What Does it Take to Be a Solar Photovoltaic Installer?
Position 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.
Life As a Solar Photovoltaic Installer: What Do They Do?
- Install active solar systems, including solar collectors, concentrators, pumps, or fans.
- Determine photovoltaic (PV) system designs or configurations based on factors such as customer needs, expectations, and site conditions.
- Perform routine photovoltaic (PV) system maintenance on modules, arrays, batteries, power conditioning equipment, safety systems, structural systems, weather sealing, or balance of systems equipment.
- Install required labels on solar system components and hardware.
- Install module array interconnect wiring, implementing measures to disable arrays during installation.
- Determine connection interfaces for additional subpanels or for connecting photovoltaic (PV) systems with utility services or other power generation sources.
What a Solar Photovoltaic Installer Should Know
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.
Types of Solar Photovoltaic Installer
- Photovoltaic Panel Installer (PV Panel Installer)
- Solar Power Installer
- Solar Electric Installer
- Electro-Mechanical Solar 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. There will be an estimated 3,000 positions for Solar Photovoltaic Installer per year.
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.
Salary for a Solar Photovoltaic Installer
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 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 |
What Tools & Technology do Solar Photovoltaic Installers Use?
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
Becoming a Solar Photovoltaic Installer
Education needed to be a Solar Photovoltaic Installer:
What work experience do I need to become a Solar Photovoltaic Installer?
Where Solar Photovoltaic Installers Are Employed
Below are examples of industries where Solar Photovoltaic Installers work:
References:
Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Ryan Conroy via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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