Blog>Trade>Starting a Business>What’s the average solar panel installer salary?
Last updated: 18 December 2024
What’s the average solar panel installer salary?
Green energy priorities can mean a decent salary for trade professionals with the right skills. Find out how much do solar panel installers earn plus ways to upskill and set up your own solar panel installer business.
It probably won’t surprise you to know that installing solar panels can provide a good living. The government is urging greater use of solar power to generate electricity in homes, so a solar panel installer salary can be healthy.
If you want to know 'How much does a solar panel installer earn?', then we’ve got the answers below.
Whether you're relatively inexperienced, or setting out with on your own, the average salary for a solar panel technician goes up as your experience grows.
Starting your own solar panel installer business could be for you. If you fancy being your own boss, then we’re talking about a much higher solar panel installation salary.
Want to know roughly what to expect? Then read on!
How much does a solar panel installer earn?
Solar panel installers can come from different trade backgrounds. One of the more common is an electrician.
If you’re an electrician thinking about upskilling you’ll need to learn about these areas:
Understand about PV technology
Know how to install solar panels correctly
Test solar panels work once installed
Service, maintain and clean solar panels
An entry-level solar panel fitter salary probably starts with apprentices. That's why taking apprenticeship qualifications is a good way to get into the solar panel installer trade.
Once you’ve gained the necessary skills, here’s what you can expect from the average solar panel installer salary:
| Level | Per hour | Per day | Per year | Business Costs* | Approximate Take Home Pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | £6.30 | £50 | £11,063 | £0 | £10,715 |
| Newly Qualified | £18.20 | £146 | £31,959 | £0 | £25,225 |
| Employed | £22 | £176 | £45,760 | £0 | £34,700 |
| Sole Trader | £38 | £304 | £56,052 | £7,006 | £37,600 |
| Business Owner (ltd company) | £35.80 | £286 | £52,806 | £9,241 | £37,570 |
| *includes estimated costs for business expenses such as vehicle, tools, insurance, fuel etc | |||||
| Last updated: November 2024 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | |||||
Apprentice solar panel installer
The average solar panel installer salary in the UK for apprentice-level skills is £11,063 per year.
Newly qualified solar panel installer
Once you’ve qualified, expect to earn more. The average salary for a newly qualified solar panel technician is £31,959 per year.
Employed solar panel installer with experience
The more experience you have, the higher your salary should be. A solar panel installer salary for employees is typically £45,760 per year.
Owning your solar panel installer business
The next big step up in the solar panel installation salary range is when you run your own business. Typically, this usually means being a sole trader or a limited company.
As a sole trader, expect an average solar panel installer salary of £56,052 per year.
Setting up a limited company can be more complicated. But it also offers the opportunity to increase your solar panel fitter salary. Typically, a business owner of a solar panel installer limited company can earn £52,806 per year.
Whatever type of business you own, you’ll have to pay business expenses. These can restrict how much you have available to pay your solar panel installer salary.
How to start a solar panel business
We are becoming increasingly aware of the negative effects we have on the environment. As a result, the renewable energy sector stands at the forefront of innovation and change. Installing solar panels is one of the easiest ways to access sustainable energy in homes and businesses. It’s no surprise
How much do solar panel installers earn as an employee?
As we’ve said, upskilling as an electrician could be your route into this trade. The average wage for solar panel installers who work for companies is usually paid in one of two ways.
Either hourly or daily rates are common. It usually depends on how your employer likes to do it.
Hourly rate for solar panel installers
Apprentice: £6.30 per hour
Newly qualified: £18.20 per hour
More experienced employee: £22 per hour
Daily rate for solar panel installers
These rates are based on an eight-hour day.
Apprentice: £50 per day
Newly qualified: £146 per day
More experienced employee: £176 per day
Being paid hourly or daily will vary. It can depend on what customers prefer and how long typical jobs take to complete.
Power up your trade business jobs
Find more solar panel leads in your area with Checkatrade
Solar panel installation salary for business owners
Before starting your own trade business, think about a workable business plan. You’ll probably be glad you did.
Many trade professionals start as sole traders before they transition to limited company status as their business grows. It can be a big step to take - there are benefits and drawbacks of being a limited company.
Remember that as you own a business you’ll have business expenses to pay. The risk of accidents working at height also means solar panel installation insurance ought to be considered.
Some types of insurance are also a legal requirement if you have employees.
How much does a solar panel installer earn as a sole trader?
What many tradespeople like about being a sole trader is having control over how and when you work. The average solar panel fitter salary if you’re a sole trader is £56,052 per year.
The amount you can expect to pay in business costs as a solar panel installer sole trader is £7,006 per year.
Solar panel installation salary running a limited company
If you decide to set up a limited company, your salary earning potential also goes up compared with being an employee.
A solar panel installation salary, if you own a limited, is typically £52,806 per year.
Looking at business costs, for a limited company it can average around £9,241 per year. These higher business costs could mean your average annual salary is lower compared with being a sole trader.
However, some of these expenses can be claimed back from the business itself. Not sure where to start?
How to claim expenses for your trade business
Working out your expenses is probably a main contender for the least favourite work task. But having an efficient small business tracking process ensures you deduct the right expenses from your taxable profit. Keeping on top of limited company expenses reduces taxable profit and helps businesses to
Get help with leads for your solar panel installer business
You’ll want to boost your solar panel installation salary as much as possible. Finding and winning new customers is the core of a profitable trade business.
Looking for leads while running your business can be time-consuming. That’s where Checkatrade can support you. Our members receive our help with new enquiries. There are lots of other benefits of Checkatrade membership too.
They include:
Exclusive offers and discounts with suppliers like Tradepoint and Wickes
Reduced cost of workwear and branding
Guaranteed work when booked through us (T&Cs apply)
Dedicated trades apps for job management and quoting/invoicing
What do you need to become Checkatrade approved?
Becoming a Checkatrade member comes with a whole host of benefits, but the biggest has to be gaining our seal of approval. Homeowners tend to expect a commitment to quality when it comes to the Checkatrade tick, which can help you to win more business. Here are the checks you'll need to pass to join our directory.
Key takeaways
A solar panel installation salary can be lucrative as demand grows for greener energy in homes and commercial properties
The average solar panel installer salary usually rises according to your experience and qualifications
A solar panel fitter salary is likely to be higher if you run your own business – either as a sole trader or a limited company
You can upskill from other trade professions – like electricians – to become a solar panel installer
Make savings on a range of business essentials
Checkatrade members get discounts on insurance, materials and more!
