As the demand for solar energy skyrockets across the United States, solar jobs are now among some of the fastest-growing professions. From solar photovoltaic panel installers to surveyors and grade setters, renewable energy careers are available — and abundant.

If you’re ready to step into the bright future of solar careers, RenewableWorks can help. As an apprentice in our U.S. Department of Labor-approved program, you’ll gain technical knowledge and practical skills through a combination of virtual classroom instruction and on-the-job training. This powerful training program can help you advance from entry-level to journey-level status, unlocking your earning potential in a high-growth industry.

Whether you’ve been working in solar for a decade or want to start on your career path in the solar industry, RenewableWorks will help you achieve your goals.

Here Are 12 Solar Careers for Aspiring Solar Professionals:

1. Solar installers. Solar photovoltaic (PV) installers play a vital role in making sure PV panels are correctly and securely installed on ground mounts, solar array grids or other structures. They assess installation sites, mount and secure solar panels, test the setup and perform maintenance. Solar installers need to have basic electrical knowledge, physical stamina and be proficient with a range of tools.
2. Electricians. Electricians in the solar industry connect solar panel systems to the electric grid or battery storage systems. As an electrician, you’ll ensure solar-generated electricity is safely and efficiently distributed. You’ll need to develop specialized knowledge and skills and, as solar technology evolves, you’ll also need to keep your skills sharp to stay in demand for solar company jobs.
3. Mechanics. As a mechanic in the solar industry, you’ll monitor, maintain and repair the equipment and machinery used on solar farms. Your expertise ensures solar installations operate smoothly and maintain optimum performance and reliability. If problem solving is one of your strengths and you like to work with leading-edge technology, consider this role when exploring renewable energy careers.
4. Welders. Precision and skill are needed for this critical role in the solar industry. As a welder, you’ll construct the support structures for solar panels, ensuring the frames and mounts are strong, durable and able to withstand a range of weather conditions. Since this job is essential in creating reliable solar installations that are built to last, you could be highly sought after for solar installation jobs for years to come.
5. Forklift and skid steer operators. Making sure everything is in the right place for timely solar installations is a key responsibility of forklift and skid steer operators. This role involves handling the movement of heavy solar panels, mounting systems and other materials on jobsites. When it comes to solar industry jobs, these professionals are needed to maintain efficiency and safety during large-scale solar project setups.
6. Heavy equipment operators. Preparing the land for solar farms is a key role of heavy equipment operators. Their work involves site grading and trenching for electrical conduits so solar panels can be installed and connected. If you enjoy operating machinery like bulldozers and excavators, this may be the right solar energy career path for you.
7. Surveyors and grade setters. The expertise of surveyors and grade setters is needed to maximize site layouts and ensure solar panels are optimally positioned for sunlight exposure. Using sophisticated technology, you’ll map out the land and set exact grades to make sure the installation site is soundly prepared. If you have an eye for detail and a passion for precision, consider this job when exploring solar careers.
8. Stormwater pollution prevention planning personnel. Making certain that solar installations are environmentally friendly is the main function of this solar career. In this role, you’ll conduct site assessment and planning, inspect erosion and sediment control measures, and ensure the project meets regulatory standards throughout construction. If you’re detail-oriented and committed to protecting water quality, these solar industry jobs are great options for you.
9. Construction managers. As a construction manager, you’ll oversee the entire solar construction project from start to finish, from coordinating solar installers and other teams to managing timelines and budgets. If you’re looking to put your leadership qualities and construction expertise to work in solar careers, this is the job for you.
10. Health and safety coordinators. If you’re safety conscious and want to keep solar energy construction sites free of accidents, solar careers like this are perfect for you. In this role, you’ll enforce safety protocols specific to the solar industry and make sure solar installers and others on jobsites are following safety policies and procedures.
11. Quality assurance and quality control personnel. Are you detail oriented and committed to excellence in your work? If so, consider this role when you’re exploring renewable energy careers. This critical position requires conducting inspections, performing tests and ensuring that every aspect of the solar installation meets the highest standards of the solar industry.
12. Construction laborers. From setting up and maintaining solar farms to installing racking systems and mounting solar panels, construction laborers are at the heart of every solar project. If you love working outdoors and seeing the results of your hard work, being a laborer is one of the most important solar industry jobs.

By choosing one of these solar careers, you’re doing so much more than a job. You’re making a commitment to a sustainable future — for you and for the planet. Become a solar apprentice through RenewableWorks and see where your career path will take you in the solar industry.

How RenewableWorks Prepares You for Solar Jobs

RenewableWorks’ DOL-approved apprenticeship program offers comprehensive classroom instruction along with practical on-the-job training. You’ll work on real solar projects alongside experienced professionals in the solar industry. Being a solar apprentice at RenewableWorks puts you on the path to rewarding renewable energy careers by ushering you to the front of the line for solar installation jobs and related professional positions.