Solar Energy Installation Managers
Construction and Extraction
Residential and commercial solar jobs, from photovoltaic arrays to solar thermal systems, are planned so the install meets code. Crews of installers, technicians, and subcontractors are supervised for safety; materials, equipment, and staffing are estimated; and proposals, quotes, budgets, and schedules are written. Technical help is given on solar electric, solar thermal, electrical, and mechanical questions, building inspections are booked, and finished systems are started up for testing or customer use. Ways to cut cost or risk on the job are looked for as the work proceeds. Suits people who like running crews, reading codes and plans, and tracking a job from quote through start-up.
Typical education: High School Diploma or GED
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$79'920
Median Wage Market Position
$79'920
What you might do
- Plan solar installs to meet codes and specs
- Supervise installers and subcontractors on solar jobs
- Estimate materials, equipment, and crew for projects
- Write project quotes, budgets, and install schedules
- Advise crews on electrical and thermal systems
- Start up finished systems and arrange inspections
Skills that matter
- Planning photovoltaic and solar thermal installs
- Leading installers, technicians, and subcontractors
- Estimating materials, equipment, and crew
- Preparing quotes, budgets, and schedules
- Guiding crews on solar electric systems
- Arranging inspections and system start-up
AI & the future of this role
Directing solar crews still hinges on field judgment, weather-driven sequencing, and problem solving on rooftops and commercial sites. Design software may speed layout planning, yet hands-on oversight and liability for safe installs are likely to matter.
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Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details