Solar Panel Installer - Career Advice - Houses and Buildings

Houses & Buildings

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. Future Growth Very Strong

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: 2333

Alternative 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.

Solar Panel Installer
(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.

Solar Panel Installer at work
(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.