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Entry Level Solar Installer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

The Leading Niche

Solar Field Trainer

Carbondale, IL · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Connect training activities to the responsibilities and expectations of entry-level solar installers. Practical Skills Development * Organize and lead simulated solar installation projects in a ...

ION Solar

Solar Electrician

Bloomington, IL · On-site

$55 - $60/hr

Responsible for the groundwork of a solar installation which includes the connection to the MSP * Diagnose and troubleshoot system malfunctions and operational issues * Communicate with customers in ...

ION Solar

Solar Electrician

Bloomington, IL · On-site

$55 - $60/hr

Responsible for the groundwork of a solar installation which includes the connection to the MSP * Diagnose and troubleshoot system malfunctions and operational issues * Communicate with customers in ...

Semper Solr

Solar Consultant

Chicago, IL · On-site

As a Solar Consultant, you'll step into an entry-level role that opens doors to a promising career ... installers to ensure a smooth customer experience. • Represent Semper SolR with integrity ...

Faithtechnologies

Solar Electrician

Chicago, IL

The Electrician I is responsible for electrical installations, troubleshooting, and maintenance within the commercial and industrial settings. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Education: Completion of an ...

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All JobsSolar Installer JobsEntry Level Solar Installer JobsEntry Level Solar Installer Jobs in Illinois

Entry Level Solar Installer information

See Illinois salary details

$14

$23

$34

How much do entry level solar installer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level solar installer in Illinois is $23.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.33 and $25.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Solar Installer vs Solar Technician?

AspectEntry Level Solar InstallerSolar Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma, technical certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentOutdoor installation sites, rooftops, ground mountsMaintenance and troubleshooting in various settings
Employer & Industry UsageSolar installation companies, construction firmsSolar service companies, renewable energy firms

Entry Level Solar Installers primarily focus on installing solar panels and systems, often working outdoors and learning on the job. Solar Technicians typically handle system maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs, requiring some technical certifications. While both roles work within the solar industry and share similar environments, the Installer role emphasizes installation, whereas the Technician role centers on system upkeep and diagnostics.

How much do entry level solar installers make?

Entry-level solar installers typically earn between $15 and $20 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $40,000. Wages can vary based on experience, certifications, and the region's demand for solar installation skills.

What does an entry level solar installer do?

As an entry-level solar installer, you install solar panel equipment or photovoltaic (PV) systems. Your responsibilities are to adhere to building codes during installation, configure PV systems based on customer needs, and assemble solar panel support structures. You place photovoltaic systems on a roof, allowing a structure to convert sunlight into energy using semiconducting materials. Working in this entry-level position requires you to perform basic tasks like installing support structures or placing panels for a more experienced installer. Your duties are to aid them in each project, working with various carpentry tools to create sound structures.

What challenges might an entry level solar installer face during their first few months on the job?

New Entry Level Solar Installers often encounter challenges such as adapting to outdoor work in various weather conditions, learning to safely handle specialized tools and equipment, and understanding electrical safety protocols. Additionally, they may need to quickly become familiar with reading blueprints and following installation plans accurately. Teamwork is essential, as installers frequently collaborate with experienced technicians and electricians to ensure projects are completed efficiently and safely.

Is it hard to be an entry level solar installer?

Entry level solar installers typically need basic technical skills, physical fitness, and the ability to work outdoors. The job often involves learning to install solar panels, using tools, and following safety protocols, but it generally does not require extensive experience or advanced certifications initially.

Are entry level solar installer jobs in demand?

Entry level solar installer jobs are in high demand due to the growing adoption of renewable energy and government incentives for solar projects. The industry offers opportunities for those with basic technical skills and a willingness to learn, with employment expected to grow faster than average in the coming years.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level solar installer?

