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All About Solar Photovoltaic Installers
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.
Life As a Solar Photovoltaic Installer
- Determine materials, equipment, and installation sequences necessary to maximize installation efficiency.
- Install photovoltaic (PV) systems in accordance with codes and standards, using drawings, schematics, and instructions.
- Activate photovoltaic (PV) systems to verify system functionality and conformity to performance expectations.
- Visually inspect and test photovoltaic (PV) modules or systems.
- Install module array interconnect wiring, implementing measures to disable arrays during installation.
- Check electrical installation for proper wiring, polarity, grounding, or integrity of terminations.
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Solar Photovoltaic Installer Skills
Solar Photovoltaic Installers state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
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:
- Electro-Mechanical Solar Technician
- Solar Designer/Installer
- Photovoltaic Installation Technician (PV Installation Technician)
- Lead Installer
- Solar Technician
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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 3,000 job openings in this field each 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.
Do Solar Photovoltaic Installers Make A Lot Of Money?
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.
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 |
What Tools do Solar Photovoltaic Installers Use?
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?
Individuals working as a Solar Photovoltaic Installer have obtained the following education levels:
How Long Does it Take to Become a Solar Photovoltaic Installer?
Who Employs Solar Photovoltaic Installers?
Solar Photovoltaic Installers work in the following industries:
References:
Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Ryan Conroy via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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