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Alternative Energy Technologist, Solar Contractor, Solar Panel Installer, Solar Technician, Solar Technologist
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
*This NOC group is considered similar to the Solar Installer occupation. Because this occupation is only similar to the NOC group, related details and labour market information may not be accurate.
Solar installers work with clients and customers to determine what solar energy-generation technology options (solar thermal or solar photovoltaic power generation equipment) will best suit their needs. They then sell, deliver, install, service and maintain the equipment at customer’s homes, businesses or construction sites.
For larger projects, especially those involving new construction, solar installers work with or supervise project teams and coordinate with tradespersons and contractors to ensure the safe, effective and efficient installation of equipment.
A solar installer's duties typically include:
Although this is not a regulated occupation, duties related to installing, interconnecting and terminating electrical components or equipment (such as solar panels) can fall under several trade regulations. To do this work a solar installer must be certified, or be registered as an apprentice and supervised by a certified tradesperson, in the related trade. For more details, see Certification Requirements.
Solar installers travel between warehouses or storehouses, construction sites, homes and businesses, where they install, maintain and service solar generation equipment. They work with their hands and with various tools and equipment. As they spend time on rooftops and in other high-up places, solar installers must use appropriate safety equipment.
Most of a solar installer's time is spent working out of doors, with some time spent in attics, basements or garages.
Because of the physical aspects of the work, solar installers may have to lift, push or pull objects weighing more than 30 kg.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
*This data is for a NOC group that is similar to the Solar Installer occupation.
Interest in operating equipment and tools to install and service interior and exterior prefabricated products
Interest in comparing information to measure and mark guidelines for installations
Interest in repairing and servicing interior and exterior prefabricated products
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Solar installers need:
Because they will often interact with clients and customers, solar installers should enjoy working with people.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
*This data is for a NOC group that is similar to the Solar Installer occupation.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 156 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Apr 05, 2024 and Apr 25, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Measure and mark guidelines to be used for installations | 138 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Determine layout and installation procedures | 129 |
| Tasks: Utilize hand and power tools | 124 |
| Tasks: Install, repair and service interior or exterior prefabricated products | 119 |
| Tasks: Read and interpret blueprints, maps, drawings and specifications | 114 |
| Tasks: Prepare and maintain work materials and supplies | 111 |
| Attention to detail | 91 |
| Tasks: Load and unload trucks with supplies and equipment | 88 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 77 |
| Tasks: Professionalism in customer service | 74 |
Most emerging occupations develop from more than one occupation. People working in this occupation may come from a variety of education and training backgrounds. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should contact associations and employers in this field to investigate education options and employment possibilities.
Solar installers typically require completion of a 2-year technical diploma or similar program, or an equivalent amount of trades training and experience.
The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)’s Centre for Continuing Education and Professional Studies (CONED) in Calgary offers upgrading courses for certified journeyman electricians, including Solar PV: Installation for Electricians.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Solar installers working directly with electrical equipment are subject to provincial legislation.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
Electricians install, alter, repair and maintain electrical systems designed to provide heat, light, power, control, signal or fire alarms for all types of buildings, structures and premises. For more information, see the Designated Trades Profile on Alberta’s Tradesecrets website
Under Alberta’s Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act [pdf], you must have a certificate that is recognized by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training or be a registered apprentice to install, alter, repair or maintain electrical systems in Alberta.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Electrician.
Power system electricians install, maintain and repair electrical power generation, transmission and distribution systems and equipment. For more information, see the Designated Trades Profile section of Alberta’s Tradesecrets website.
Under Alberta’s Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act [pdf], you do not have to be certified if you are self-employed or work for an employer who is satisfied that you have the skills and knowledge expected of a journeyperson certified by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. To learn the trade, you must become a registered apprentice.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Power System Electrician.
Powerline technicians construct, maintain and repair overhead and underground electrical power transmission and distribution systems. For more information, see the Designated Trades Profile section of Alberta’s Tradesecrets website.
Under Alberta’s Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act [pdf], you do not have to be certified if you are self-employed or work for an employer who is satisfied that you have the skills and knowledge expected of a journeyperson certified by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. To learn the trade, you must become a registered apprentice.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Powerline Technician.
The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) offers PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certifications. Some formal education and work experience in the industry is required before the technical exam can be written.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Emerging occupations typically are the result of:
Often there are too few people working in an emerging occupation to gather survey information. Therefore, it can be difficult to define advancement opportunities or employment outlook. Some Albertans already are working in this emerging occupation, but future demand for it is unknown.
Solar installers are employed by solar technology retail and installation firms. Employment is sometimes seasonal, and there may be no guarantee of permanent work. Most Alberta-based solar installation businesses employ fewer than 50 employees.
Experienced solar installers may advance to supervisory, estimator or electrical inspector positions, or start their own contracting businesses.
Membership in a trade union is voluntary but some contractors employ only union people.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
In the 7441: Residential and commercial installers and servicers* occupational group, 80.3% of people work in:
*This data is for a NOC group that is similar to the Solar Installer occupation.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Explore emerging workplace trends in Alberta that could affect this occupation.
In Alberta, the 7441: Residential and commercial installers and servicers* occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.6% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 117 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
*This data is for a NOC group that is similar to the Solar Installer occupation.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Often there are too few people working in an emerging occupation to gather survey information. Therefore, no current provincial salary data is available for this occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
*This data is for a NOC group that is similar to the Solar Installer occupation.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $16.00 | $27.49 | $20.99 | $21.00 |
| Overall | $20.00 | $35.20 | $27.81 | $28.06 |
| Top | $25.00 | $45.67 | $33.94 | $35.00 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $56,781 |
|---|---|
| Construction | $63,524 |
| Manufacturing | $56,219 |
| Wholesale Trade | $54,853 |
| Retail Trade | $56,181 |
Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA) website: www.cansia.ca
Solar Energy Society of Alberta (SESA) website: solaralberta.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2021. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
