Houses & Buildings
Related
Jobs or Working with these Jobs
    
Emerging Job
Solar panel installers set up solar panels on roofs and structures on land,
to convert solar power into renewable energy. Installers are also
responsible for maintaining solar panels and ensuring the wiring systems
safe and efficient. 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.
Solar
photovoltaic (PV) installers, also known as PV installers, assemble,
install, and maintain solar panel systems on rooftops or other
structures.Solar PV installers are key to the operations of solar
panel installation and maintenance. They utilize a particular skill-set
to maximize the effectiveness of both residential and commercial
projects.
ANZSCO ID: 2333Alternative names: Solar Photovoltaic
Installer, Solar PV Installer, Solar Panel Technician,
Solar Installer,
Specialisations: Home Installer; Solar Panel Farm Installer;
Building Solar Panel Installer
Knowledge, skills and attributes
- Knowledge of electrical systems
- Good maths skills
- Design skills and understanding
- Good attention to detail
- Analytical thinking skills
- Ability to work well with others
- Ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
(Source:
Owlguru)
Duties and Tasks
style=">Solar Installer Job Responsibilities
One of the most important aspects of a solar installer's role is the
design and planning of the project site. Before the project can start, a
full review of the structure is conducted, including an audit of the
current electrical system and development of any site-specific safety
precautions. The project is then designed based on the shading and
structural qualities of the site and the type of photovoltaic system
being installed. After the design and specifications are finalized, the
permits are obtained from the relevant local or state governments. If
the installer does not do these preparations themselves, they must
become familiar with the permits and arrangements before they begin
working on it.
Once installation starts, essential safety equipment, such as a harness
and anchor system, must be set up to protect the installer from falls.
Sometimes, the roof will have to be reinforced to support the solar
modules; this may involve upgrading materials, replacing rafters, or
introducing backings to handle the weight of the modules. The markings
must be made to show exactly where each module will be placed, and holes
are drilled in the roof to attach the mounting framework. After the
mounting is in place, the solar panels can be installed. Extreme caution
is taken during installation because the modules are delicate, costly,
and weigh about 18K each. Installers do not want to be on the hook
for modules that need repair or substitution because of damage during
the installation process.
Solar Installers' main tasks include installing solar
systems, repair and maintenance of solar electrical systems, and estimating
work requirements for quotes.
- Assess locations to ensure they are suitable for
solar panels
- Measure up areas for installation
- Make adjustments to building surfaces so panels
fit and are adequately supported
- Install and maintain solar panels on homes,
business premises or open land
- Install active solar systems, including solar collectors,
concentrators, pumps, or fans.
- Connect solar panels to an electrical system
- Ground electrical equipment and check wiring
- Adhere to strict health and safety guidelines
- Perform maintenance checks and fix solar panels
on modules, arrays, batteries, power conditioning equipment, safety
systems, structural systems, weather sealing, or balance of systems
equipment.
- Determine appropriate sizes, ratings, and locations for all system
overcurrent devices, disconnect devices, grounding equipment, and surge
suppression equipment.
- Use a variety of technical equipment and tools
- 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.
- Demonstrate system functionality and performance, including
start-up, shut-down, normal operation, and emergency or bypass
operations.
- Compile or maintain records of system operation, performance, and
maintenance.
(Source:
RiotACT)
Working Conditions
Solar panel technicians have a tough job. Mainly,
they’re responsible for assembling, installing, and fixing solar panels on
roofs. Their jobs are physically demanding. They have to lift and carry
heavy things, and be able to climb buildings and other high places, so they
can’t be afraid of heights. Solar panel technicians also need to be smart.
Not only do they install solar panels, they also have to figure out how to
do so without harming the structural integrity of buildings, and how to
orient the panels so they get as much sunlight as possible. They also have
to repair them when they’re damaged. On top of that, these technicians have
to be aware of federal and local building codes that govern solar panels, so
they are in compliance with the law.
Many new PV installers begin by performing basic tasks, such as
installing support structures and placing PV panels or PV shingles on
top of them. Once the panels are in place, more-experienced installers
usually perform more-complex duties, such as connecting electrical
components.
Depending on the job and state laws, PV installers may connect the solar
panels to the electric grid, although electricians sometimes perform
this duty. Once the panels are installed, workers check the electrical
systems for proper wiring, polarity, and grounding, and they also
perform maintenance as needed.
Because photovoltaic (PV) panels convert sunlight into electricity, most
PV installation is done outdoors. Residential installers work on
rooftops and in attics and crawl spaces to connect panels to the
electric grid. PV installers who build solar farms work at ground level
and need to build structures to hold the PV panel framework.
PV installers may work alone or as part of a team. Installation of solar
panels may require the help of roofers and electricians, as well as
solar photovoltaic installers.
They are in charge of safely attaching the modules to the roofs
of houses or other buildings and guaranteeing that the entire systems
works. Solar PV installers are expected to work with a variety of tools
(both electronic and mechanical), have knowledge of electrical wiring,
and possess basic math skills. At any given point, installers must be
ready to be problem solvers, ready to repair damaged systems or replace
malfunctioning components at the drop of a hat. Not surprisingly, safety
is a top priority when installing solar panels because of the height of
most projects and the high voltage that solar panels produce.
Solar PV installers can either be self-employed as general contractors
or employed by solar panel installation companies. Self-employed
installers typically have training and experience with installing a
variety of solar power systems and are hired directly by the property
owners or by a project development firm. Installation companies
typically specialize in installing a certain type of module, and may
also provide some maintenance and repair services. When a solar panel
system is purchased, installers may provide the buyer with maintenance
and repair work to complete themselves.
Tools and technologies
Solar PV panels convert sunlight to electricity, and PV installers put these
systems in place. PV installers use a variety of hand and power tools to
install PV panels. They often use drills, wrenches, saws, and screwdrivers
to connect panels to frames, wires, and support structures
Education and training/entrance requirements
You can gain the qualifications you need by TAFE
course and an apprenticeship. You may find work as an electrician’s mate,
assistant,or trainee electrician. Your employer may support you to train to
become fully qualified and then you can go on to gain further qualifications
and specialise in solar panel installation.
Employment Opportunities
This is an emerging job and as such has great potential
in Australia.
|
 
|
