Solar Energy Installation Managers

These managers oversee the daily setup of solar photovoltaic and thermal systems. They coordinate the activities of work crews, manage personnel resources, and organize daily tasks to keep projects on schedule. On the job site, they inspect equipment and structures to evaluate compliance with building standards. The work requires active physical participation, including handling and moving objects.

To succeed in this role, individuals need strong skills in time management, critical thinking, and active listening. They must communicate instructions clearly to their team and use persuasion to resolve issues. Key knowledge areas include building and construction, mechanical systems, design, administration, and customer service. This career appeals to people with realistic interests who enjoy practical, hands-on problem solving.

To enter this field, candidates typically need a high school diploma. The career falls under a medium preparation level, meaning workers often benefit from vocational training, an associate degree, or previous hands-on experience.

Students can prepare by pursuing college majors such as construction trades, building and construction finishing, management, and inspection, or electrical and power transmission installation. Other relevant majors include plumbing services, carpentry, and masonry. Professionals can also earn the Solar Heating Installer certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Depending on where they work, some states list licensing requirements for this occupation.

The median annual pay for solar energy installation managers is $79,920. This figure is based on the broader group of first-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers. Within this category, the lowest 10 percent of earners make less than $53,280, while the highest 10 percent earn more than $128,260.

There are 812,210 people employed in this broader field. From 2025 to 2035, employment is projected to grow by 5 percent, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to generate approximately 67,000 job openings each year.