Addressing Labor Shortages in Solar Panel Installation

Let’s talk about something that doesn’t usually make the headlines, but should—labor shortages in solar panel installation. Solar energy is having a major moment right now. With more homeowners, businesses, and even governments going all in on renewable power, solar panel systems are popping up everywhere. Sounds like a win, right?

Well, it is—mostly.

The issue? We don’t have enough skilled workers to keep up with the demand. And that’s creating a serious bottleneck for the solar industry.

In this article, we’re diving deep into what’s really happening with the solar labor market. We'll break down how labor shortages are affecting the industry, how we can attract more talent, why training programs are the secret sauce, how technology can help bridge the gap, and what the future of the solar workforce might look like.

Understanding the Impact of Labor Shortages

To get the full picture, let’s rewind a bit. Over the last decade, the solar industry has seen incredible growth. According to the International Energy Agency, solar is now one of the fastest-growing sources of electricity worldwide. That’s amazing, but growth at this scale brings growing pains.

And one of the biggest pain points? Not enough people to do the actual installation work.

What’s causing the shortage?

A few things are at play here:

• Skyrocketing demand: More solar panels are being sold and installed than ever before.
  
  
• Aging workforce: Some experienced installers are retiring, and not enough new people are coming in to take their place.
  
  
• Skilled labor gap: Installing solar panels isn’t just physical labor—it requires technical knowledge and safety training.
  
  
• Regional disparities: Rural or remote areas often don’t have enough local installers, leading to long wait times or high travel costs.
  
  

Real-world consequences

• Delays and backlogs: Homeowners are waiting months for installations. Commercial projects are stalling because there just aren’t enough boots on the ground.
  
• Increased costs: When demand outpaces labor supply, wages go up, and that cost often gets passed on to the consumer.
  
• Missed climate targets: Governments are pushing for net-zero emissions, but slow installation timelines make it harder to meet those goals.
  
• Burnout for existing workers: The pressure on current installers is intense. Long hours, tight deadlines, and limited support can lead to high turnover and job dissatisfaction.
  

So yeah, it’s a big deal. But that doesn’t mean it’s unfixable.

Strategies for Attracting Solar Talent

We can’t just sit around hoping people will stumble into solar jobs. We have to actively attract, inspire, and support the next generation of installers. And we need to think outside the box while we’re at it.

1. Make solar jobs visible

A lot of people simply don’t know these jobs exist. High schoolers may hear about electricians or HVAC work, but solar? Not always on the radar. Schools, career counselors, and solar companies need to do a better job promoting it as a viable and exciting career path.

• Host solar career days at schools
  
• Partner with workforce development boards
  
• Offer solar job shadowing opportunities.
  
• Leverage social media to show “a day in the life” of an installer.s
  

2. Reach underrepresented groups

The solar industry has a diversity problem. Women make up only about 30% of the solar workforce, and people of color are similarly underrepresented. By creating inclusive hiring practices and supporting affinity groups, the industry can become more welcoming and stronger for it.

• Create outreach programs focused on women, veterans, and minorities.
  
• Offer mentorship programs and scholarships.
  
• Support bilingual training and onboarding tools.
  

3. Highlight the bigger picture

Millennials and Gen Z are incredibly purpose-driven. They want jobs that align with their values. And what’s more impactful than helping fight climate change? Solar jobs directly contribute to building a sustainable future—something worth talking about during recruitment efforts.

Training Programs for Solar Installers

Now, attracting talent is one thing. But once someone’s interested, we need to make sure they’re fully equipped to succeed on the job. And that’s where training and education come in.

1. Partner with technical schools and community colleges

There’s a growing movement to integrate solar programs into existing trade school curricula—and it’s working. From electrical theory to hands-on installation training, these programs prepare students to hit the ground running.

• Expand the curriculum to include solar PV systems.
  
• Offer certification pathways like NABCEP
  
• Work with local employers to align training with job needs.
  

