I get to the office at 7 a.m. to check my emails and catch up on anything that happened overnight. The technicians show up at 7:30 a.m. We start the day with a meeting where I touch base with all of my technicians, address any issues, and go over site and safety updates. The rest of my day involves a lot of calls and meetings. I also touch base with my field technicians. I spend the end of my day handling work orders that have been completed throughout the day and then planning for the next day.
CAREER
Solar Photovoltaic Installers
Overview
Salary Median (2023)
$48,800
Projected Job Growth (2023-2033)
+50.5% (much faster than the average)
Career
What Solar Photovoltaic Installers Do
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.
Other Job Titles Solar Photovoltaic Installers May Have
Journeyman Electrician PV Installer (Journeyman Electrician Photovoltaic Installer), PV Installation Tech (Photovoltaic Installation Technician), PV Installer (Photovoltaic Installer), Solar Designer, Solar Electric Installer, Solar Installer, Solar Panel Installation Technician (Solar Panel Installation Tech), Solar PV Installer (Solar Photovoltaic Installer), Solar PV Integrator (Solar Photovoltaic Integrator), Solar Technician (Solar Tech)
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- Install photovoltaic (PV) systems in accordance with codes and standards, using drawings, schematics, and instructions.
- Check electrical installation for proper wiring, polarity, grounding, or integrity of terminations.
- Identify electrical, environmental, and safety hazards associated with photovoltaic (PV) installations.
- Identify installation locations with proper orientation, area, solar access, or structural integrity for photovoltaic (PV) arrays.
- Assemble solar modules, panels, or support structures, as specified.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Solar Photovoltaic Installers
Most common level of education among people in
this career: Post-secondary certificate (37%)
Post-secondary certificate
High school diploma or equivalent
Bachelor's degree
Majors Related to Career
Getting Started
Recommended First Step for:
Everyone
If you're thinking about technical college, I recommend getting in touch with the faculty and asking for a tour. Go to the school and see for yourself if it would be a good fit. Speak to the instructors, tour the school, and see what kind of tools and training simulators they have. I also suggest taking advantage of internships. If a company or industry sounds interesting, apply for an internship and get first-hand insight into the work.
This page includes information from theO*NET 29.2 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
