Solar photovoltaic installers
SOC Code: 47-2231
Solar photovoltaic installers carries a 42% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $51,860 and +42.1% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 28,600 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 42% AI exposure, Solar photovoltaic installers sits 5 points above the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 75% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Solar photovoltaic installers sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Solar photovoltaic installers has ai exposure of 42%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Solar photovoltaic installers vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Solar photovoltaic installers is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Solar photovoltaic installers (SOC 47-2231) carries an AI exposure score of 42%, placing it in the High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 28,600 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +42.1% change through 2034 - a strong growth outlook that compensates meaningfully for automation risk. Median annual compensation stands at $51,860, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Solar photovoltaic installers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Install photovoltaic (PV) systems in accordance with codes and standards, using drawings, schematics, and instructions.
- 2. Check electrical installation for proper wiring, polarity, grounding, or integrity of terminations.
- 3. Identify electrical, environmental, and safety hazards associated with photovoltaic (PV) installations.
- 4. Identify installation locations with proper orientation, area, solar access, or structural integrity for photovoltaic (PV) arrays.
- 5. Assemble solar modules, panels, or support structures, as specified.
- 6. Apply weather sealing to array, building, or support mechanisms.
- 7. Install module array interconnect wiring, implementing measures to disable arrays during installation.
- 8. Install required labels on solar system components and hardware.
- 9. Diagram layouts and locations for photovoltaic (PV) arrays and equipment, including existing building or site features.
- 10. Determine materials, equipment, and installation sequences necessary to maximize installation efficiency.
Key Skills Required
- Installation
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Operations Monitoring
- Quality Control Analysis
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Learning
- Coordination
Knowledge Areas
- Building and Construction
- Engineering and Technology
- Mechanical
- Design
- Administration and Management
- Customer and Personal Service
- Mathematics
- Public Safety and Security
- Education and Training
- Production and Processing
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Solar photovoltaic installers?
Solar photovoltaic installers has an AI exposure score of 42%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Solar photovoltaic installers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Solar photovoltaic installers is projected to grow by 42.1% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 28,600 workers.
What skills are needed for Solar photovoltaic installers?
Key skills for Solar photovoltaic installers include Installation, Critical Thinking, Active Listening, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Solar photovoltaic installers earn?
The median annual wage for Solar photovoltaic installers is $51,860, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Solar photovoltaic installers?
The typical entry-level education for Solar photovoltaic installers is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Solar photovoltaic installers?
Solar photovoltaic installers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
Explore More on PlainWorkforce
Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).