What Do Solar PV Installers Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

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Job Description, Daily Responsibilities, and Work Life

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.

Salary
$48020
Becoming One
Easy
Education
No degree required
Job Satisfaction
Low
Job Growth

Personality
Interest Match



Job Description

Job Description

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. They also install photovoltaic (PV) systems in accordance with codes and standards, using drawings, schematics, and instructions.

Other tasks include:

  • 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.
  • Install module array interconnect wiring, implementing measures to disable arrays during installation.
  • Identify methods for laying out, orienting, and mounting modules or arrays to ensure efficient installation, electrical configuration, or system maintenance.
  • Identify electrical, environmental, and safety hazards associated with photovoltaic (PV) installations.

We asked Solar PV Installers how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

Job satisfaction

63%

How meaningful is this job

56%


63% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 56% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.



Typical Day At Work

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 interconnect 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.

We asked some Solar PV Installers a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

Do you have telephone conversations everyday in this job? 59% said yes
How important is it to work in a team in this job? 32% said very important
Do you have group discussions everyday in this job? 75% said yes
Do you talk or work with customers everyday in this job? 5% said yes
Do you have to deal with angry customers everyday in this job? 0% said yes
Do you have to make decisions everyday in this job? 63% said yes

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 operating condition 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.


Working life

Working hours

More than 40 hours per week

Working schedule

Irregular work schedule that changes depending on weather conditions, customer demand or contract duration.

In a typical work week as a Solar Photovoltaic Installer, you can expect to work more than 40 hours per week.

Do Solar PV Installers work in an office-style work environment?

Never
47%


Once a month
23%


Do Solar PV Installers work outdoors?

Every day
62%


Once a week
19%



Is this right for me

Best personality for this career

The Builders and The Organizers

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.

You can read more about these career personality types here.



Learn more about Solar PV Installers

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Related to Solar Photovoltaic Installers Job Description

Solar Photovoltaic Installers job description, what do Solar Photovoltaic Installers do, typical day for Solar Photovoltaic Installers, what is it like to work as a Solar Photovoltaic Installer, how many hours do Solar Photovoltaic Installers work, day to day work of a Solar Photovoltaic Installer

Additional resources

http://www.bls.gov/OOH/construction-and-extraction/solar-photovoltaic-installers.htm
http://www.electricaltrainingalliance.org/
http://www.eta-i.org/
http://www.irecusa.org/


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