Solar Installer Job & Solar Training Requirements

In the last job description we covered the solar installer helper which is basically a laborer. Now we move up to the Solar Installer specifically. This is not a simple position and requires experience in order to obtain this job. The solar installer is responsible for many tasks of the solar pv system installation. This is the backbone of the industry, without solar installers there would be no systems.

The job description is a little more in depth for the solar installer and has a more technical foundation. The specific tasks vary but having a strong electrical foundation is a must if you want to obtain this position.
The basic description for a solar installer will vary as the solar industry comprises the solar thermal sector and the solar electric sector. Some work in both but that requires many years of experience and training. The descriptions are as follows.

Solar Thermal:

Installs and repairs solar energy systems designed to collect, store and circulate solar-heated water or other medium for residential, commercial or industrial use.

Solar Electric:

Installs and repairs solar energy systems designed to collect, store and circulate electricity generated from the system for residential, commercial or industrial use.

Salary for this position varies depending on training and experience. On average the rate will run between $14-$20/hour. Once in this position your pay will increase with time and experience till you top out as a basic solar installer.

The recommended experience for this position is 2 years or directly related training. Your 2 years if your in the industry would come from being an installer helper and learning and working your way up. Others take the training route and go through various training organizations to obtain certificates or degrees through colleges and private organizations.

Also after 2 years of experience you should have had the ability to work as the responsible person on 2 system installations which is the other major requirement through NABCEP to sit for the installer certification exams for both solar pv and solar thermal. You also need 40 hours of NABCEP approved training.
The solar installer is responsible for several areas of the system installation. They are required to perform tasks related to electrical wiring, panel mounting on rooftops and ground rack systems, carpentry and handyman tasks, troubleshooting of systems, interaction with customers and other labor related work.

Some of the more specific qualifications to become a new solar installer are as follows according to IREC.

• Strong work ethic, self motivation, organization and a can-do attitude
• Experience in mechanical installations, general construction and ladder work
• Basic understanding/experience with electrical wiring of AC and DC systems PREFERRED
• 1-2 years of construction background is PREFERRED
• Experience with all types of hand-held and power tools
• Experience with small machinery (trenchers, bobcats, forklifts) PREFERRED
• Experience working with all types of building materials – various roof types, stucco, wood,
  concrete, Uni-strut, roofing etc PREFERRED
• Team player who listens, learns, and actively communicates • Visual thinker good at problem
  solving and implementing ideas • Knowledge of the RE marketplace, technology and industry •
• Desire to learn and master all aspects of installing solar PV systems
• Perform project installations including:
• Pulling inventory for specific projects
• On site design implementation – working off of plans and schematics
• Layout of solar modules / array
• Mechanical/structural mounting of racking, modules and electrical equipment
• Assembly of mounting hardware
• AC and DC Electrical wiring of systems
• Attic work in homes and businesses to verify structural attachment
• System commissioning / start-up
• Site clean-up
• Job Documentation – photos
• Drive the company truck to and from the job site as required
• Maintain minimum inventory levels on the work truck
• Pre-assemble job components in the warehouse
• Maintain a clean warehouse, truck and work site
• Perform tool maintenance as required
• Perform truck maintenance
• Attend mandatory training sessions on new products, methodology and safety
• Perform system service as required
• Distribute brochures/talk/sell solar as required to interested
• H.S. Diploma, two-year degree in technology/industrial arts

Things You Need To Know Before Beginning Your Solar Training

There are two specialties in the solar industry. You can specialize in solar electric systems or solar thermal systems where you will deal with solar hot water for domestic and commercial uses. So when choosing your solar training course make sure you verify it is the right specialty. Solar electric is math and electric heavy while solar thermal is plumbing heavy.
Another consideration is who you are taking the course through. Make sure they are an accredited organization and that at least the courses they offer are approved by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) which is the current certification organization for the industry. NABCEP offers all the industry certifications currently that are industry recognized. They offer the PV Installer Certification Exam, Solar Thermal Installer Certification Exam, PV Entry Level Certificate of Knowledge Exam, Small Wind Installer Certification Exam and PV Technical Sales Certification Exam.

Also keep an eye on rather the organization is accredited by the Interstate of Renewable Energy Council which is another major player for accrediting and solar training requirements.

The last thing to consider is method of solar training. There are two methods and they are online solar training or hands on solar training. Each meet different requirements for NABCEP exams.
The online courses usually meet the training needs for the Certification Exams but do not count for any of the system installations required to sit for the exams. Online solar training also can meet the requirements for the PV Entry Level Exam.

The hands on solar training courses sometimes can count toward one of the system installations required to meet the certification exam requirements of NABCEP. Only one student per course is able to claim the title of responsible person on the installation that will count toward your requirements. Also the system needs to be connected to an actual system customer unless otherwise approved by NABCEP.