4 answers
Aeryk
Student
Astoria, Oregon
1
Question
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What should i expect as a solar pv installer
#green-energy #solar male looking into going into solar instalation
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4 answers
Peter Reese
COO
1
Answer
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Peter’s Answer
The work itself is not too difficult (stay safe on the roof and around the electrical equipment!) but the many different variables, details, and requirements by the overlapping jurisdictions (utility, city, state, electrical and building codes, etc.) can drive you nuts if you're trying to start your own company or strive to be in a management position. Most people think they want to be a business owner until they realize they don't get paid unless the company makes money after paying for materials, permits, labor, overhead (rent, insurance, software, etc.) - which doesn't realistically happen for two or three years after starting up, especially in construction and the trades - as solar definitely is.
If you are patient and wise enough to want to be "just" an employee (unlike me), learn the requirements to install solar in your state. That will determine what your first steps will be to get into the industry. For example, in Minnesota, you basically need to be a licensed electrician or working directly under one's supervision to even touch solar panels; taking classes at a community college and/or getting hours booked with a journeyman doing any electrical work will position you well for an apprenticeship at the union JATC. In other states, you may be able to work for a roofing company that does solar - if you are willing to work hard, this is probably the quickest way in but roofing is grueling.
In either case, getting a NABCEP PV Associate certification can give you a leg up on others, but it does require some study and taking a test (not too hard but not everyone passes the first time).
If you are patient and wise enough to want to be "just" an employee (unlike me), learn the requirements to install solar in your state. That will determine what your first steps will be to get into the industry. For example, in Minnesota, you basically need to be a licensed electrician or working directly under one's supervision to even touch solar panels; taking classes at a community college and/or getting hours booked with a journeyman doing any electrical work will position you well for an apprenticeship at the union JATC. In other states, you may be able to work for a roofing company that does solar - if you are willing to work hard, this is probably the quickest way in but roofing is grueling.
In either case, getting a NABCEP PV Associate certification can give you a leg up on others, but it does require some study and taking a test (not too hard but not everyone passes the first time).
Brian McMurray
Solar technician
2
Answers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Brian’s Answer
Being a solar installer can be a very interesting job. Each project you work on will be different and the industry as a whole is constantly changing. The materials and the equipment you use will change all the time and nearly any company you work for will be recently founded and still finding stability. This makes for work places full of opportunity and excitement.
The work itself is not so complicated but there are many small things you can learn. Pay attention to each small thing that more experienced workers do, and you'll understand the whole thing in no time.
The work itself is not so complicated but there are many small things you can learn. Pay attention to each small thing that more experienced workers do, and you'll understand the whole thing in no time.
naveen bharadwaj
Tech support
94
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
naveen’s Answer
Safety Precautions while handling Solar panels.
• Use proper protective gear –Glasses, Gloves, etc. to reduce the risk of electric shock.
• Do not wear metallic jewelry while working with any electrical circuits.
• Hold solar panels with two hands while transporting. Do not hold by the junction box or wires.
•Keep the solar panel covered until after you’ve mounted and made all electrical connections.
•Be careful not to touch any live positive wire with a live negative wire.
Fundamental steps followed in installation process.
Step 1 –Plan your Installation.
Step 2 –Route the Wire.
Step 3 –Mount & Wire Solar Charge Controller.
Step 5 –Connect the Battery Wires.
. Engineering projects can generally be broken down into the following phases.
1. Planning / Preliminary Engineering.
2. Detailed Design.
3. Tendering.
4. Construction / Implementation.
5. Post-Construction.
Each phase has its own set of challenges. So calculations part comes up as a part of Planning and Design. This creates a mental clarity and helps the planner to work on approvals and generating process plans. So I would say its solely left to an individuals likes, dislikes and inclinations. If you like playing with measurements, numbers, analysis, specs and specifications you will enjoy. If you like going out, talking to people, field trips etc, Construction and implementation will be enjoyable.
• Use proper protective gear –Glasses, Gloves, etc. to reduce the risk of electric shock.
• Do not wear metallic jewelry while working with any electrical circuits.
• Hold solar panels with two hands while transporting. Do not hold by the junction box or wires.
•Keep the solar panel covered until after you’ve mounted and made all electrical connections.
•Be careful not to touch any live positive wire with a live negative wire.
Fundamental steps followed in installation process.
Step 1 –Plan your Installation.
Step 2 –Route the Wire.
Step 3 –Mount & Wire Solar Charge Controller.
Step 5 –Connect the Battery Wires.
. Engineering projects can generally be broken down into the following phases.
1. Planning / Preliminary Engineering.
2. Detailed Design.
3. Tendering.
4. Construction / Implementation.
5. Post-Construction.
Each phase has its own set of challenges. So calculations part comes up as a part of Planning and Design. This creates a mental clarity and helps the planner to work on approvals and generating process plans. So I would say its solely left to an individuals likes, dislikes and inclinations. If you like playing with measurements, numbers, analysis, specs and specifications you will enjoy. If you like going out, talking to people, field trips etc, Construction and implementation will be enjoyable.
Elaine Manicke
Solar Operations
2
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Elaine’s Answer
Depending on what state or country you operate in, being a solar pv installer can be a great field to enter. Some states in the US have incentives built into policies to encourage solar development, there the need for trained solar pv installers would be higher.
If you are in one of these states, you can expect that there will be growing job need for trained installers. A foot in the door for this job is a volunteer experience that asks for solar roof installers, see SunWork.
If you are in one of these states, you can expect that there will be growing job need for trained installers. A foot in the door for this job is a volunteer experience that asks for solar roof installers, see SunWork.