Becoming a solar installer at Sunrun or Sunnova is one of the most accessible entries into the renewable energy industry right now. Both companies actively recruit entry-level candidates, offer structured on-the-job training, and support workers who want to earn the nationally recognized NABCEP certification. Furthermore, demand for residential solar installation continues to surge across the United States, making this career path unusually stable for skilled tradespeople.
Sunrun and Sunnova rank among the largest residential solar providers in the country. Sunrun operates in more than 20 states, while Sunnova has expanded aggressively into Puerto Rico and key Sun Belt markets. Consequently, both companies maintain large installation crews and hire frequently throughout the year. Whether you live in California, Texas, Florida, or Arizona, there is a real chance one of these employers is hiring near you right now.
The physical demands of this role are real. Installers spend most of their day on rooftops, working with photovoltaic panels, mounting hardware, electrical conduit, and inverters. However, neither company expects you to arrive with years of experience. In fact, both Sunrun and Sunnova have built internal training programs specifically designed to take motivated candidates from zero solar knowledge to job-ready status within weeks.
In this article:
This article breaks down everything you need to know before applying: what training looks like at each company, how NABCEP certification works and whether these employers pay for it, and what installers are actually earning in 2026 at different experience levels.
Training Programs at Sunrun and Sunnova for Solar Installer Roles
Sunrun operates what it calls a “field technician apprenticeship” model. New hires typically shadow experienced installers during their first two to four weeks on the job. During this period, they learn panel placement, racking system assembly, roof penetration best practices, and basic DC wiring. Sunrun also uses an internal digital learning platform where trainees complete safety modules, equipment-specific certifications, and electrical code reviews at their own pace.
Sunnova takes a slightly different approach. The company partners with community colleges and trade schools in several markets to provide classroom instruction before field assignments begin. This hybrid model means new Sunnova installers often enter the field with a stronger theoretical foundation. In addition, Sunnova assigns each new installer a dedicated mentor for the first 90 days, which significantly accelerates the learning curve.
Both companies cover the cost of OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 certifications for their installers. Furthermore, both provide PPE, fall protection training, and equipment handling instruction before anyone steps onto a rooftop. Therefore, even candidates with no construction background can enter these roles safely and confidently, provided they are physically fit and willing to learn.
Training at either company also includes a module on customer interaction. Installers frequently represent the brand directly to homeowners. Sunrun in particular emphasizes communication skills, because their installers often answer basic questions about system performance and monitoring apps on installation day. This soft-skills component sets solar installation roles apart from many other trade positions.
Key Training Topics Covered at Sunrun and Sunnova
- Photovoltaic system design fundamentals
- Roof penetration and flashing techniques
- DC and AC electrical wiring and conduit installation
- Inverter installation and configuration
- System monitoring and app setup for homeowners
- OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 safety certifications
- Fall protection and ladder safety
- Electrical code compliance (NEC Article 690)
- Basic battery storage system integration
NABCEP Certification: How It Works and Why It Matters for Solar Installers
The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, known as NABCEP, administers the most respected certification program in the U.S. solar industry. For solar installers at Sunrun or Sunnova, earning a NABCEP PV Installation Professional (PVIP) credential signals mastery of system design, installation, and safety to employers and customers alike. However, NABCEP is not an entry-level credential — it requires documented field hours and passing a rigorous exam.
To sit for the NABCEP PVIP exam, candidates must accumulate a minimum of 58 hours of hands-on PV training and a certain number of documented installations. Most working installers at Sunrun or Sunnova reach exam eligibility within 12 to 18 months on the job. Furthermore, both companies explicitly support NABCEP certification by documenting installation hours for employees and, in many cases, reimbursing the exam fee upon successful completion.
The NABCEP exam itself covers system design, mounting and racking, electrical installation, commissioning, and safety. It is proctored at approved testing centers or via remote proctoring. The exam fee in 2026 is approximately $450, though employer reimbursement programs at Sunrun and Sunnova make this cost manageable. Additionally, NABCEP offers an Entry Level Certificate of Knowledge (ELCK) for newer installers who want a recognized credential before reaching full PVIP eligibility.
Holding a NABCEP certification does more than validate skills — it directly affects compensation. Certified installers command higher hourly rates and are often first in line for lead installer or crew supervisor promotions. In addition, NABCEP credentials transfer across employers, giving certified solar installers flexibility in the job market. This portability makes pursuing certification a smart investment regardless of which company you work for.
NABCEP PV Installation Professional Requirements at a Glance
Before you register for the NABCEP PVIP exam, you need to understand the eligibility pathway. The requirements differ slightly depending on your formal education background, but the core elements remain consistent for most trade-entry candidates.