To thrive as an Entry Level Solar Installer, you need basic electrical and mechanical skills, physical fitness, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hand and power tools, basic safety certifications like OSHA 10, and experience reading blueprints or schematics are often required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and a willingness to learn help individuals excel in this role. These abilities ensure safe, efficient installation of solar systems and support career growth in the renewable energy sector.
More about Entry Level Solar Installer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Solar Installer jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Solar Installer jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Solar Installer jobs in Illinois? For Entry Level Solar Installer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Solar Installer jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Solar Installer jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Entry Level Solar Installer jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Entry Level Solar Installer job openings:
Entry Level Solar Installer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Solar Installer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $49,375 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Solar Field Trainer

The Leading Niche

Carbondale, IL • On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

About AOE International
AOE International is a nonprofit organization focused on community support, workforce development and education. We partner with public agencies, employers and community organizations to expand access to occupational training, industry-recognized credentials and sustainable employment opportunities.
Our workforce-development programs prepare participants for careers in construction, clean energy and related skilled trades.
Position Summary
AOE International is seeking an experienced Solar Field Trainer to provide practical, hands-on solar installation training to adult learners at the Vienna Correctional Center in Vienna, Illinois.
The Solar Field Trainer will prepare participants for entry-level employment in the solar and clean-energy industries by teaching the tools, techniques, safety practices and workplace expectations used on active solar installation projects. The trainer will lead demonstrations, supervise simulated installations, evaluate student performance and help participants develop the technical and professional skills needed to succeed as members of a solar installation crew.
This is a hands-on training position designed for an experienced solar installer, lead installer, crew lead, foreman, electrician, site supervisor or field trainer who is comfortable demonstrating installation work and coaching individuals with limited industry experience.
Formal classroom teaching experience is preferred but is not required. Candidates who have trained apprentices, new installers or field crews are encouraged to apply.
Key Responsibilities
Solar Field Training
  • Deliver hands-on training in the fundamentals of residential and commercial solar photovoltaic installation.
  • Demonstrate proper methods for receiving, staging, transporting and handling solar modules, racking components, electrical equipment and installation materials.
  • Teach students how to identify and safely use common solar installation tools, hand tools, power tools and electrical testing equipment.
  • Demonstrate proper measurement, layout, assembly and installation techniques for solar mounting and racking systems.
  • Train students in the placement, lifting, positioning and securing of photovoltaic modules.
  • Provide practical instruction in wire management, conduit preparation, equipment labeling, grounding and bonding.
  • Introduce students to the installation and basic functions of inverters, disconnects, combiner boxes, batteries and other balance-of-system components.
  • Demonstrate proper jobsite setup, equipment organization, material control and end-of-day cleanup procedures.
  • Teach introductory system inspection, testing, commissioning, maintenance and troubleshooting practices.
  • Reinforce installation quality standards and explain how workmanship affects system safety, performance and reliability.
  • Connect training activities to the responsibilities and expectations of entry-level solar installers.
Practical Skills Development
  • Organize and lead simulated solar installation projects in a controlled training environment.
  • Assign students to crew-style roles and rotate responsibilities to develop teamwork and jobsite readiness.
  • Demonstrate installation procedures before allowing students to perform tasks independently.
  • Observe students during hands-on exercises and provide immediate coaching and corrective instruction.
  • Evaluate students on tool use, safety, installation quality, productivity, communication and teamwork.
  • Conduct practical skills assessments and document student performance.
  • Provide additional demonstrations, practice opportunities and reassessments when needed.
  • Adapt training exercises to accommodate different experience, literacy and technical skill levels.
  • Help students develop the speed, accuracy, consistency and attention to detail expected by solar employers.
  • Ensure students understand not only how to complete each task but why the procedure is necessary.
Solar Industry and Jobsite Readiness
  • Introduce students to the solar project lifecycle, including site assessment, design, permitting, installation, inspection, interconnection, commissioning and maintenance.
  • Explain common solar-industry career paths, including installer, lead installer, electrician, operations and maintenance technician, site assessor, crew lead and project supervisor.
  • Teach students how solar installation crews are structured and how work is assigned and supervised.
  • Reinforce jobsite expectations related to attendance, punctuality, productivity, communication and professionalism.
  • Teach students how to follow instructions, ask appropriate questions and report jobsite concerns.
  • Incorporate teamwork, problem-solving, conflict resolution and workplace communication into practical exercises.
  • Discuss common employer expectations, advancement opportunities and industry-recognized credentials.
