Former Solar Installer – Transition to Historic Preservation Trades

Solar gave you skills. We'll give you a career.

The solar industry has left a lot of talented, skilled workers in a difficult position. At Renaissance Historic Exteriors, we see something others miss: solar installers are uniquely prepared for historic restoration trades work. You're height-comfortable. You're safety-minded. You understand roof systems, tools, and the discipline of precise, consequence-heavy installation work.

We'll take those skills and build on them. You'll train alongside master craftsmen in slate, tile, copper, and historic preservation techniques — earning while you learn, in a trade with genuine long-term career depth. Historic restoration specialists are rare and in demand nationally. This is not a lateral move — it's an upgrade.

• Comfort and competence at heights, on pitched surfaces, with fall‑protection systems.
• Experience with roof structure, weather sealing, and precision layout.
• Safety culture and situational awareness that general laborers often lack.
• Mechanical aptitude and a trained eye for system‑level thinking.
• Work ethic developed in a results‑oriented, high‑accountability environment.

• Historic roofing restoration with natural slate, clay tile, and architectural copper.
• Flashing, waterproofing, and steep‑slope techniques specific to landmark structures.
• Hands‑on work on State Capitols, churches, universities, and National Register properties.
• Progression through our apprenticeship structure into a fully specialized historic tradesperson role.

• $25–$40/hr — starting rate reflects your transferable skills, not a fresh‑start penalty.
• Group Health, Dental & Vision Insurance after 90 days.
• Formal apprenticeship track with advancement milestones and pay increases.
• Year‑round work with a company that has grown continuously since 1992.
• Travel per diem for Midwest project assignments.