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Life As a 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.

List of Solar Photovoltaic Installer Job Duties

Determine materials, equipment, and installation sequences necessary to maximize installation efficiency.
Diagram layouts and locations for photovoltaic (PV) arrays and equipment, including existing building or site features.
Apply weather sealing to array, building, or support mechanisms.
Install module array interconnect wiring, implementing measures to disable arrays during installation.
Check electrical installation for proper wiring, polarity, grounding, or integrity of terminations.
Install active solar systems, including solar collectors, concentrators, pumps, or fans.

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Qualities of a Solar Photovoltaic Installer

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

PV Installer Tech
Electro-Mechanical Solar Technician
Photovoltaic Installer (PV Installer)
Solar Power Installer
Solar Installer PV

Job Outlook 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.

Average Solar Photovoltaic Installers Salary

Solar Photovoltaic Installers make between $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

What Tools 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

How to 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?

References:

Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Ryan Conroy via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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