Key responsibilities

Key responsibilities include making sure that the modules are installed in line with a method statement. The method statement typically includes all the information from the module manufacturer in terms of storage, handling, and fixing onto the mounting structures.

As a supervisor, your responsibility is to ensure that the modules are installed correctly and that the warranty remains intact.

Cable trenches next to the solar panels

Secondly, you have a responsibility of ensuring that your meeting project deadlines. Typically what happens is that after modules get installed a physical inspection takes place and cold commissioning. The modules are then plugged together and go live, and then get hot commissioned.

Thirdly, and most importantly you are responsible for ensuring that all employees operate in the safest manner possible. Especially when the modules are connected together. Safety on site is #1 above all else.

Inverter testing

Typical work day

A typical workday starts at around 06:30 to 07:00 am with a briefing meeting. Here typical issues are raised and discussed, yesterday’s progress and backlogs are addressed and more importantly, safety concerns/issues are addressed.

Following this, the team gets ready for the day ahead. Since I worked on a large solar PV plant, there were sectional supervisors in each area where the team would be installing the PV panels, combiner boxes, trench works, and cabling. This is where you would make sure that the team is installing each PV Modules/Equipment in line with the approved method statement.

Installing inverter station for transforming power from DC to AC

Lunch usually occurs around 12:00 – 13:00.

The rest of the day from 13:00 to 14:00 the team is back in the field carrying on the installation works.

That in a nutshell is a typical day’s work. Throughout the day you might need to deal with any issues that could occur such as poor workmanship, slow progress, or lack of adherence to safety protocols.

Pros

• Seeing a project come to completion is very satisfying
• Solar is multidisciplinary you will work on PV modules, mounting structures, cabling, and trenches all in one day. You will never get bored.
• Exposure to fast-changing technologies.

Finished work

Cons

• Lots of compliance work (paperwork, meeting, etc)
• Pressure to complete tasks on time and within budget

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