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Solar Panel Cleaner Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Controls Engineer

Saint Cloud, MN · On-site

$115K - $125K/yr

Clean and well-lit work environment. * On-site, hands-on physical therapy What Success Looks Like ... Ability to read, develop, and update electrical schematics, control-panel drawings, and technical ...

Clean and well-lit work environment. * On-site, hands-on physical therapy What Success Looks Like ... Ability to read, develop, and update electrical schematics, control-panel drawings, and technical ...

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Solar Panel Cleaner information

See Minnesota salary details

$6

$22

$30

How much do solar panel cleaner jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for solar panel cleaner in Minnesota is $22.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.76 and $25.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a solar panel cleaner do?

A solar panel cleaner is responsible for maintaining the efficiency of solar panels by removing dirt, dust, bird droppings, and other debris from their surfaces. Regular cleaning ensures that the panels receive maximum sunlight, which helps them generate more electricity. This job often involves using specialized equipment and cleaning solutions to avoid damaging the panels. Solar panel cleaners may work for solar installation companies, cleaning services, or as independent contractors. Their work helps extend the lifespan of solar panels and improve overall system performance.

What are some common challenges faced by solar panel cleaners in the field?

Solar panel cleaners often work outdoors and must navigate various weather conditions, such as extreme heat or rain, which can affect both safety and efficiency. Accessing rooftop panels can sometimes require additional safety equipment and careful planning to prevent accidents. Additionally, cleaners must be mindful to use the correct cleaning methods and products to avoid damaging sensitive panel surfaces while ensuring optimal energy output. Coordination with facility managers or homeowners is also essential to schedule cleanings at appropriate times without disrupting regular activities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a solar panel cleaner, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Solar Panel Cleaner, you need a solid understanding of cleaning techniques, basic knowledge of photovoltaic systems, and physical fitness, often supported by on-the-job training or relevant safety certifications. Familiarity with cleaning equipment, water-fed poles, safety harnesses, and occasionally lift systems is important for efficiency and safety. Attention to detail, reliability, and strong communication skills help ensure thorough work and positive client relationships. These skills are crucial for maintaining optimal panel performance, ensuring safety, and delivering quality service to clients.

What is the difference between Solar Panel Cleaner vs Solar Panel Technician?

AspectSolar Panel CleanerSolar Panel Technician
CredentialsNone typically required, safety training preferredCertifications often required, such as NABCEP
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, on rooftops or ground-mounted systemsOutdoor, may include installation, maintenance, troubleshooting
Job ResponsibilitiesCleaning solar panels to optimize efficiencyInstalling, repairing, maintaining solar systems

While both roles work outdoors on solar systems, Solar Panel Cleaners focus solely on cleaning to improve efficiency, whereas Solar Panel Technicians handle installation, repairs, and maintenance. The Technician role typically requires certifications and broader technical skills, while Cleaners usually need safety training. Both jobs are essential in the solar industry but serve different functions.

Is solar panel cleaning a good business to start?

Starting a solar panel cleaning business can be profitable due to increasing solar installations and demand for maintenance. It requires knowledge of cleaning techniques, safety protocols, and sometimes specialized tools or certifications. Success depends on local market demand, competition, and effective marketing strategies.

What are popular job titles related to Solar Panel Cleaner jobs in Minnesota?

For Solar Panel Cleaner jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Solar Panel Cleaner jobs in Minnesota look for?

The top searched job categories for Solar Panel Cleaner jobs in Minnesota are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Solar Panel Cleaner jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Solar Panel Cleaner job openings:

Infographic showing various Solar Panel Cleaner job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,148 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

Controls Engineer

Quanex

Saint Cloud, MN • On-site

$115K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Quanex rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 64 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

456th of 540 rated manufacturers


Job description

Quanex is looking for a Controls Engineer to join our team located in St. Cloud, Minnesota.
The Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, implementing, troubleshooting, and continuously improving industrial control systems and automated manufacturing equipment. This position provides technical leadership for PLCs, HMIs, robotics, motion-control systems, industrial networks, and related electrical and automation technologies.
The Controls Engineer partners with Maintenance, Engineering, Operations, IT, EHS, and equipment suppliers to improve equipment reliability, production efficiency, product quality, and workplace safety. The successful candidate combines strong technical expertise with a hands-on approach to diagnosing equipment issues and implementing sustainable solutions
Salary: $115,000 - $125,000 annually, starting salary varies based on your experience
Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00am -5:00pm, hours may vary based on business needs
We Offer You!
  • Medical, dental & vision start the 1st of the month after hire
  • Medical coverage featuring wellness incentives that may significantly reduce employee premiums
  • PTO, ESST, paid holidays & paid training - starts right away
  • 401(k) with company match & vesting
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Life insurance provided
  • Tuition assistance
  • Wellness resources & onsite physical therapist
  • Referral bonuses

What's attractive about the Controls Engineer role?
  • Collaborative and Team-Oriented environment
  • World Class Safety records
  • Clean and well-lit work environment.
  • On-site, hands-on physical therapy

What Success Looks Like:
  • Design, program, configure, test, and maintain PLC-based control systems and related automation equipment.
  • Develop and modify PLC, HMI, SCADA, robotics, servo, and motion-control programs.
  • Identify opportunities to reduce downtime, improve cycle time, increase throughput, and improve overall equipment effectiveness.
  • Provide hands-on technical support to Maintenance and Operations during equipment failures and production disruptions.
  • Serve as an escalation resource for difficult or recurring controls and electrical problems.
  • Design, modify, and maintain control systems in accordance with applicable electrical, machine-safety, and company standards.
  • Maintain accurate electrical drawings, network diagrams, program documentation, equipment manuals, and change records.

What You Bring:
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical field; an equivalent combination of education and directly relevant experience may be considered.
  • Minimum of five years of hands-on controls engineering or industrial automation experience in a manufacturing environment.
  • Working knowledge of electrical controls, instrumentation, sensors, variable-frequency drives, servo systems, industrial networks, and machine-safety systems.
  • Ability to read, develop, and update electrical schematics, control-panel drawings, and technical documentation.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead root-cause analysis and implement sustainable corrective actions.

About Quanex, A Part of Something Bigger
Quanex (NYSE: NX) is a global, publicly traded manufacturing company primarily serving OEMs in the fenestration, cabinetry, solar, refrigeration and outdoor products markets. We are A Part of Something Bigger by improving the performance and aesthetics of end products through continuous innovation, helping customers achieve greater production efficiencies, dedication to giving back to communities where we operate, producing shareholder value and helping our employees learn, grow, and thrive. Learn more at Quanex.com
NOTE: For individuals with nut allergies, please be advised that there is the potential to be exposed to nut products when working in our facilities.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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