Talk to your school counselor about programs and classes like woodworking that are offered at your school so you can start learning skills that will get you started in this field.

Find a class to jump-start your construction skills.

Search for conferences in your area or online that you could attend to learn more about green products and technologies. Network, discover career opportunities, and get inspired!

Attend a conference for green products and technologies.

Discover how solar panels convert solar energy to electrical energy. Is this something you would like to learn more about and possibly work on someday?  

Learn how solar panels work. 

Search online for how-to videos to see how hard this work is to master--and whether it's something you think you'd like. Does seeing this kind of work in action make you more interested in trying it?

Watch tutorials on how to do this kind of work.

Solar Photovoltaic 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.

Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Realistic

Second Interest High-Point

Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Conventional

Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Investigative

Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Social

Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

Enterprising

Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

Artistic

First Interest High-Point

Third Interest High-Point

Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed

Construction and Extraction Occupations

Construction Trades Workers

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.

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.

Examine designs to determine current requirements for all parts of the photovoltaic (PV) system electrical circuit.

Check electrical installation for proper wiring, polarity, grounding, or integrity of terminations.

Test operating voltages to ensure operation within acceptable limits for power conditioning equipment, such as inverters and controllers.

Identify and resolve any deficiencies in photovoltaic (PV) system installation or materials.

Program, adjust, or configure inverters and controls for desired set points and operating modes.

Identify installation locations with proper orientation, area, solar access, or structural integrity for photovoltaic (PV) arrays.

Visually inspect and test photovoltaic (PV) modules or systems.

Install required labels on solar system components and hardware.

Determine photovoltaic (PV) system designs or configurations based on factors such as customer needs, expectations, and site conditions.

Determine materials, equipment, and installation sequences necessary to maximize installation efficiency.

Determine connection interfaces for additional subpanels or for connecting photovoltaic (PV) systems with utility services or other power generation sources.

Perform routine photovoltaic (PV) system maintenance on modules, arrays, batteries, power conditioning equipment, safety systems, structural systems, weather sealing, or balance of systems equipment.

Install active solar systems, including solar collectors, concentrators, pumps, or fans.

Activate photovoltaic (PV) systems to verify system functionality and conformity to performance expectations.

Demonstrate system functionality and performance, including start-up, shut-down, normal operation, and emergency or bypass operations.

Measure and analyze system performance and operating parameters to assess operating condition of systems or equipment.

Compile or maintain records of system operation, performance, and maintenance.

Diagram layouts and locations for photovoltaic (PV) arrays and equipment, including existing building or site features.

Select mechanical designs, installation equipment, or installation plans that conform to environmental, architectural, structural, site, and code requirements.

Acetylene torches

Adjustable hand wrenches

Builders' levels

Caulking equipment

Channel lock pliers

Solar Photovoltaic Installers

Overview

Career

What Solar Photovoltaic Installers Do

Other Job Titles Solar Photovoltaic Installers May Have

Tasks & Responsibilities May Include

Solar Photovoltaic Installers

Overview

Career

What Solar Photovoltaic Installers Do

Other Job Titles Solar Photovoltaic Installers May Have

Tasks & Responsibilities May Include

Education

Level of Education Attained by Solar Photovoltaic Installers

Majors Related to Career