How we make this list: we compare pricing pages, product documentation and public user reviews. Ratings come from G2, Capterra or Trustpilot, with the date we checked them.
Best solar companies to work for at a glance
Sunrun is the best solar company to work for overall, with installer pay of $21.82 to $29.09 an hour, a 401k with company match and a 100 percent funded education program. Freedom Forever is the best pick for installers who want bonuses, at $20 to $27 an hour plus biweekly install bonuses.
Key takeaways
- Sunrun is the largest residential solar and storage company in the United States, and it pays installers $21.82 to $29.09 an hour with full benefits.
- Freedom Forever pays installers $20 to $27 an hour plus biweekly install bonuses, which is the clearest bonus structure on this list.
- Sunnova reports about $42.03 an hour for solar installers on Indeed, and its install lead posting pays $41.50 an hour.
- Tesla, Trinity Solar and Momentum Solar publish $35 to $40 an hour through training programs, so treat those as training pay.
- SunPower filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in August 2024 and Vivint Solar was bought by Sunrun in 2020, so neither is a standalone employer to apply to now.
How we picked
We picked residential solar companies that are still operating and hiring in 2026, and we checked current job postings for pay. Every pay figure below is third-party reported from job postings and salary trackers and was checked 13 Nov 2026. Starting price here means starting pay, not a product price, because these are employers. Pay varies by state, role and experience, and the national median for solar installers is about $23.08 an hour, so a figure far above that is usually a lead role or a training rate.
Best solar companies to work for compared
| Tool | Best for | Starting price | Free plan |
| Sunrun | Largest employer with funded education | $21.82 to $29.09 per hour | Not applicable |
| Tesla | Innovation and internal advancement | $35 to $40 per hour, training program | Not applicable |
| Freedom Forever | Install bonuses on top of hourly pay | $20 to $27 per hour plus bonuses | Not applicable |
| Trinity Solar | Family focused mentorship | $35 to $38 per hour, training program | Not applicable |
| Momentum Solar | Fast growing with structured onboarding | $36 to $40 per hour, training program | Not applicable |
| Sunnova | Highest installer hourly rate | About $42.03 per hour | Not applicable |
| Palmetto | Clean energy mission and sales roles | $19 to $26 per hour, market range | Not applicable |
| Blue Raven Solar | Regional installer work | $19 to $26 per hour, market range | Not applicable |
How much do solar installers earn in 2026?
Solar installers in the United States earn between $19 and $35 an hour in 2026, with a national median around $24 to $26 an hour for experienced field workers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a median annual salary of $51,860 for solar photovoltaic installers in its May 2024 data, which is roughly $24 to $25 an hour. Entry level helpers start at $17 to $20 an hour, while lead installers earn $30 to $40 or more. Residential installers earn less than utility scale installers, who earn 20 to 35 percent more per hour. On this list, Sunrun pays installers $21.82 to $29.09 an hour, Freedom Forever pays $20 to $27 an hour plus bonuses, and Sunnova averages about $42.03 an hour for installers on Indeed.
What benefits matter most at a solar company?
Health insurance, a 401k with a company match, paid training and a clear path to lead installer matter more than the starting hourly rate. Sunrun offers medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401k with company match, a stock purchase program, paid training and PowerU, its 100 percent funded education program with more than 150 courses. Tesla offers health benefits, stock options and generous paid time off. Freedom Forever offers biweekly install bonuses on top of hourly pay, which can add thousands of dollars a year for a fast crew. Ask whether training is paid, whether the company pays for the NABCEP PV Associate credential, and whether installers get a company vehicle.
Is solar installation a good career without a degree?
Yes, solar installation is one of the fastest growing skilled trades in construction, and it does not need a degree. Entry level installers start at $17 to $20 an hour, and experienced field workers earn $24 to $35 an hour, with lead installers reaching $30 to $40 or more. Paid training runs about 8 weeks, and the NABCEP PV Associate credential often adds 15 to 30 percent to pay. The work is physical and outdoors, on roofs in all weather, so it suits people who want hands on work. The risk is seasonal: residential demand slows in winter in cold states, and installers in those markets earn less in the slow months.
