Solar installers, or PV (photovoltaic) installers, install and maintain solar panels on people’s homes, businesses and land. These installers also ensure safety standards and code are met while they’re doing their job.
The work may be done alone or as part of a team. It’s usually performed outdoors, so the work can be physically challenging.
Job Duties
Solar photovoltaic (PV) installers assemble, install and maintain solar panel systems that convert sunlight into electricity. Their work is generally done outdoors, though they can also perform tasks indoors depending on their job duties and state laws.
They use a variety of hand and power tools to assemble and connect solar panels and shingles to frames, wires, and support structures. They also perform maintenance as needed and check the electrical system for polarity and grounding, and they connect solar panels to the electric grid if required by state law.
They can also assist customers with obtaining federal tax credits and state rebates, as well as filling out paperwork for building and utility permits. They may also facilitate customer registration for a solar renewable energy credit (SREC) program, which is a tradable energy certificate that can be sold to your local power company.
Education and Training Requirements
The education and training requirements for solar installers vary by job, but a high school diploma or equivalent is often the minimum. However, many companies require that new solar technicians have specific certifications and on-the-job experience.
If you are interested in becoming a solar technician, consider enrolling in a community college or vocational institute that offers instruction in the safe use of specialized tools. These programs also offer training in system design and photovoltaics (PV).
A degree is not required in most states to become a solar installer, but it can help you advance in your career. Earning an associate’s degree in renewable energy can take two years to complete and opens up a range of opportunities.
Some states, such as Idaho and Iowa, require a NABCEP certification or equivalent to work as a solar installer. Others, such as Alaska, do not.
Work Environment
Solar photovoltaic installers assemble, install, and maintain solar panels that convert sunlight into electricity. They also work on rooftops, attics, and crawl spaces to connect solar panels to the electric grid.
They travel to job sites, and often work outdoors in direct sunlight. They risk falls from ladders and roofs, burns from hot equipment and materials, and shocks from electricity.
Typical job duties include assessing a site, designing the installation, and contributing information for permits or other related issues. They may also inspect and test the installed system to ensure it meets code.
PV installers typically undergo training over the course of a year or more, depending on their experience. They may take on-the-job training with experienced installers or enroll in training courses through community colleges and vocational schools.
Salary
Solar photovoltaic installation is one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy. This is in part because of the government’s push to encourage solar energy usage and incentives for consumers to use green power.
A solar installer job can be a lucrative career for those with the right skills and training. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that solar installation jobs will grow faster than other professions, a trend which is encouraging those with an interest in renewable energy to look into the field as a possible new career path.
Entry-level solar installation jobs require little more than a high school diploma and short-term training. However, the salary of a solar technician varies greatly depending on the level of experience and hours worked.