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Solar Photovoltaic Installer

Overview and Key Facts

Solar panel installer
Education
Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Median Pay
Median Pay
$51,860
Job Growth
Job Growth
42.10%
(Above US Average)
Jobs in 2034
Jobs in 2034
40,600

What Do They Do?

A solar photovoltaic installer could...

 
House with solar panels
Fit a set of photovoltaic panels to the contours of a building's roof.
Solar panels in desert
Help power a military base by installing photovoltaic panels in a desert nearby.
Solar panel parking lot
Reinforce a carport roof to make sure it can withstand the weight of multiple photovoltaic panels.
Solar farm
Identify and replace damaged photovoltaic panels at a solar energy farm.
 
House with solar panels Solar panels in desert Solar panel parking lot Solar farm

Overview Listen to this section

Would you like knowing that what you do every day helps the environment and saves money? Well, that is what solar photovoltaic installers do. They outfit buildings and large solar energy farms with photovoltaic systems that convert free sunlight into clean and renewable energy. This is an exciting, emerging field that will enable you to combine a passion for the environment with mechanical and electrical skills.
In this video, Faisal El-Azzouzi, a construction manager who oversees crews of solar photovoltaic installers, talks about the need for skilled labor in this booming career.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7oxudDxH68

Do You Have the Skills and Characteristics of a Solar Photovoltaic Installer?


  1. Installation: ?
  2. Active Listening: ?
  3. Critical Thinking: ?
  4. Monitoring: ?
  5. Coordination: ?
More skills...

Core Tasks

Think about if you'd like the typical tasks a Solar Photovoltaic Installer might do:
  • Install photovoltaic (PV) systems in accordance with codes and standards, using drawings, schematics, and instructions.
  • Assemble solar modules, panels, or support structures, as specified.
  • Apply weather sealing to array, building, or support mechanisms.
  • Determine appropriate sizes, ratings, and locations for all system overcurrent devices, disconnect devices, grounding equipment, and surge suppression equipment.
  • Install module array interconnect wiring, implementing measures to disable arrays during installation.
  • Identify methods for laying out, orienting, and mounting modules or arrays to ensure efficient installation, electrical configuration, or system maintenance.
  • Identify electrical, environmental, and safety hazards associated with photovoltaic (PV) installations.
  • Examine designs to determine current requirements for all parts of the photovoltaic (PV) system electrical circuit.
  • Check electrical installation for proper wiring, polarity, grounding, or integrity of terminations.
  • Test operating voltages to ensure operation within acceptable limits for power conditioning equipment, such as inverters and controllers.
  • Identify and resolve any deficiencies in photovoltaic (PV) system installation or materials.
  • Identify installation locations with proper orientation, area, solar access, or structural integrity for photovoltaic (PV) arrays.
  • Program, adjust, or configure inverters and controls for desired set points and operating modes.
  • Visually inspect and test photovoltaic (PV) modules or systems.
  • Install required labels on solar system components and hardware.
  • Determine photovoltaic (PV) system designs or configurations based on factors such as customer needs, expectations, and site conditions.
  • 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.
  • 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 active solar systems, including solar collectors, concentrators, pumps, or fans.
  • Activate photovoltaic (PV) systems to verify system functionality and conformity to performance expectations.
  • Demonstrate system functionality and performance, including start-up, shut-down, normal operation, and emergency or bypass operations.
  • Measure and analyze system performance and operating parameters to assess operating condition of systems or equipment.
  • Compile or maintain records of system operation, performance, and maintenance.