- Training hours: Minimum 58 hours of documented PV-specific instruction
- Field experience: At least 3 full residential system installations with documentation
- Electrical background: Prior electrical or construction experience is strongly recommended
- Exam format: 100 multiple-choice questions, 2.5 hours
- Recertification: Required every three years with continuing education credits
What Solar Installers Earn in 2026 at Sunrun and Sunnova
Pay for solar installers at Sunrun or Sunnova varies based on location, experience level, and certification status. Entry-level installers typically start between $18 and $22 per hour at both companies. However, those rates rise quickly with demonstrated competency and certifications. In high-cost states like California and Massachusetts, starting rates may be several dollars higher due to prevailing wage requirements and local labor market conditions.
Sunrun generally structures its compensation with a base hourly rate plus performance incentives tied to installation volume and customer satisfaction scores. Therefore, a productive installer who consistently completes jobs on schedule can significantly exceed the base rate. Sunnova similarly offers performance bonuses, and some markets include per-install completion bonuses on top of hourly or salaried compensation.
2026 Solar Installer Pay Table: Sunrun vs. Sunnova
| Experience Level | Sunrun (Hourly) | Sunnova (Hourly) | NABCEP Certified Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–12 months) | $18 – $22 | $17 – $21 | N/A |
| Mid-Level (1–3 years) | $22 – $27 | $21 – $26 | +$2 – $3/hr |
| Senior Installer (3+ years) | $27 – $33 | $26 – $32 | +$3 – $5/hr |
| Lead Installer / Crew Supervisor | $33 – $42 | $31 – $40 | Often required |
Beyond hourly wages, both Sunrun and Sunnova offer benefits packages that add real value to total compensation. These typically include health insurance, dental and vision coverage, paid time off, and 401(k) matching. Sunrun also provides company vehicle use during work hours, which eliminates commuting costs for many installers. Sunnova has expanded its tuition reimbursement program in 2026, making it easier for motivated employees to pursue electrical apprenticeships or engineering degrees alongside their installation work.
Overtime pay is a meaningful part of total earnings for many solar installers. During peak installation seasons — typically spring and summer — installers at both companies regularly work 45 to 55 hours per week. Consequently, an installer earning $24 per hour as a base rate can generate substantially more in annual income when overtime is factored in. Some experienced installers at Sunrun report total annual earnings exceeding $65,000 when overtime, bonuses, and incentives are included.
If you are considering this career path alongside other entry-level employment options, it is worth comparing what different sectors offer. For example, retail and customer service roles listed at https://us.webinnovus.com/jobs/cashier-jobs-best-companies-hiring/ provide a useful baseline for understanding entry-level wage ranges across industries. Solar installation, however, offers a steeper upward earnings trajectory once certifications and experience accumulate.
Location plays a major role in determining total compensation. Installers working in California, Hawaii, New York, and Massachusetts consistently earn at the top of the pay ranges listed above. States like Texas, Georgia, and Florida tend to sit in the middle of the range, though their lower cost of living can make those wages stretch further. Furthermore, states with active solar incentive programs and strong net metering policies tend to sustain higher installer demand, which supports wage growth over time.
How Career Progression Works for Solar Installers
Most solar installers at Sunrun and Sunnova follow a defined career ladder. Entry-level installers typically spend 12 to 24 months developing core skills before moving into senior installer roles. From there, the path often leads to lead installer, crew supervisor, or quality assurance inspector positions. Some experienced installers transition into sales engineering, system design, or operations management roles within the same company.
Both Sunrun and Sunnova actively promote from within. Therefore, starting as an entry-level installer does not cap your career ceiling. In fact, many regional operations managers and field service directors at both companies began their careers mounting panels on residential rooftops. The combination of technical training, NABCEP certification, and demonstrated leadership makes internal advancement very achievable within three to five years.
For workers who are currently in unrelated industries and exploring a transition into skilled trades, solar installation at a company like Sunrun or Sunnova represents a well-supported entry point. The structured training, certification support, and clear pay progression make these roles more transparent than many other trade opportunities. Additionally, comparing these opportunities against other entry-level roles — such as those featured at https://us.webinnovus.com/jobs/cashier-jobs-best-companies-hiring/ — highlights how quickly solar installation can outpace general retail or service wages once foundational skills are established.
Finally, the long-term outlook for solar installer roles at both companies remains strongly positive. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects solar photovoltaic installer employment to grow faster than almost any other occupation through the end of the decade. Sunrun and Sunnova, as two of the largest residential installers in the country, are well-positioned to remain major employers in this expanding market. Choosing to build your skills and certifications with either company in 2026 sets a strong foundation for a long and well-compensated career in renewable energy.
