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Solar Photovoltaic Installer

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Life As a Solar Photovoltaic Installer

Occupation 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.

Solar Photovoltaic Installer Responsibilities

  • 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 module array interconnect wiring, implementing measures to disable arrays during installation.
  • Apply weather sealing to array, building, or support mechanisms.
  • Activate photovoltaic (PV) systems to verify system functionality and conformity to performance expectations.
  • Identify installation locations with proper orientation, area, solar access, or structural integrity for photovoltaic (PV) arrays.
  • Assemble solar modules, panels, or support structures, as specified.

What a Solar Photovoltaic Installer Should Know

Below is a list of the skills most Solar Photovoltaic Installers say are important on the job.

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.

Other Solar Photovoltaic Installer Job Titles

  • Photovoltaic Testing Technician (PV Testing Technician)
  • Photovoltaic Technician
  • Installer
  • Photovoltaic Fabrication and Testing Technician (PV Fabrication and Testing Technician)
  • Solar Photovoltaic Installer (Solar PV Installer)

Are There Job Opportunities 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. The BLS estimates 3,000 yearly job openings in this field.

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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 average yearly salary of a Solar Photovoltaic Installer ranges between $30,180 and $63,580.

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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 & 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

How to Become a Solar Photovoltaic Installer

Education needed to be a Solar Photovoltaic Installer:

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How Long Does it Take to Become a Solar Photovoltaic Installer?

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Where do Solar Photovoltaic Installers Work?

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Below are examples of industries where Solar Photovoltaic Installers work:

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References:

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

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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