Career as a Solar Technician in India: Salary, Courses and How to Begin

Renewable Energy & Environment

Updated

At a glance

A solar technician installs, tests, maintains and repairs solar panels, inverters and batteries on rooftops and solar plants; most enter through an ITI trade after Class 10.

A solar technician installs, tests, maintains and repairs solar panels, inverters and batteries on rooftops and in solar plants. Most people enter the trade after Class 10 through an Industrial Training Institute (ITI), followed by on-the-job training with a solar installer.

Rooftop solar is one of the fastest-growing parts of India's clean energy push. Headlines in 2026 reported India's installed solar capacity at 162.15 GW, and the government has said that more than 75 lakh households are expected to have rooftop systems by December under the PM Surya Ghar scheme.

The work is hands-on and often outdoors, sometimes on hot roofs and at height, so it suits people who enjoy practical electrical work and can follow safety rules every day. Starting pay is modest, and it rises with certification, experience and supervisory skills.

Minimum Qualification
Class 10 pass (for ITI admission)
Typical Degree
ITI trade certificate (around 1-2 years)
Expected Entry Salary
Around ₹2 - ₹3 Lakh/annum
Entry-level to Senior
Around ₹2 Lakh to ₹7 Lakh/annum
Job Demand Growth
Rising with the rooftop solar push
Work Hours
Around 8-9 hours; site visits, some weekends
Places of Work
Rooftops, solar plants, field sites

What Does a Solar Technician Do?

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

  • Survey rooftops or sites to check the structure, shade and space available for panels

  • Mount panel structures and fix solar modules at the correct angle and securely

  • Wire DC and AC connections, and connect inverters and earthing as per drawings and safety standards

  • Install and test batteries and monitoring devices where the system includes them

  • Test voltage, current and insulation with a multimeter and test instruments before switching the system on

  • Help customers and utilities with net-metering paperwork and commissioning checks

  • Carry out periodic cleaning, inspection and fault finding on installed systems

Where They Work

Solar technicians work for rooftop solar installers and EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) companies, solar project developers, and service firms that maintain systems for homes, shops, schools, factories and government buildings. Many also work with vendors and installers linked to government rooftop programmes such as PM Surya Ghar.

Utility-scale solar parks, battery storage sites and solar pump projects also hire technicians, mostly for installation, operation and maintenance. After a few years of experience, some technicians start their own small installation business, which needs electrical know-how, customer trust and the right registrations.

How to Become a Solar Technician in India?

After Class 10

Complete Class 10 with Science and Maths where possible. Apply to an ITI offering a solar or electrical trade. Admission is usually merit-based and depends on the state's notification.

ITI Trade Course

Complete a trade such as Solar Technician (Electrical), which typically takes around one year, or Electrician, which typically takes around two years. You learn wiring, safety, electrical drawings and basic solar system work.

Apprenticeship

Many ITI graduates complete an apprenticeship under the Apprentices Act, 1961, often with a solar company or electrical contractor. This gives supervised field experience and helps you build a work record.

Licence / Certification

Short solar PV installation and maintenance certificates are offered by skill providers, and safety training for working at height is useful. Some states require an electrical licence for certain wiring work, so check your state's rules before taking on independent jobs.

First Job

Apply for installation technician roles with rooftop solar companies, EPC firms or maintenance service providers. Start with a team, learn the full installation process, and build towards site supervisor or service lead roles.

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Eligibility and Subjects Required

Stream and Subject Requirements

  • Any stream at Class 10; Science and Maths are helpful for electrical ITI trades

  • Class 12 with Physics and Maths is useful if you later plan a diploma or B.Tech in renewable energy

  • Basic physical fitness for climbing, lifting panels and working on roofs

Minimum Qualification

  • Class 10 pass is the usual entry point for ITI trades

  • Some states set minimum marks or age rules for ITI admission; check the state's ITI notification

  • Solar installer jobs without an ITI usually need on-the-job training and proof of electrical skills

Courses and Degrees for Solar Technician

  • ITI Trade Courses
    • Solar Technician (Electrical) [around 1 year]
    • Electrician [around 2 years]
    • Wireman [around 1 year]
    Diplomas
    • Diploma in Electrical Engineering [3 years]
    • Diploma in Renewable Energy Technology [around 3 years]
    Undergraduate Degrees (for the engineering track)
    • B.Tech in Renewable Energy Engineering [4 years]
    • B.Tech in Electrical and Electronics Engineering [4 years]
    Certifications & Short-term Courses
    • Solar PV Installation and Maintenance course [around 3 to 6 months]
    • Working at Height and Electrical Safety training [a few days]
    • Solar Inverter and Battery Systems course [around 1 to 3 months]

Skills Required to Become a Solar Technician

Technical Skills

  • Reading electrical single-line diagrams and layout drawings
  • DC and AC wiring basics
  • Panel mounting and structure fixing
  • Inverter installation and commissioning
  • Using multimeters and insulation testers
  • Earthing and lightning protection basics
  • Fault finding and preventive maintenance
  • Safe working practices at height