  • Help students translate their training and practical experience into marketable qualifications.
Safety Instruction
  • Deliver practical instruction in solar, construction and electrical safety.
  • Teach the proper selection, inspection and use of personal protective equipment.
  • Demonstrate safe lifting, material handling and equipment-moving techniques.
  • Provide instruction in ladder safety, fall prevention, fall protection and working-at-height awareness.
  • Teach electrical hazard recognition, lockout/tagout awareness and safe work practices around energized and de-energized equipment.
  • Reinforce hazard communication, housekeeping, heat-stress prevention and emergency-response procedures.
  • Conduct safety briefings before hands-on training activities.
  • Correct unsafe behavior immediately and document safety concerns when required.
  • Maintain an orderly, professional and OSHA-conscious training environment.
  • Support OSHA-10 instruction and certification activities as authorized and required by the program.
Tool, Equipment and Material Control
  • Maintain strict accountability for all tools, equipment, materials and instructional supplies.
  • Complete tool and equipment inventories before and after each training session.
  • Maintain accurate tool-control logs, equipment-issuance records and material inventories.
  • Inspect tools and equipment regularly for damage, defects or unsafe conditions.
  • Remove damaged or unsafe equipment from service and report concerns promptly.
  • Ensure tools and materials are stored securely in approved storage areas.
  • Follow all AOE International and Illinois Department of Corrections procedures concerning tool control, restricted materials and facility security.
  • Maintain appropriate instructor supervision whenever students are using tools or equipment.
  • Immediately report missing tools, damaged equipment, safety incidents or security concerns.
Learner Coaching and Support
  • Provide structured, respectful and supportive training to justice-impacted adult learners.
  • Use adult-learning, trauma-informed and strengths-based approaches.
  • Break installation procedures into clear, manageable steps.
  • Assist students who need additional support with measurements, construction math, technical terminology or written instructions.
  • Provide individual coaching, tutoring and additional practice when needed.
  • Establish clear expectations for behavior, participation, safety and performance.
  • Provide timely, specific and constructive feedback.
  • Help students build confidence while maintaining appropriate performance and safety standards.
  • Maintain professional boundaries and consistently enforce program and facility rules.
  • Encourage accountability, persistence and continuous improvement.
Curriculum and Credential Support
  • Support the delivery of applicable solar, construction and clean-energy training curricula.
  • Assist with NCCER Core instruction, hands-on performance profiles and related credentialing activities when required.
  • Reinforce construction safety, construction math, hand and power tools, material handling, communication and employability skills.
  • Support OSHA-10, First Aid/CPR and other certification activities in coordination with authorized instructors.
  • Align hands-on training exercises with program outcomes and industry-recognized standards.
  • Prepare practical assignments, demonstrations and printed instructional materials.
  • Assist with curriculum review and recommend updates based on current solar-industry practices.
  • Maintain familiarity with developments in photovoltaic equipment, installation methods and employer expectations.
Program Coordination and Documentation
  • Coordinate daily with facility personnel regarding schedules, participant movement, training-space access and security procedures.
  • Maintain a consistent trainer presence during all scheduled instructional and practical training activities.
  • Complete attendance records, student evaluations, assessment documentation and progress reports accurately and on time.
  • Document student competency, safety performance and areas requiring improvement.
  • Communicate student progress, behavioral concerns, safety issues and instructional needs to program leadership.
  • Contribute information needed for credentialing, grant, contract and performance reporting.
  • Participate in staff meetings, professional-development activities and technical-assistance sessions.
  • Coordinate with instructors, case managers, workforce staff and transition personnel.
  • Assist with equipment planning, supply requests and training-space organization.
  • Support resume preparation, mock interviews and employment-readiness activities when requested.

Requirements
  • At least three years of professional experience in solar installation, electrical work, construction, renewable energy or a closely related skilled trade.
  • Hands-on knowledge of photovoltaic installation practices, tools, equipment, materials and jobsite procedures.
  • Experience as a solar installer, lead installer, crew lead, foreman, site supervisor, electrician, quality-control specialist, field trainer or comparable professional.
  • Experience training, supervising, mentoring or coaching apprentices, new employees, students or installation crews.
  • Ability to safely demonstrate solar installation and construction tasks.
  • Knowledge of solar, construction and electrical safety practices.
  • Ability to explain technical procedures clearly to individuals with limited previous industry experience.
  • Strong communication, leadership, organizational and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to maintain accurate records and comply with strict safety, security and tool-control procedures.
  • Ability to work effectively with adult learners from diverse educational, employment and personal backgrounds.
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Valid driver's license and reliable transportation to the Vienna Correctional Center.
  • Ability to successfully complete all required background checks, facility-clearance procedures, orientations and security training.

Salary Description
80,000 - 100,000

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