Solar Jobs in Chicago: A Growing Career Choice

Thinking about your career, want to change occupation or pursue something more future-oriented? Solar panel jobs could be a good fit. The solar power industry is continuing to develop, and the renewable energy business is quickly expanding here. If you investigate deeper, you’ll learn that training opportunities are more accessible than you might imagine, and there is a genuine need in the local market. 

In this article, we will share more details on the types of solar employment in highest demand right now, who they are best suited for, what training and certifications you’ll need, and how Chicago compares in terms of potential.

What Solar Panel Jobs Are Popular Right Now

The solar business is not just about installing and connecting solar panels on roofs, as it might seem. This is a broader ecosystem spanning many stages, from sales to planning, installation, and support, so it requires a range of professionals. 

In Chicago and the broader Illinois region, a range of roles are opening up in the solar sector. Some of the most common and in-demand include:

Solar installation specialists: No surprise that a hands-on profession tops the list here. The more installation companies that emerge on the market, the higher the demand for hands-on solar specialists is. The responsibilities include installing solar panels, mounting modules, wiring systems, and collaborating with personnel on rooftops or big ground-mounted arrays. In Illinois, entry-level installers might make between $50,000 and $65,000 per year, depending on their expertise and job types. 

 

Source: My Decorative

Sales and project managers: If you prefer less physical work and more coordination, overseeing solar installation projects or selling solar solutions to households and businesses are both viable choices. Additionally, if you already have experience leading projects in other industries, it will be a big plus and help you start from a higher level. In Chicago, the average salary for a solar manager is $100,000 per year. Entry-level solar panel jobs start at $59,560 per year, but final numbers can vary depending on commission.

Design, engineering, and operations roles: If you have a technical background or degree, you’ll find it even easier to find solar jobs in Chicago. Currently, jobs in system design, grid integration, or operations and maintenance are growing, and these roles often command higher pay, with a median of ca $136,000 annually.

Service and maintenance technicians: Once solar systems are installed, the work is not over. The operating solar system requires maintenance, such as module cleaning or performance monitoring, and sometimes service, such as parts replacement or system improvements. It opens doors for people with minimal experience, and the regular maintenance process and simple repairs are easy to learn and to train for.

So, whether you are transitioning from construction or electrical work, looking to start something new, or want to move into renewables, there’s a variety of solar jobs in Chicago to try and master.

Who Is This Best For?

Solar jobs in Chicago are a great fit if you:

• Enjoy hands-on work outdoors or on rooftops. These factors are beneficial for installer and support roles.
• Have some experience in construction, roofing, or the electrical trades and feel comfortable working with tools and at heights. The more technical knowledge you have, the easier and faster you’ll find picking up a new technical role.
• Own a GED or high school diploma and are keen to obtain further education or certification.
• Want to go into a flourishing industry with a promising future.
• Prefer a job that offers both technical expertise and a significant impact—installing solar contributes to cleaner energy and reduced carbon emissions.
• Prepared to handle changing weather and connectivity issues (installations may be complicated by Chicago winters and building limitations).

Certifications, Courses & Training

If you are already interested in what to start with and what training or certifications are necessary, we have you covered. To increase your chances of landing a solid solar panel job in Chicago, consider these credentials and training:

• NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners): Recognized widely in the solar industry. Solar installers with NABCEP certification are the first to be selected for the best solar projects. The NABCEP PV Installation Professional or NABCEP PV Associate credentials help installers stand out.

Source: Greenlancer

 

• State-specific programs: Illinois has its own installer certifications and training programs. For example, the Illinois Solar for All (ILSFA) initiative supports job training in the solar sector.
  • Programs for veterans: The U.S. Department of Energy-funded Solar Ready Vets® Network trains and hires transitioning service veterans and military spouses in solar installation, sales, and project management. Many solar companies employ veterans for their technical expertise, leadership abilities, and safety background, which are ideal for renewable energy careers. Veterans make up roughly 9% of the solar workforce nationwide, and this number is growing as clean-energy efforts increase, including in Illinois.
• Continuing education: If you consider roles such as project manager, design engineer, or operations lead, you may need a formal degree (in engineering or renewable energy) or specialized training in solar-specific technologies and grid integration.
• Technical school programs: Community colleges and workforce programs in Chicago offer training for solar installers. The great thing about it is that they combine classroom instruction with hands-on work so that it’s easier to pick up your first job right after the course. For example, the LYTE Solar Pipeline Training Program in Cook and Will counties provides entry-level preparation.
• Safety and electrical credentials: It’s also important for most installers to be familiar with electrical systems and to pass OSHA safety training (10-hour or 30-hour, depending on the role).

The good news is that many of these training programs are short (several weeks to months), low-cost or subsidized, and lead to real job opportunities in the Chicago area.

Demand & Opportunity in Chicago

The solar energy industry is expanding rapidly in Chicago and across Illinois, making it an attractive market for job seekers. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), Illinois had roughly 5,975 solar panel jobs and 336 solar enterprises by early 2025. According to current forecasts, Illinois’ installed solar capacity will grow by more than 17 times during the next five years.

 

Source: Illinois – SEIA

As new residential, commercial, and community solar projects begin, installers in the Chicago area will face increased demand for professions such as solar technicians, system designers, project managers, and maintenance workers.

Let’s also look at some facts and numbers showing how the state is supporting both renewable energy development and solar panel job promotion.

• One of the government’s support programs is a $30 million investment to create solar panel installation jobs on Chicago’s South and West Sides. The investment aims to expand the clean energy workforce while also offering job opportunities in low-income communities. It aims to create over 1,000 jobs in the solar energy sector over the next three years.
• Numerous programs being developed for residents include training that leads directly to paid positions.
• Generally, jobs in the solar industry are among the fastest-growing trades in the U.S. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for solar installers is projected to grow by about 42% from 2024 to 2034.

These days, Chicago offers many opportunities for those willing to learn and work in solar sales, installation, and support roles. Illinois boasts a strong solar workforce support system that includes special programs to meet the region’s high demand for solar jobs and help its residents transition into a new profession quickly and smoothly. 

Are Solar Jobs in Chicago Worth It?

If you are looking for attractive job opportunities in Chicago, the solar panel industry is definitely worth serious consideration. Careers in solar energy combine technical expertise, the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution, and the potential for career growth in a rapidly evolving, modern field. 

We tried to gather the most relevant information to help you make the best choice that fits your background, skills, and interests. Learn about and consider all the programs currently offered by state and local companies, as this may be the right time to take the first step toward a solar journey, and the local industry is prepared.