Soft Skills

  • Safety discipline on every job
  • Clear communication with customers
  • Teamwork on site
  • Attention to detail
  • Time management across several sites
  • Basic record keeping and reporting

Solar Technician Salary in India

0-2 years

Entry Level

₹2 - ₹3 Lakh/annum

  • Typical job titles: Solar Installation Technician, Junior Solar Technician, Trainee Technician
  • Work: Assisting on rooftop installations, fixing structures, basic wiring and testing under supervision

3-5 years

Mid Level

₹3 - ₹5 Lakh/annum

  • Typical job titles: Solar Technician, Solar Maintenance Technician, O&M Technician
  • Work: Independent installations and commissioning, fault diagnosis, customer handover and maintenance schedules

6+ years

Senior Level

₹5 - ₹7 Lakh/annum

  • Typical job titles: Site Supervisor, Team Lead, Senior Solar Technician
  • Work: Leading installation crews, checking quality and safety, training new technicians and coordinating with engineers

Career Opportunities and Job Roles

Solar Installation Technician

Installs rooftop and small commercial solar systems, from mounting to wiring and testing.

Solar Maintenance (O&M) Technician

Keeps installed systems running through cleaning, inspection, repairs and performance checks.

Inverter and Battery Technician

Installs, configures and troubleshoots inverters and battery storage units.

Rooftop Solar Site Supervisor

Plans daily work for installation crews and checks quality and safety on site.

Solar Pump Installation Technician

Installs and services solar-powered water pumping systems for farms and institutions.

Solar Quality Inspector

Checks installations against drawings, standards and customer requirements before handover.

Solar Technical Support Executive

Guides customers and field teams on system faults, usage and service requests.

Scope and Future of Solar Technician in India

Demand for solar technicians is linked to the growth of solar power in India. Headlines in July 2026 reported that the government told Parliament that installed solar capacity had risen 57-fold since 2014 to 162.15 GW. Rooftop installation is also gaining pace, with Uttar Pradesh reported to have moved to second place nationally behind Maharashtra, ahead of Maharashtra in a July 2026 report, while some states are still lagging despite PM Surya Ghar.

Growth is not limited to rooftops. Battery energy storage is becoming more common, as shown by a October 2026 report on an Indian Railways tender for a 4 MWh battery energy storage system. Technicians who can install and maintain batteries, inverters and monitoring systems alongside panels are likely to find more work. Green jobs have also been discussed in the press as a growing source of government and private employment.

Abroad, skilled solar installers may find work in countries expanding rooftop and utility solar, but licensing, visas and certification requirements vary widely. Candidates should check the rules of the destination country and the employer before planning a move.

Is Solar Technician
the Right Career for You?

Solar Technician can be an exciting career, but the right choice depends on more than academic eligibility.

Interests

What excites you?

Aptitude

What are you good at?

Personality

How do you work?

Work Preferences

What kind of environment suits you?

Discover careers that match your interests, strengths and preferences.

See how well this career fits you

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Solar Technician: Frequently Asked Questions

Is solar technician a good career in India?

Solar technician is a practical career with steady demand as rooftop and utility solar keep growing. Headlines in 2026 cited India's installed solar capacity at 162.15 GW and a government target of more than 75 lakh households with rooftop systems. Starting pay is modest and rises with skills, certification and experience. It suits people who enjoy hands-on electrical work and can handle outdoor, physically demanding jobs safely.

What is the eligibility to become a solar technician?

Most people need a Class 10 pass to join an ITI trade such as Solar Technician (Electrical) or Electrician. Some ITIs and states set minimum marks or age rules, so check the admission notice for your state. You do not need a degree to work as a technician. Class 12 with Physics and Maths helps if you later plan a diploma or B.Tech in renewable energy.

Can I become a solar technician without an ITI?

Yes, some people enter through short solar installation courses and on-the-job training with an installer. An ITI, however, gives a recognised trade certificate and strong electrical basics, which employers and clients often prefer. Without an ITI, expect lower starting pay and more supervised work until you prove your skills on site.

How much does a solar technician earn in India?

Entry-level solar technicians typically earn around ₹2 to ₹3 lakh a year, depending on the city, employer and skills. With three to five years of experience, pay often moves towards ₹3 to ₹5 lakh a year. Supervisors and team leads with a strong safety record can earn more. These figures are indicative, so check current job listings before planning your finances.

What is the difference between a solar technician and a solar engineer?

A solar technician installs, tests, maintains and repairs systems on site, usually after an ITI or certificate course. A solar engineer designs systems, sizes plants, plans layouts and manages projects, and usually needs a B.Tech or B.E. in electrical, electronics or renewable energy engineering. Many technicians move into engineering or supervisory roles after gaining experience and further study.

What are the main risks of a solar technician job?

The main risks are falls from height, electric shock from DC and AC circuits, and heat exposure on roofs. Good training, lock-out procedures, insulated tools, fall protection and strict safety habits reduce these risks considerably. Employers expect technicians to follow safety rules on every job, and a clean safety record helps you get better and more responsible work.

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