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Solar Panel Installer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Quanex

Controls Engineer

Saint Cloud, MN · On-site

$115K - $125K/yr

Provide hands-on technical and installation support to Maintenance and Operations during equipment ... Ability to read, develop, and update electrical schematics, control-panel drawings, and technical ...

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Solar Panel Installer information

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$6

$22

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How much do solar panel installer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for solar panel installer 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 is a solar panel installer?

Solar Panel Installers are professionals who set up and maintain solar photovoltaic (PV) systems that convert sunlight into electricity. Their work involves assembling, installing, and sometimes repairing solar panels on rooftops or other structures. They ensure that the systems are securely mounted, connected to electrical systems, and functioning efficiently. Solar Panel Installers often work with electricians and follow safety regulations to ensure proper installation. This job plays a key role in the growing renewable energy industry.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a solar panel installer?

To thrive as a Solar Panel Installer, you need a solid understanding of electrical systems, roofing techniques, and basic construction skills, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training. Familiarity with hand and power tools, safety protocols, and certifications such as OSHA 10 or NABCEP are often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications ensure installations are safe, efficient, and compliant with industry standards, ultimately leading to high-quality solar energy solutions for clients.

What are common challenges faced by solar panel installers?

Solar panel installers often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions and safely navigating rooftops or elevated structures. Additionally, they must adapt to different types of roofs, electrical systems, and site-specific requirements, which may require problem-solving skills and close attention to detail. Effective communication and coordination with team members, electricians, and project managers are also essential to ensure installations meet safety standards and are completed efficiently.

What is the difference between Solar Panel Installer vs Electrician?

AspectSolar Panel InstallerElectrician
CredentialsTypically requires solar-specific training and certificationsRequires electrical licenses and certifications
Work EnvironmentOutdoor installation sites, rooftops, and solar farmsIndoor and outdoor, residential, commercial, industrial settings
Industry UsageSpecialized in solar energy systemsBroad electrical work across various industries
Common Search/ComparisonOften compared for electrical skills and certificationsCompared for general electrical work and licensing

While both roles involve electrical knowledge, Solar Panel Installers focus on installing solar energy systems, often requiring specialized solar certifications. Electricians have broader electrical expertise, working across multiple industries and systems. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

Is becoming a solar panel installer worth it?

Solar panel installers install and maintain solar energy systems, often working outdoors and requiring physical fitness and technical skills. The job offers steady demand due to increasing renewable energy adoption and typically provides on-the-job training or certifications. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in sustainable energy and hands-on work.

Is there a demand for solar panel installers?

Solar panel installer is a growing profession due to increasing adoption of renewable energy. The industry is expected to expand as more residential and commercial projects require installation, often requiring technical skills and safety certifications. This growth creates job opportunities for those trained in solar technology and installation procedures.

What does it take to be a solar panel installer?

A solar panel installer typically needs a high school diploma or equivalent, technical training or apprenticeship in solar technology or electrical work, and knowledge of safety procedures. Physical fitness and comfort working at heights are important, and some states require licensing or certification. Familiarity with tools and electrical systems is also beneficial.

What are the most commonly searched types of Solar Panel Installer jobs in Minnesota?

The most popular types of Solar Panel Installer jobs in Minnesota are:

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

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

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Solar Panel Installer jobs in MN?

For Solar Panel Installer jobs in MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Solar Panel Installer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Solar Panel Installer job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 4% 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

Re-posted 8 days ago

Quanex rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 64 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

461st of 545 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 and installation support to Maintenance and Operations during equipment failures and production disruptions, and new equipment installs.
  • 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.
  • Travel up to 15% of the year to other Quanex facilities and OEM sites to provide technical support, commissioning services, and machine build acceptance testing.

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.
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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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