Life As a Solar Photovoltaic Installer
Solar Photovoltaic Installer Job Description Assemble, install, or maintain solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on roofs or other structures in compliance with site assessment and schematics. May include measuring, cutting, assembling, and bolting structural framing and solar modules. May perform minor electrical work such as current checks.
A Day in the Life of a Solar Photovoltaic Installer
- Determine materials, equipment, and installation sequences necessary to maximize installation efficiency.
- Determine connection interfaces for additional subpanels or for connecting photovoltaic (PV) systems with utility services or other power generation sources.
- Identify and resolve any deficiencies in photovoltaic (PV) system installation or materials.
- Install required labels on solar system components and hardware.
- Diagram layouts and locations for photovoltaic (PV) arrays and equipment, including existing building or site features.
- Check electrical installation for proper wiring, polarity, grounding, or integrity of terminations.
Featured schools near , edit
Solar Photovoltaic Installer Required Skills
When polled, Solar Photovoltaic Installers say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Installation: Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Photovoltaic Installation Technician (PV Installation Technician)
- Solar Installation Helper
- Solar Electric/Photovoltaic Installer (Solar Electric/PV Installer)
- Solar Installer
- Apprentice
Is There Job Demand for Solar Photovoltaic Installers?
There were about 11,300 jobs for Solar Photovoltaic Installer in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 104.4% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 11,800 new jobs for Solar Photovoltaic Installer by 2026. The BLS estimates 3,000 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Solar Photovoltaic Installer are California, New Mexico, and Ohio. Watch out if you plan on working in Indiana, Massachusetts, or Vermont. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Solar Photovoltaic Installer Salary
The salary for Solar Photovoltaic Installers ranges between about $30,180 and $63,580 a year.
Solar Photovoltaic Installers who work in Michigan, Hawaii, or Massachusetts, make the highest salaries.
How much do Solar Photovoltaic Installers make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Arizona | $33,750 |
| California | $46,390 |
| Colorado | $48,280 |
| Florida | $38,660 |
| Hawaii | $54,420 |
| Iowa | $37,610 |
| Louisiana | $50,340 |
| Maine | $39,500 |
| Maryland | $47,290 |
| Massachusetts | $53,310 |
| Michigan | $57,610 |
| Missouri | $35,890 |
| Nevada | $49,260 |
| New Hampshire | $46,480 |
| New Jersey | $55,140 |
| New Mexico | $39,900 |
| New York | $48,630 |
| North Carolina | $33,830 |
| Oregon | $53,140 |
| Texas | $42,920 |
| Utah | $44,440 |
| Vermont | $39,720 |
| Virginia | $39,590 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Solar Photovoltaic Installers
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Solar Photovoltaic Installers:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Outlook
- Extensible markup language XML
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Salesforce software
- Work scheduling software
- Cost estimating software
- Project management software
How do I Become a Solar Photovoltaic Installer?
Education needed to be a Solar Photovoltaic Installer:
How Long Does it Take to Become a Solar Photovoltaic Installer?
Where Solar Photovoltaic Installers Work
The table below shows the approximate number of Solar Photovoltaic Installers employed by various industries.
References:
Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Ryan Conroy via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
Request Info
|
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |
Course Advisor provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© Course Advisor – All Rights Reserved.