Lead Solar Installer Jobs
68 positions available
Ion Solar
Crew Lead Installer
All Energy Solar
Commercial Junior Lead Installer
Sunrun
Lead Installer
Sunrun
Lead Installer
Sunrun
Lead Installer
Civic Works
Solar Crew Leader
Ion Solar
Crew Lead Installer
Ion Solar
Crew Lead Installer
Types of Lead Installer Roles
"Lead installer" and "foreman" mean different things depending on the project. A residential crew lead is still on the roof most of the day. A multi-crew supervisor rarely is.
Residential Crew Lead
A residential lead runs a two- to four-person crew through one system per day. The lead assigns work and handles the homeowner walkthrough. Quality is checked before inspection.
Commercial Crew Lead
Commercial leads oversee larger rooftops and carports for days or weeks. They coordinate with the project manager and track the schedule. Material deliveries also fall within the role.
Utility-Scale Foreman
Utility foremen manage crews on ground-mount projects and report to a superintendent. They own daily production and safety. They also check tracker or combiner installation quality.
Working Foreman
A working foreman stays on the tools while owning crew output and quality. This is the most common first leadership role. Promotion usually follows two to four years as an installer.
Installation Supervisor
An installation supervisor oversees several crews instead of running one. The job centers on scheduling and quality audits. Training new installers replaces much of the physical work.
Certifications That Matter
Lead-level postings screen for certifications directly. These are the credentials that appear most often for installers and foremen.
NABCEP PV Installation Professional
Most employers expect this credential at the lead level. It requires documented field experience and a technical exam. The result supports responsibility for checking a crew's work.
The standard for supervisory roles. Covers a broader range of jobsite hazards than OSHA 10 and is often required specifically for anyone directing other workers on site.
Competent Person (Fall Protection)
OSHA requires a designated competent person to inspect fall protection systems and stop unsafe work. Lead installers are frequently the ones holding this designation on a residential or commercial crew.
Electrical License
An electrical license appears more often at lead level, especially when crews handle final connections. A licensed crew lead can complete the hookup without waiting for a separate electrician.
First Aid / CPR
Commonly required alongside OSHA 30 for whoever is designated crew lead, since they're the one responsible for handling an on-site injury before anyone else arrives.
Lead Installer Salary Ranges
Lead roles pay above the $51,860 national installer median reported by BLS in May 2024. Crew size and project type change the offer. Region matters too.
$58K+
Working Foreman
Residential crew lead, still on the tools daily
$75K+
Commercial / Utility-Scale Foreman
Larger crews, longer projects, NABCEP typically required
$95K+
Multi-Crew Supervisor
Overseeing several crews, often with an electrical license
Job Outlook
BLS projects 42% growth for solar PV installers from 2024 to 2034. More crews create more lead and foreman openings. Every crew needs someone responsible for the work.
Lead Solar Installer Job FAQ
What does a lead installer do that a regular installer doesn't?
How much do lead installers and foremen earn?
Do you need NABCEP to become a lead installer?
How many years of experience does it usually take to get promoted to lead?
Is lead installer a step toward project management?
What's the difference between a foreman and an installation supervisor?
Related Roles & Resources
Lead-installer pay changes by state and project type. See the numbers on our Lead Solar Installer Salary by State page. Explore adjacent paths through solar PV installer jobs. You can also browse solar electrician jobs or solar technician jobs.
To map the credentials for a lead role, read certifications by job role and the NABCEP PVIS vs PVIP comparison .
Disclaimer: Salary and outlook figures use Bureau of Labor Statistics national data. Actual pay varies by employer, region and experience. Verify certification and OSHA requirements directly with employers.