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Solar Sub Contractor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... sub-contractors for field operations. Essential Duties Maintain, diagnose, and repair system failures on existing solar sites, identify and correct potential issues that may impact site performance ...

Lead Technician

Desert Center, CA ยท On-site

$44K - $58K/yr

Monitor and enforce safe work practices as they relate to PV Solar plants and PV Solar BOP repairs ... Participate in contract negotiations with sub-contractors and other vendors for parts and services ...

Lead Technician

Desert Center, CA ยท On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

Participate in contract negotiations with sub-contractors and other vendors for parts and services ... Demonstrated ability to maintain PV solar sites at high availability. * Proficiency in using MS ...

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Showing results 1-20

Solar Sub Contractor information

See California salary details

$34K

$79.9K

$143.1K

How much do solar sub contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for solar sub contractor in California is $79,936.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,900.00 and $102,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Solar Sub Contractor job?

A Solar Sub Contractor is an independent professional or company hired by a solar installation provider to handle specific tasks in a solar project. They typically specialize in areas like panel installation, electrical work, or permitting. Unlike full-time employees, they work on a contract basis and may take on multiple projects from different companies. Their role ensures that solar systems are installed efficiently and in compliance with regulations.

What are the typical responsibilities of a Solar Sub Contractor on a project site?

As a Solar Sub Contractor, your primary responsibilities include installing photovoltaic panels, wiring electrical components, and ensuring all work complies with relevant codes and safety standards. You will coordinate with general contractors, electricians, and other trades to ensure smooth workflow and timely completion of your part of the project. In addition, you'll be responsible for troubleshooting installation issues, securing necessary permits, and providing accurate documentation of your work. The role often involves outdoor work, physical tasks, and requires a proactive approach to adapting to changing site conditions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Solar Sub Contractor position, and why are they important?

To excel as a Solar Sub Contractor, you need a solid understanding of solar installation techniques, electrical systems, and building codes, often backed by relevant trade experience or certifications such as NABCEP. Familiarity with industry tools like photovoltaic (PV) testing equipment, mounting systems, and project management software is crucial. Strong communication, reliability, and problem-solving skills are essential for successful project coordination and client satisfaction. These competencies enable quality workmanship, on-time completion, and positive partnerships with general contractors and clients.

What are the most commonly searched types of Solar Sub Contractor jobs in California? The most popular types of Solar Sub Contractor jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Solar Sub Contractor jobs in California? For Solar Sub Contractor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in California are hiring for Solar Sub Contractor jobs? Cities in California with the most Solar Sub Contractor job openings:
Infographic showing various Solar Sub Contractor job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $79,936 per year, or $38.4 per hour.
Journeyman Electrician -San Francisco

