Solar & EnergyLeadInstallation
Lead Installer / Crew Lead
You run the crew and own the install. Quality, safety, and hitting the day's plan are yours.
What you'd actually do
- Run the daily install plan and assign work
- Verify layout and workmanship against plans
- Train helpers and new installers
- Handle inspections and punch lists
The facts
- Training time
- 2-4 years from entry
- Experience expected
- 2-4 years
- Physical demand
- high
- Room to advance
- strong
- Path to ownership
- moderate
- Level
- Lead
Work environment
Outdoors · Rooftops · Team leadership
Skills
Core to the job
- PV system knowledge
- Crew leadership
- Blueprint & plan reading
- Jobsite safety
- Inspection & QA
- Training others
Helps you stand out
- Electrical fundamentals
- Codes & permitting
- Scheduling & logistics
- Clear communication
Education & credentials
- High school diploma or GED
- 2+ years install experience
- NABCEP PV Installation ProfessionalCommonly expected
- OSHA 30Commonly expected
Licensing rules vary by state, county, and job scope. Always confirm what applies where you plan to work.
Shortest route from the ground up
The usual ladder people climb to reach this role.
Where this leads
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You own delivery: permits, materials, crews, and inspections, across many jobs at once.
- Training:
- 4-7 years
- Experience:
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You run the business: licensing, insurance, sales, crews, and cash flow. High ceiling, real risk.
- Training:
- 5-10 years
- Experience:
- 5-10 years
Solar Inspector / QA
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You verify installs against code and spec — for a municipality, a utility, or an installer's own QA program.
- Training:
- 5+ years
- Experience:
- 5+ years
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