Salary & Job Openings

Median Salary (Yearly Pay)

Tap or scroll over map to see median salaries for each state
No data available for some states (white on the map)

Future Jobs

Blast-Off:

How Will Solar Photovoltaic Installer Jobs Grow by 2034?
Projected % Growth
Rapid growth
(10% or higher)
Much faster than average
(7% - 10%)
Faster than average
(5% - 7%)
About as fast as average
(3% - 5%)
Slower than average
(0% - 3%)
Decreasing
Average of all U.S. jobs (5.3%)
Solar Photovoltaic Installer jobs (42.10%)
Source: https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/occupational-projections-and-characteristics.htm

Steps to Get There: Becoming a Solar Photovoltaic Installer

High School Subjects to Study

Aim to study the yellow-shaded subjects.
Math
Algebra 1
Geometry
Algebra 2
Pre-Calculus
Calculus
Statistics
Science
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Environmental Science
Physiology
Bio-Medical / Biotech
IT &
Engineering
Computer Science
Applied Technology
Drafting & CAD Training
Core
English
Foreign Language
Business
Psychology / Sociology

Career Pathway Listen to this section

The minimum education recommended is a degree from a vocational school. However, applicants with a high school degree can pursue careers as solar photovoltaic installers with extensive on-the-job training. This is an emerging, in-demand career. Solar photovoltaic installers who get further training and acquire electrical licenses can become lead installers and eventually assume more responsibilities, such as applying for work permits, planning, and system design.

Some employers require that applicants be certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (or NABCEP).

Education- Typical Degree Needed After High School Listen to this section

Degree
Post
high school credential
AA
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctoral or Professional Degree

Typical degree for an entry-level position: High school diploma or equivalent ? Types of Degrees and Credentials

The minimum degree required to enter this field is a vocational or associate's degree. Applicants should obtain math, construction, roofing, and mechanical skills along with electrical experience during schooling.

Companies That Hire Solar Photovoltaic Installers

Try it Out with an Activity or Project

STEM Activities

STEM activities are fun hands-on explorations that usually take from 10 minutes to one hour and use readily available household or classroom materials while introducing you to STEM concepts common in this career.

Science Project Ideas

Project Ideas are in-depth STEM explorations that have a strong focus on controlling variables, taking accurate measurements, and analyzing data suitable for investigating the scientific method or the engineering design process.

On the Job

Role Models

In this interview, Jason Edens, rural solar advocate, answers questions about solar heating systems and how he got started.
At RREAL, we take great pride in the fact that we’ve been able to address a social-justice issue — rural poverty — with an environmentally sound and appropriate technology. 
Jason Edens, Rural Renewable Energy Alliance

Nature of the Work

A solar photovoltaic system is made up of solar cells that are joined into modules and then further connected into large panels. Solar photovoltaic installers assemble, install, or maintain solar photovoltaic systems on roofs, sides of buildings, poles, and the ground according to plans made by solar energy systems engineers. They may measure, cut, assemble, and bolt structural framing and solar modules. Some solar photovoltaic installers may perform minor electrical work such as current checks.

Most solar photovoltaic systems are installed on the rooftops of buildings. In this case, solar photovoltaic installers must determine if the rooftop can bear the weight of the system. If not, then the solar photovoltaic installers must improve the structural integrity of the roof. They must also design the system to fit on the roof.

Once the system is fixed to the site, the solar photovoltaic installers wait for a licensed electrician to connect the system to the utility box and the main electrical grid. Solar photovoltaic installers can connect the system themselves if they are licensed electricians. Solar photovoltaic installers who are licensed are lead installers. After the system has been connected, the solar photovoltaic installers are responsible for activating the system and making sure that it is functioning properly.

As the use of solar power expands, the tasks of solar photovoltaic installers are evolving. Some workers concentrate primarily on installing the panels. Others, especially those at small companies, do everything from sales to planning to wiring. Experienced installers in any company could advance to lead installer, system designer, sales representative, or other positions.

Work Environment

Most solar photovoltaic installers spend their days outdoors. Like construction workers, installers' days often start early to beat the worst of the heat. Work ceases when it rains, as installing systems is dangerous in wet weather. Working in high places requires taking special precautions, such as wearing a harness, but safety equipment is often no match for hazardous outdoor conditions. Following all safety procedures and regulations on the job is required.

Work schedules of solar photovoltaic installers can be similar to those of construction workers, with long hours on some days followed by periods of no employment.

More Information

Ask Questions

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Additional Resources

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