Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians: Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz

Job description

Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians install or repair solar energy systems designed to collect, store, and circulate solar-heated water for residential, commercial or industrial use.

• Test operation or functionality of mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and control systems.
• Apply weather seal, such as pipe flashings and sealants, to roof penetrations and structural devices.
• Install solar collector mounting devices on tile, asphalt, shingle, or built-up gravel roofs, using appropriate materials and penetration methods.
• Install copper or plastic plumbing using pipes, fittings, pipe cutters, acetylene torches, solder, wire brushes, sand cloths, flux, plastic pipe cleaners, or plastic glue.

Salary

Solar Hot Water Installers with little to no experience tend to make between $26440 and $31850 while the more experienced ones can earn over $50500 per year.

One of the easiest ways to increase your salary as a Solar Thermal Installer and Technician is to move to a higher paying state like IL. Right now, the highest paying states for Solar Hot Water Installers are IL, HI, DC, MN and SC.

However, a higher pay at IL doesn’t guarantee that you will make more because the living expenses at IL might be twice as high than where you are currently at now.

Three other factors that can increase your salary as a Solar Thermal Installer and Technician is the degree you hold, the industry you work in, and lastly the company you work for.

Requirements

We asked other Solar Hot Water Installers what degree they had when they got the job and most of them said they had a High School Diploma followed by a College Certificate.

Other than that, we also asked them what did they major in and here are the most popular majors that came up.

Pros and Cons

Here are some of the pros and cons of being a Solar Thermal Installer and Technician.

What is the job like

63% of Solar Hot Water Installers said they were satisfied with their job and 56% said they feel like their job is making other people’s lives better.

Is this right for me

You can read more about these career personality types here.

People who are suitable for this job tends to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery..

They also like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas.

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