Which solar companies are no longer safe to apply to?
SunPower filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in August 2024, and its assets were sold, so it is not a standalone employer to apply to in 2026. Vivint Solar was acquired by Sunrun in 2020, so its jobs now sit inside Sunrun. Titan Solar Power closed in 2024 and Lumio filed for bankruptcy in 2024, so both are gone as employers. Before you apply, check that the company is still operating under its own name, has current job postings, and hires installers as employees rather than subcontractors.
Quick comparison
| Tool | Best for | Starting price | Free plan |
|---|
 Sunrun | Largest employer with funded education | $21.82 to $29.09 per hour for installers, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026 | Not applicable |
 Tesla | Innovation and internal advancement | $35 to $40 per hour through its training program, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026 | Not applicable |
 Freedom Forever | Install bonuses on top of hourly pay | $20 to $27 per hour for installers, plus biweekly bonuses, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026 | Not applicable |
 Trinity Solar | Family focused mentorship | $35 to $38 per hour through its training program, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026 | Not applicable |
 Momentum Solar | Fast growing with structured onboarding | $36 to $40 per hour through its training program, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026 | Not applicable |
 Sunnova | Highest installer hourly rate | About $42.03 per hour for solar installers, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026 | Not applicable |
 Palmetto | Clean energy mission and sales roles | $19 to $26 per hour, market range for solar installer roles, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026 | Not applicable |
 Blue Raven Solar | Regional installer work | $19 to $26 per hour, market range for solar installer roles, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026 | Not applicable |
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The 8 best solar companies to work for compared
Starting price$21.82 to $29.09 per hour for installers, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026
Free planNot applicable
Sunrun is the best solar company to work for overall, because it is the largest dedicated residential solar and storage company in the country and it hires at scale. Installers start at $21.82 to $29.09 an hour, and the company offers a full benefits package with health, vision and dental insurance, a 401k with company match, a stock purchase program and paid training. Its PowerU program funds 100 percent of continuing education. Solar appointment setters average $51,408 to $87,288 a year in base pay plus uncapped commission, with top performers earning $160,000 or more. Pick Sunrun when you want the biggest employer, the best education benefit and a clear internal career path.
What we like- Largest residential solar and storage company in the United States, 401k with company match, PowerU 100 percent funded education program, paid training and internal advancement
Watch out for- Appointment setter pay depends on commission, so earnings vary widely by location and personal results, and installer pay sits near the national median rather than above it
Starting price$35 to $40 per hour through its training program, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026
Free planNot applicable
Tesla Energy suits an installer who wants to work on solar panels, Solar Roof tiles and battery storage under one brand. The company offers competitive salaries, comprehensive health benefits including medical, dental and vision coverage, stock options and generous paid time off. Training program listings put pay at $35 to $40 an hour, though that figure comes from a training program rather than a standard installer posting, so treat it as the top of the range rather than the floor. Tesla promotes from within, which suits an installer who wants to move into design, operations or management. Pick Tesla when the brand, the technology and the advancement path matter as much as the hourly rate.
What we like- Strong brand and innovation, robust training and internal advancement, stock options and comprehensive health benefits
Watch out for- The $35 to $40 an hour figure comes from a training program listing rather than a standard installer posting, so standard installer pay may be lower, and roles are limited to select states
Starting price$20 to $27 per hour for installers, plus biweekly bonuses, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026
Free planNot applicable
Freedom Forever is the best pick for an installer who wants bonuses on top of hourly pay. Installers earn $20 to $27 an hour depending on experience, plus biweekly install bonuses and a comprehensive benefits package. Electrical installers earn $27 to $34 an hour, and a battery installer posting lists $30 to $36 an hour plus company benefits and biweekly bonuses. The company runs a clear installer ladder from level I to III, with 6 months to 1 year of experience preferred. Pick Freedom Forever when you want a bonus structure that rewards fast, clean installs.
