Life As a Solar Photovoltaic Installer
Solar Photovoltaic Installer Example 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.
Life As a Solar Photovoltaic Installer
- Identify electrical, environmental, and safety hazards associated with photovoltaic (PV) installations.
- Compile or maintain records of system operation, performance, and maintenance.
- Assemble solar modules, panels, or support structures, as specified.
- Identify installation locations with proper orientation, area, solar access, or structural integrity for photovoltaic (PV) arrays.
- Test operating voltages to ensure operation within acceptable limits for power conditioning equipment, such as inverters and controllers.
- Identify methods for laying out, orienting, and mounting modules or arrays to ensure efficient installation, electrical configuration, or system maintenance.
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Things a Solar Photovoltaic Installer Should Know How to Do
These are the skills Solar Photovoltaic Installers say are the most useful in their careers:
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
- Solar Field Service Technician
- Lead Installer
- Solar Technician
- Photovoltaic Testing Technician (PV Testing Technician)
- Journeyman Electrician PV Installer
Solar Photovoltaic Installer Employment Estimates
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 11,300 jobs in the United States for Solar Photovoltaic Installer. 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.
Do Solar Photovoltaic Installers Make A Lot Of Money?
The average yearly salary of a Solar Photovoltaic Installer ranges between $30,180 and $63,580.

Solar Photovoltaic Installers who work in Michigan, Hawaii, or Massachusetts, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Solar Photovoltaic Installers in different U.S. states.
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
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Solar Photovoltaic Installers may use on a daily basis:
- 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?
What kind of Solar Photovoltaic Installer requirements are there?

How Long Does it Take to Become a Solar Photovoltaic Installer?

Where Solar Photovoltaic Installers Are Employed

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

References:
Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Ryan Conroy via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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