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What Does it Take to Be a Solar Thermal Installer or Technician?

Job Description: Install or repair solar energy systems designed to collect, store, and circulate solar-heated water for residential, commercial or industrial use.

Solar Thermal Installer or Technician Responsibilities

Apply weather seal, such as pipe flashings and sealants, to roof penetrations and structural devices.
Design active direct or indirect, passive direct or indirect, or pool solar systems.
Install solar collector mounting devices on tile, asphalt, shingle, or built-up gravel roofs, using appropriate materials and penetration methods.
Fill water tanks and check tanks, pipes, and fittings for leaks.
Install heat exchangers and heat exchanger fluids according to installation manuals and schematics.
Install solar thermal system controllers and sensors.

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Skills Needed to be a Solar Thermal Installer or Technician

When polled, Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:

Installation: Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

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.

Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Solar Power Installer
Thermal Systems Technician
Ancillary Support Technician
Thermal Technician
Solar Water Heater Installer

Job Outlook for Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 42,700 jobs in the United States for Solar Thermal Installer or Technician. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 9.6% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 4,100 new jobs for Solar Thermal Installer or Technician by 2026. There will be an estimated 5,100 positions for Solar Thermal Installer or Technician per year.

The states with the most job growth for Solar Thermal Installer or Technician are District of Columbia, Colorado, and Idaho. Watch out if you plan on working in Maine, Alaska, or Virginia. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

What Tools do Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians:

Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Office
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Outlook
Word processing software
Autodesk AutoCAD
Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
National Instruments LabVIEW
Dassault Systemes CATIA
Dassault Systemes SOLIDWORKS
Salesforce software
Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications VBA
Work scheduling software
Palm OS
1CadCam Unigraphics
Cost estimating software
Project management software
PTC Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire
Computer-aided drafting or design software

How do I Become a Solar Thermal Installer or Technician?

Individuals working as a Solar Thermal Installer or Technician have obtained the following education levels:

How Long Does it Take to Become a Solar Thermal Installer or Technician?

References:

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