What we like- Biweekly install bonuses on top of hourly pay, clear installer levels from I to III, electrical installers earn $27 to $34 an hour, straightforward apprentice to employee transition
Watch out for- Pay varies by state and role, with some postings at $20 to $25 an hour, and the work is on site only with no remote option
Starting price$35 to $38 per hour through its training program, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026
Free planNot applicable
Trinity Solar suits an installer who wants mentorship and a family focused culture. The company is known for strong mentorship, and its training program listings put pay at $35 to $38 an hour with an employment guarantee, though that figure comes from a training program rather than a standard installer posting. Trinity Solar covers the East Coast and runs a structured 8 week paid training program. The work is residential solar, so installers need 6 months to 1 year of photovoltaic experience or a willingness to train. Pick Trinity Solar when you want a mentored start in solar on the East Coast.
What we like- Family focused culture with strong mentorship, East Coast coverage, structured 8 week paid training, employment guarantee in its training program
Watch out for- The $35 to $38 an hour figure comes from a training program listing rather than a standard installer posting, and coverage is mainly East Coast
Starting price$36 to $40 per hour through its training program, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026
Free planNot applicable
Momentum Solar suits an installer who wants a fast growing company with structured onboarding. The company is growing across multiple states and runs practical training. Training program listings put pay at $36 to $40 an hour, though that figure comes from a training program rather than a standard installer posting, so treat it as the top of the range. Momentum Solar suits an installer who wants to grow with a company that is still expanding its footprint. Pick Momentum Solar when you want growth, structured training and a multi state employer.
What we like- Fast growing with practical training, structured onboarding process, multi state coverage, training program pay at $36 to $40 an hour
Watch out for- The $36 to $40 an hour figure comes from a training program listing rather than a standard installer posting, so standard installer pay may be lower
Starting priceAbout $42.03 per hour for solar installers, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026
Free planNot applicable
Sunnova pays the highest installer hourly rate on this list. Indeed reports an average of $42.03 an hour for solar installers at Sunnova, from 41 reported salaries, and a current install lead posting pays $41.50 an hour plus overtime, with a company vehicle and comprehensive benefits. Sunnova sells solar and storage through a network of local dealers and homebuilders, so the employer of record can vary by market. The $41.50 rate is for a lead role, not an entry installer. Pick Sunnova when the hourly rate is the priority and you can lead a crew.
What we like- Highest installer pay on this list, install lead posting pays $41.50 an hour plus overtime, company vehicle for lead roles, comprehensive benefits with 401k match
Watch out for- The $42.03 figure is an Indeed average from 41 reported salaries rather than a company published rate, and Sunnova works through a dealer network, so the employer of record varies
Starting price$19 to $26 per hour, market range for solar installer roles, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026
Free planNot applicable
Palmetto is a clean energy company with a growing residential solar platform, and it suits a job seeker who cares about the mission as much as the pay. The company does not publish installer pay, so the $19 to $26 an hour figure is the 2026 job board range for general solar installer roles rather than a Palmetto rate, and installer pay is likely near the low end of that range. Palmetto hires across sales, operations and installation, so a candidate with sales skills may earn more in sales than on a roof. Ask for the exact rate and commission structure before you apply. Pick Palmetto when the clean energy mission matters and you want a role beyond installation.
What we like- Strong clean energy mission, growing residential solar platform, sales and operations roles as well as installation work
Watch out for- Palmetto does not publish installer pay, so the $19 to $26 figure is the 2026 job board range for solar installer roles rather than a company rate, and installer pay is likely near the low end of that range
Starting price$19 to $26 per hour, market range for solar installer roles, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026
Free planNot applicable
Blue Raven Solar is an established residential solar installer that suits a job seeker who wants regional work close to home. The company hires installers with 6 months to 1 year of photovoltaic installation experience preferred, and it runs regional crews rather than a national travel model. Blue Raven Solar does not publish installer pay, so the $19 to $26 an hour figure is the 2026 job board range for general solar installer roles rather than a company rate, and pay varies by market. Ask for the exact hourly rate, the bonus structure and the benefits package before you apply. Pick Blue Raven Solar when you want local residential work with a straightforward hiring path.