2. Fund pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs

These programs are especially great for folks switching careers. A pre-apprenticeship gives them the basics, while a full apprenticeship provides on-the-job experience under the guidance of a seasoned pro.

• Apprentices get paid while learning.g
  
• Employers can mold talent to fit company standards.
  
• Reduces turnover because trainees feel invested
  

3. Offer micro-credentials and stackable certifications

Not everyone has time for a two-year program. Short-term training courses—especially those that can be done online or in hybrid formats—can quickly upskill new hires or help experienced workers learn something new (like battery storage or EV integration).

• Stackable badges for electrical, racking, permitting, etc.
  
• Certifications for solar design software
  
• Online safety and OSHA compliance modules
  
  

4. Support grassroots and nonprofit training efforts

Groups like GRID Alternatives and Solar Energy International are already doing incredible work training individuals in underserved communities. Supporting these programs can help fill workforce gaps and drive equity at the same time.

Role of Technology in Reducing Labor Needs

Let’s face it: as the demand for solar grows, we’ll never have “enough” human labor to cover everything manually. That’s where technology becomes a key part of the solution—not to replace workers, but to help them do more with less.

1. Smarter solar design tools

Software platforms like Arka360, Aurora Solar, and HelioScope are making system design a breeze. What used to take hours—measuring rooftops, calculating shading, estimating production—can now be done in minutes from a computer.

• AI-assisted layouts
  
• 3D modeling and performance simulations
  
• Automated plan sets for permitting.
  

This means sales and design teams can work faster, and installers get clearer instructions.

2. Drones and remote site assessments

No more climbing up ladders with a tape measure. Drones are revolutionizing how we survey rooftops and map out solar arrays. They're safer, faster, and often more accurate.

• Drone imagery integrated into design software
  
• Thermal imaging for system diagnostics
  
• Fewer in-person site visits = less labor time
  

3. Modular, pre-assembled solar kits

In commercial and utility-scale solar, modular systems are growing in popularity. These are panels that arrive pre-wired and ready to be snapped into place, reducing the complexity of the install and speeding up timelines.

• Factory-assembled racking and inverters
  
• Plug-and-play wiring harnesses
  
• Fewer on-site electricians required
  

4. Automation and robotics

Yes, robots are joining the party. Companies are testing robotic arms for panel placement and automated cleaning systems for large-scale solar farms. While still emerging, this tech will help scale solar projects without adding huge labor requirements.

Future Outlook for Solar Workforce Development

So what does the future hold? Let’s zoom out and look at the bigger picture.

1. A massive surge in solar jobs

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the solar industry could need over 1 million workers by 2035. That includes installers, electricians, designers, inspectors, and more. If the industry keeps growing at this pace, there will be plenty of opportunities for anyone looking to jump in.

2. Cross-industry talent migration

Workers from adjacent industries—like roofing, construction, or fossil fuels—are prime candidates for transitioning into solar. With some targeted training and support, these experienced workers can bring valuable skills to the table.

• Oil rig electricians → solar electricians
  
• Roofing pros → solar mount specialists
  
• HVAC techs → battery storage installers
  

3. Federal and state funding boosts

Legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act is pumping billions into clean energy, and a chunk of that is going toward workforce development. That means more grants for training programs, more apprenticeships, and better support for employers building out their teams.

4. Long-term career pathways

Solar jobs aren’t just short-term gigs. As the industry matures, we’re going to see more structured career ladders—installer → team lead → project manager → operations director. That kind of progression keeps people in the industry and reduces churn.

5. A stronger emphasis on equity

More organizations recognize the need for inclusive hiring, training, and promotion practices. As solar expands, it has the chance to become one of the most equitable industries in energy—if we build it that way from the ground up.

Conclusion

There’s no sugarcoating it: labor shortages in solar panel installation are holding the industry back. But it’s also one of the most solvable problems we face. The solar boom isn’t going to slow down anytime soon—so the real question is, are we ready for it?