What a typical day can look like
A general picture, not one person. Real days vary by employer, season and place.
What does a solar technician do?
A solar technician helps install and maintain systems that turn sunlight into electricity. On farms, that may mean arrays on barns and machine sheds, ground-mounted panels in a field, or small systems that power water pumps and fencing.
Typical tasks include mounting racks, setting panels, running wiring, connecting inverters, testing performance and finding the cause when output drops. Technicians often work on a crew led by a licensed electrician or experienced lead.
Because farms can be remote, technicians sometimes need to bring their own tools, plan around weather and work with limited cell service. Good preparation and a checklist before leaving the shop can save a long drive back for a forgotten part.
- Installing racks and panels
- Running conduit and wiring under supervision
- Testing connections and performance
- Troubleshooting weak output
- Cleaning, inspecting and documenting equipment
Where do solar technicians work?
Solar technicians work for installation companies, electrical contractors, utilities, equipment dealers and service companies. Some employers focus on homes and businesses, others on farms and rural properties, and some handle utility-scale projects.
Farm projects bring their own conditions: long driveways, uneven ground, dust, animals and the need to plan work around planting, harvest or livestock schedules. Technicians learn to coordinate with the farm owner before and during each job.
Crew members also learn to respect the farm itself. Gates stay closed, equipment is not blocked and animals are left alone. Showing that kind of care builds a reputation that leads to referrals.
How do you become a solar technician?
Many people start with a high school diploma and learn through on-the-job training, a community college program or an apprenticeship. The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook has a page on solar photovoltaic installers that describes typical entry paths, and it is the right place to check current pay and outlook.
Electrical work often requires a license, and rules vary by state and sometimes by city or county. Confirm requirements with your state licensing board. Some employers also look for first aid training and a valid driver's license.
Manufacturer training and industry certificates may also help, and some employers pay for them. Ask what credentials local employers value before spending money on a program.
What skills and traits help?
Comfort with tools, basic math and following written instructions all help. Technicians must be careful with measurements and wiring, because small mistakes can cause large problems later. Comfort with heights and outdoor work in heat and cold is also important.
Clear communication with crews and customers helps projects move smoothly, and so does honesty about what you do not yet know. Asking questions early is a strength in a trade where safety depends on procedure.
Weather can affect the job in both directions. Bright, clear days bring busy installation schedules, while storms, ice and wind can stop work and require careful inspection of equipment afterward.
- Basic electrical knowledge
- Tool skill and attention to detail
- Comfort working outdoors and at height
- Teamwork and clear communication
- Willingness to keep learning
What are the safety concerns?
Solar work involves electricity, roofs, ladders, hot surfaces and heavy materials. Falls and electrical injuries are among the main risks, which is why training, supervision and the proper protective equipment are required. Never attempt to wire or service an energized system without qualified guidance.
OSHA publishes workplace safety information for construction and electrical work. If you are under 18, confirm which tasks are allowed for young workers through the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division before taking any job.
How can you start in high school?
Take math, physics, shop and electronics classes if they are available. Ask your ag teacher whether students can study or help plan a small solar project, such as a battery and panel setup for a stock tank pump, under adult supervision.
Look into dual enrollment at a technical college and ask about apprenticeship programs for electricians. Job shadowing a licensed electrician or solar crew lead will show you the real pace and conditions of the work.
Many technical colleges host open houses where you can try tools and meet instructors. If you cannot attend in person, email an instructor and ask what a first-year student actually does in class.
What should you ask before you commit?
Ask how they handle weather delays, how much travel is involved and what training the company provides. Ask how crew leads advance and whether the employer supports licensing exams.
Ask also about the seasons of work in your area. Demand for installation can rise and fall, so learn how experienced workers plan ahead.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook. Related career, not a promise of pay or a job. See the career profile.
Your next steps
- Solar technicians install and service panels and electrical equipment, often on crews.
- Training comes through on-the-job learning, technical college or apprenticeships.
- Licensing rules vary by state, so confirm them with your state board.
- Falls and electrical hazards are real, so only work with training and supervision.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Ag Jobs & Careers Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.