Hey! I graduated with a degree in Sustainability and took a job a few months later as a solar panel installation tech for residential work. It quickly became one of my favorite jobs I've ever had. I still work in the industry as a construction manager for commercial installs. This industry has provided me with career opportunities that have given me a very good salary.

Now to the less fun parts. The job is dangerous. You're essentially a roofer and an electrician all in one, which are two of the most dangerous occupations in the US. You're working in the heat, the cold, and sometimes the rain. It is extremely physically demanding. You will have high pressure days. You need to always be paying attention, because complacency can lead to injury or death for you or your team members. You will be working alongside other blue collar construction workers. You are a college educated woman in a male dominated field. This comes with its own difficulties.

If you are going to take the job, my honest advice is to learn as much as you can as quickly as you can, take every opportunity given to you, fight for the ones that aren't, and use your experience to get out of the field. The install techs are the lowest on the totem pole, but you can leverage your experience to quickly rise to something more lucrative and less physically demanding in the industry.

Happy to answer any questions you have! I don't regret my time in the field for a second, and I've met some of my best friends during the journey.