Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz
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Solar PV Installers
Solar PV Installers 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.
Table of contents
What they do
Solar PV Installers 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.
- Install photovoltaic (PV) systems in accordance with codes and standards, using drawings, schematics, and instructions.
- Assemble solar modules, panels, or support structures, as specified.
- Apply weather sealing to array, building, or support mechanisms.
- Determine appropriate sizes, ratings, and locations for all system overcurrent devices, disconnect devices, grounding equipment, and surge suppression equipment.
Typical day
On a daily basis, Solar PV Installers identify electrical, environmental, and safety hazards associated with photovoltaic (PV) installations. They assemble solar modules, panels, or support structures, as specified.
A typical day for a Solar Photovoltaic Installer will also include:
- Install module array interconnects wiring, implementing measures to disable arrays during installation.
- Determine appropriate sizes, ratings, and locations for all system overcurrent devices, disconnect devices, grounding equipment, and surge suppression equipment.
- Test operating voltages to ensure operation within acceptable limits for power conditioning equipment, such as inverters and controllers.
- Apply weather sealing to array, building, or support mechanisms.
- Determine photovoltaic (PV) system designs or configurations based on factors such as customer needs, expectations, and site conditions.
Other responsibilities
Besides their typical day, Solar PV Installers also demonstrate system functionality and performance, including start-up, shut-down, normal operation, and emergency or bypass operations. They may also program, adjust, or configure inverters and controls for desired set points and operating modes.
On a weekly to monthly basis, Solar PV Installers measure and analyze system performance and operating parameters to assess the operating conditions of systems or equipment. They might also Identify installation locations with proper orientation, area, solar access, or structural integrity for photovoltaic (PV) arrays.
In addition, they identify and resolve any deficiencies in photovoltaic (PV) system installation or materials.
Although specific duties may vary, many of them examine designs to determine current requirements for all parts of the photovoltaic (PV) system electrical circuit.
To some Solar PV Installers, it is also their responsibility to install module array interconnect wiring, implementing measures to disable arrays during installation.
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What is the job like
Job satisfaction
Is this job meaningful
63% said they were satisfied with their job and 56% said they found their job meaningful.
My daily routine 5:45am: Check the weather. Start driving truck to a repair while talking to employees on the phone. 8am: Arrive on-site and check in with homeowner and confirm services. Set up ladders to access roof and caution tape to create a safe working area. Begin repairs such as troubleshooting a ground fault, fixing … Read More
I work as a solar PV Installer. I’m responsible for installing the mechanical portion of the system such as the racking attached to the roof, and panel roof outlay by the design team. I work under the direction of the foreman too. Mount racking on rafters Drill holes into rafters Secure the racking with steel … Read More
Typically I arrive at the office, drink some coffee, and catch up on computer work. Troubleshooting system errors, inputting systems into our customers’ monitoring portals, coordinating with homeowners, ordering supplies, and ensuring that the crew has all the information and materials that they need for a successful install. Then it’s out into the field to … Read More
Pros
Suitable for people who like practical and hands-on work.
Suitable for people who value achievements and are results-oriented.
This career is perfect for people who love to work outdoors.
It is easy to get into this career. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for this career.
Cons
Not suitable for people who like to work with designs.
Salary is below average.
Long working hours (More than 40 hours per week).
How much do they make
Average salary
Average hourly wage
Entry-level Solar PV Installers with little to no experience can expect to make anywhere between $32,590 to $37,860 per year or $16 to $18 per hour.
| Salary by experience | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Highest (Top 10%) | $64,600 | $31 |
| Senior (Top 25%) | $55,760 | $27 |
| Median | $46,470 | $22 |
| Junior (Bottom 25%) | $37,860 | $18 |
| No experience (Bottom 10%) | $32,590 | $16 |
This table shows the top 10 highest paying industries for Solar PV Installers based on their average annual salary.
| Salary by industry | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Other Specialty Trade Contractors | $50410 | $24.24 |
| Nonresidential Building Construction | $50290 | $24.18 |
| Utility System Construction | $49210 | $23.66 |
| Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution | $48850 | $23.49 |
| Building Equipment Contractors | $48560 | $23.35 |
| Employment Services | $45220 | $21.74 |
| Foundation, Structure, and Building Exterior Contractors | $44610 | $21.45 |
| Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods | $40520 | $19.48 |
| Residential Building Construction | $33040 | $15.89 |
View more salary by industries here.
Where can they work
Where can Solar PV Installers work? Here is a table showing the top 10 largest employers of Solar PV Installers including the average salary in that industry.
| Employers | Total Employed | Annual Salary | Hourly Wages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building Equipment Contractors | 8190 | $48560 | $23.35 |
| Utility System Construction | 1150 | $49210 | $23.66 |
| Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution | 590 | $48850 | $23.49 |
| Nonresidential Building Construction | 150 | $50290 | $24.18 |
| Foundation, Structure, and Building Exterior Contractors | 120 | $44610 | $21.45 |
| Other Specialty Trade Contractors | $50410 | $24.24 | |
| Employment Services | $45220 | $21.74 | |
| Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods | $40520 | $19.48 | |
| Residential Building Construction | $33040 | $15.89 |
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What is the work day like
Working hours
Working schedule
How often do you use email in this job?
Telephone
How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
Group discussions
How often do you have group discussions in this job?
Public speaking
How often does this job require you to do public speaking?
Level of competition
How much competitive pressure is in this job?
What is the work environment like
Office-style environment
Indoors in an environmentally controlled condition
Warehouse-style environment
Indoors in a non-controlled environmental condition such as a warehouse
Outdoors
Outdoors exposed to all weather conditions
Outdoors – Under Cover
Outdoors but under cover (e.g. structure with roof but no walls)
How to become one
Difficulty to become one
Required level of education
What level of education do you need to perform the job?
Relevant majors
Solar Energy System Installation and Repair Technology
Roofer
Solar Energy Technology
Relevant work experience
How much related work experience do you need to get hired for the job?
On The Job Training
How much on the job training do you need to perform the job?
Should you become one
Best personality type for this career
People with this personality type likes practical and hands-on work. They prefer working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
People with The Builder personality type likes practical and hands-on work. They prefer working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
People with The Thinker personality likes to work with ideas that require an extensive amount of thinking. They prefer work that requires them to solve problems mentally.
People with The Artist personality likes to work with designs and patterns. They prefer activities that require self-expression and prefer work that can be done without following a clear set of rules.
People with The Helper personality type likes to work with people and in teams. They prefer work that allows them to build relationships with others.
People with The Leader personality likes to start and work on projects. They also like leading people and making many decisions.
People with The Organizer personality type likes to follow set procedures and routines. They prefer working with data and details more than with ideas.
You can read more about these career personality types here.
People who are suitable for this job tend 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.
Take this quiz to see if this is the right career for you.
Work Values
Which values are the most important to a person’s satisfaction for this job?
You are someone who is results oriented. You prefer work that allows you to utilize your skills and abilities while at the same time giving you a sense of accomplishment.
You are someone who values job security, steady employment, and good working conditions. You also prefer work that keeps you busy all the time with something different to do every day.
You are someone who values job advancement and leadership roles. You prefer work that receives recognition for the work you do and jobs that are looked up to by others in the company and your community.
You are someone who likes to provide a service to others. You prefer a work environment where you can work with your co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment.
You are someone who values a company that stands behind their employees. You prefer a work environment where everyone is treated fairly and is being supported by the company.
You are someone who likes to work on your own and make your own decisions. You prefer work that requires little supervision and are allowed to try out your own ideas.
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