Journeyman Electrician -San Francisco

QE Solar

San Francisco, CA โ€ข On-site

$45 - $55/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 18 hours ago


Job description

About QE Solar
QE Solar is one of the nation's largest independent solar and BESS operations and maintenance providers, with over 15 years of operating experience. We manage 10 GW of solar and 7.5 GWh of BESS across 44 states, supporting asset owners with multi-hundred MW utility solar projects and large standalone BESS systems. We're pure-play O&M. That focus means our entire organization is built around one thing: keeping solar and storage assets running well. Our technicians carry broad OEM certifications, and our in-house capabilities span MV/HV electrical, vegetation management, engineering, and capital improvements, to streamline asset management for project owners.
As a Solar Electrician (Journeyman) you are responsible for providing hands-on technical expertise to multiple PV plant sites on a continual/on-demand basis in order to meet all project maintenance requirements and troubleshoot/repair/resolve equipment issues such as emergency repairs and provide O&M support. In this role you will be called upon for your specific electrical skills and technical expertise in one or multiple disciplines including PV array, inverter, medium voltage, battery storage (BESS) and other solar services. You will be responsible for conducting regular maintenance, equipment repairs/installations, and assistance with training/qualifying technicians as well as oversight and coordination of contractors/sub-contractors for field operations.
Essential Duties
Maintain, diagnose, and repair system failures on existing solar sites, identify and correct potential issues that may impact site performance in the future. Perform equipment assessments, diagnosis and modifications. Develop solutions to site operations issues and communicate with operations teams in executing such solutions. Diagnose/troubleshoot equipment failures and perform regular preventative maintenance on a variety of solar/electrical equipment. Qualifies equipment and systems for use or replacement, including warranty matters. Installs, removes, maintains and directs the maintenance of solar, BESS and other related electrical equipment.
Ensures a safe, event-free work environment through strict adherence to company and client protocols, safety procedures and regulations. Provides leadership, oversight and accountability in order to achieve desired safety results (e.g. lock-out/tag-out compliance, contractor and technical oversight, safety meeting attendance, recommending and authoring required changes in related policies or procedures and work practices).
Prepares and reviews service tickets and reports for site visits, emergency repairs, equipment modifications and equipment improvement investigations. Provides reports, written and oral communication in a timely and complete fashion.
Communicates with customers, engineers, technicians, project managers, client sub-contractors to ensure timely resolution to all required activities and maintenance requirements
Education & Certification Required:
  • CA Journeyman license required

Experience Required:
  • 1+ years of electrical experience with electrical license

Specialized or Technical Knowledge Licenses, Certifications Preferred:
  • Inverter and/or BESS manufacturers' certifications
  • Thermography certifications (Level 1)
  • IT/networking skills: familiarity with RS485, Modbus, tcp/ip, etc.
  • NABCEP PV Installer Certification
  • OSHA 30 Certification
  • Completion of NFPA 70E courses
  • CPR/First Aid

Functional Knowledge:
  • Knowledge of National Electrical Code and standard design/construction practices; Clear understanding of OSHA safe workplace practices and procedures; Ability to read and understand electrical single-line and three-line diagrams as well as other construction/DAS/design drawings or permitting documentation

Company/Industry Related Knowledge:
  • Electric and related utilities and utility maintenance
  • Solar energy installation, maintenance, and optimization

QE Solar is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and all applicable federal, state, and local laws.
The physical and mental demands described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. This role is performed primarily in field, construction, or industrial environments. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
This position requires:
  • Working in indoor and outdoor environments, including solar sites, construction sites, and industrial facilities, in varying weather conditions (heat, cold, wind, rain, etc.)
  • Prolonged periods of standing, walking, bending, kneeling, crouching, and climbing on uneven terrain
  • Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment up to 50 pounds or more, with or without assistance
  • Use of hands and fingers to operate tools, testing equipment, and technical devices with precision
  • Ability to safely climb ladders, scaffolding, and work at heights
  • Ability to work in confined spaces and near energized equipment while maintaining strict adherence to safety protocols
  • Visual acuity to read blueprints, schematics, and technical documents, and to identify potential hazards
  • Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, harnesses, arc-flash protection, and other job-specific gear
  • Effective verbal communication skills to coordinate with team members, supervisors, and other trades in active work environments

QE Solar offers incredible benefits! We enjoy:
  • 100% paid employee premium on health benefits; additional dependents at low costs and great plans for Health, Dental, Vision, FSA or HSA
  • Wellbeing and Employee Assistance
  • Perks at Work Marketplace for discounts on gym memberships, classes, tech, vacations, tickets, and more
  • Family Building and Adoption Assistance Programs
  • Learning & Development Opportunities
  • Discounted Life & Disability Insurance

Workplace Type: On-site
Salary Range: $45.00 - $55.00 per hour
Employment Type: Full-time
Location: San Francisco, CA United States
Statement to all Third-Party Agencies and Similar Organizations:
QE Solar accepts resumes only from contracted recruiting agencies with formal service agreements. Please do not send unsolicited resumes or outreach emails to our QE Solar employees, hiring managers, or team members without expressed consent or contract for services. QE Solar is not responsible for any fees or charges associated with unsolicited resumes or services.