Career Exposure¶
Solar is a real industry with real jobs. Here's what they actually look like.
The Solar Industry Is Growing¶
Solar is one of the fastest-growing job sectors in the US. The Bureau of Labor Statistics consistently ranks solar PV installer as one of the fastest-growing occupations in the country.
The jobs don't all require four-year degrees. Many of the best-paying solar jobs are skilled trade positions — the kind you learn by doing, with the right training and certifications.
Solar Job Types¶
| Job | What They Do | Path |
|---|---|---|
| Solar Installer | Install solar panels on rooftops | Trade school, apprenticeship |
| O&M Technician | Inspect, maintain, and repair systems | Entry-level + certifications |
| Electrical Apprentice | Wiring, connections, electrical work | IBEW apprenticeship |
| Project Manager | Coordinate installs and contracts | Experience or degree |
| Sales / Energy Advisor | Help customers go solar | Sales background |
| Drone Operator | Aerial inspection | Part 107 certification |
| Engineer | System design | Engineering degree |
What O&M Technicians Actually Do¶
O&M (Operations & Maintenance) technicians are the field operators who keep solar systems running after installation:
- Visit sites to inspect systems
- Use apps and equipment to diagnose problems
- Climb on rooftops (safely)
- Replace failed equipment
- Document findings with photos and reports
- Sometimes fly drones to inspect large commercial arrays
This is hands-on, physical, and technical work. It takes you outside every day. It pays well. It matters.
What Does It Pay?¶
Salaries vary by location, experience, and certification:
| Level | Approximate Pay (NYC/Tri-State area) |
|---|---|
| Entry-level apprentice | $18–25/hr |
| Junior technician | $25–35/hr |
| O&M technician | $35–50/hr |
| Senior specialist | $50–75+/hr |
With certifications (NABCEP, OSHA 30, Part 107), pay increases significantly.
How to Start¶
- Learn the basics — this portal is a great start
- Get OSHA 10 — entry-level safety certification, affordable, widely required
- Find an entry-level position or apprenticeship — many solar companies hire motivated beginners
- Build certifications — NABCEP PV Associate → then installation or O&M credentials
- Keep learning — the industry changes. The best technicians never stop learning.
Wadadli Solar's Role¶
Wadadli Solar is committed to developing the next generation of solar technicians, particularly from communities that have been underrepresented in the clean energy workforce.
If you're reading this through a youth program, talk to your program coordinator about opportunities to shadow a field visit, apply for an internship, or explore the apprenticeship path.