning

Ready to start building skills for a career as a Solar Energy Installation Manager? These platforms offer courses you can start today, many with free trials or financial aid.

Coursera
University-backed courses and certificates
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Udemy
Affordable self-paced courses from $12.99
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Creative and professional skill classes
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Professional development with certificates
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Work Environment

Primary Setting

Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites

Work Style

Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration

A Day in the Life

While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Solar Energy Installation Manager involves a mix of core responsibilities:

MorningSchedule and supervise solar panel installation crews daily.
MiddayReview blueprints and plans for rooftop solar projects.
AfternoonOrder materials and equipment needed for upcoming installations.

Personality Fit (RIASEC)

Realistic (Doers)5.9
Enterprising (Persuaders)4.8
Conventional (Organizers)4.2
Investigative (Thinkers)2.6
Social (Helpers)1.7
Artistic (Creators)1.3

Who Thrives as Solar Energy Installation Manager?

Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.

ESTJThe ExecutiveESTPThe DynamoISTPThe CraftspersonISTJThe Inspector

Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →

See Open Solar Energy Installation Manager Roles

Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.

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Job Outlook

Employment of Solar Energy Installation Managers is projected to grow 5% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.

Will AI Replace This Job?

30/100Moderate, likely AI-complementary
  • ·36% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
  • ·Industry sector with low automation exposure

Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.

Common Questions

How much does a Solar Energy Installation Manager make?

The median Solar Energy Installation Manager earns $80k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.

Will AI replace Solar Energy Installation Manager jobs?

Our model puts Solar Energy Installation Manager at 30 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 36% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress; industry sector with low automation exposure.

Is Solar Energy Installation Manager a growing field?

Employment is projected to grow 5% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 67,000 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.

What degree do you need to be a Solar Energy Installation Manager?

Most Solar Energy Installation Manager roles expect an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational certificate rather than a four-year degree.

How long does it take to become a Solar Energy Installation Manager?

Typically one to two years, typically an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational program. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 3 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.

Is a Solar Energy Installation Manager career right for you?

Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.

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