What we like- Established residential installer with a straightforward hiring path, installer roles with 6 months to 1 year of experience preferred, regional crews with local work
Watch out for- Blue Raven Solar does not publish installer pay, so the $19 to $26 figure is the 2026 job board range for solar installer roles rather than a company rate, and pay varies by market
Frequently asked questions
What is the best solar company to work for?
Sunrun is the best solar company to work for overall, with installer pay of $21.82 to $29.09 an hour, a 401k with company match and a 100 percent funded education program. Freedom Forever is the best pick for installers who want bonuses, at $20 to $27 an hour plus biweekly install bonuses. Sunnova pays the highest hourly rate here, at about $42.03 an hour for installers on Indeed.
How much do solar installers make per hour in 2026?
Solar installers in the United States earn between $19 and $35 an hour in 2026, with a national median around $24 to $26 an hour for experienced field workers. Entry level helpers start at $17 to $20 an hour, while lead installers and foremen earn $30 to $40 or more. Sunrun pays installers $21.82 to $29.09 an hour, Freedom Forever pays $20 to $27 an hour plus bonuses, and Sunnova averages about $42.03 an hour on Indeed.
Do solar companies pay for training?
Yes, most large solar companies pay for training. Sunrun offers paid training and a 100 percent funded education program with more than 150 courses. Tesla, Trinity Solar and Momentum Solar run paid training programs of about 8 weeks, with training pay of $35 to $42 an hour in program listings. Ask whether training is paid, whether you get the NABCEP PV Associate credential, and whether you owe the company time after training.
Which solar companies should I avoid in 2026?
Avoid applying to SunPower as a standalone employer, because it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in August 2024 and its assets were sold. Vivint Solar was acquired by Sunrun in 2020, so its jobs now sit inside Sunrun. Titan Solar Power closed in 2024 and Lumio filed for bankruptcy in 2024. Before you apply to any solar company, check that it is still operating under its own name and that it has current job postings.
Is solar installation a good career without a degree?
Yes, solar installation is one of the fastest growing skilled trades in construction. Entry level installers start at $17 to $20 an hour, experienced field workers earn $24 to $35 an hour, and lead installers reach $30 to $40 or more. Paid training runs about 8 weeks, and the NABCEP PV Associate credential often adds 15 to 30 percent to pay. The work is physical and outdoors, so it suits people who want hands on work.
Sources we checked (19)
- https://americanprofessionguide.com/companies-hiring-solar-photovoltaic-installers/
- https://careers.sunrun.com/job/south-elgin/solar-appointment-setter/21632/102912841792
- https://talents.vaia.com/companies/sunrun-inc/installer-187626277/
- https://talents.vaia.com/companies/sunrun-inc/hartford/solar-appointment-setter-139424437/
- https://www.home-adviser.com/rsp/jumpstart-your-career-with-paid-solar-installer-training-in-just-8-weeks-1/?cmpid=xmav8tq1mv
- https://www.breakroom.cc/en-us/jobs/listing/14903244-freedom-forever-solar-installer-schaumburg-illinois-60159
- https://career.io/job/installer-i-ii-iii-moorestown-freedom-forever-a39b9bd145d7916ae72e9e411017d0c7
- https://talents.vaia.com/companies/sunnova-energy-corp/solar-technician-install-lead-41-50-40375308/
- https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Sunnova-7/salaries
- https://skillit.com/blog/how-much-do-solar-installers-make
- https://discover1st.com/post/58936/solar-panel-installer-jobs-salaries
- https://www.sunrun.com
- https://www.tesla.com
- https://www.freedomforever.com
- https://www.trinity-solar.com
- https://www.momentumsolar.com
- https://www.sunnova.com
- https://www.palmetto.com
- https://www.blueravensolar.com
Is your product missing or out of date?
We review this list regularly. Vendors can request a listing, send updated pricing or ask about featured placement.
Shihab Mia · Founder, Rankite
Shihab has 5+ years in B2B and SaaS SEO. He writes Rankite's software buying guides from pricing pages, documentation and public user reviews. More about Shihab.