Life As a Solar Photovoltaic Installer
Career 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
- 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.
- Determine materials, equipment, and installation sequences necessary to maximize installation efficiency.
- Identify electrical, environmental, and safety hazards associated with photovoltaic (PV) installations.
- Apply weather sealing to array, building, or support mechanisms.
- Diagram layouts and locations for photovoltaic (PV) arrays and equipment, including existing building or site features.
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What Every Solar Photovoltaic Installer Should Know
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 Photovoltaic Installer (Solar PV Installer)
- Lead Installer
- Solar Panel Installer
- Photovoltaic Technician
- Photovoltaic Installer (PV Installer)
Job Outlook for Solar Photovoltaic Installers
In the United States, there were 11,300 jobs for Solar Photovoltaic Installer in 2016. 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.
Solar Photovoltaic Installer Average Salary
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?
Learn what Solar Photovoltaic Installer education requirements there are.
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where do Solar Photovoltaic Installers Work?
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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