Solar Photovoltaic Installers: Salary, career path, job outlook, education and more
- Education Required
- Most employers require PV installers to have a high school diploma. Some PV installers take courses at local community colleges or trade schools to learn about solar panel installation. Courses range from basic safety and PV knowledge to system design. Although course lengths vary by state and locality, most usually last a few days to several months.
- Training Required
- Some PV installers learn their trade on the job by working with experienced installers. On-the-job training usually lasts between 1 month and 1 year. During training, PV installers learn about safety, tools, and PV system installation techniques.
- Job Outlook
-
The projected percent change in employment from 2016 to 2026: 105% (Much faster than average)
(The average growth rate for all occupations is 7 percent.) - Licenses/Certifications
- Most employers require PV installers to have a drivers license.
- Median pay: How much do Solar Photovoltaic Installers make?
- $39,240 Annual Salary
- $18.87 per hour
Solar photovoltaic (PV) installers, also known as PV installers, assemble, install, and maintain solar panel systems on rooftops or other structures.
What do Solar Photovoltaic Installers do?
PV installers typically do the following:
- Plan PV system configurations based on customer needs and site conditions
- Measure, cut, and assemble the support structure for solar PV panels
- Install solar modules, panels, and support structures in accordance with building codes and standards
- Connect PV panels to the electrical system
- Apply weather sealant to equipment being installed
- Activate and test PV systems
- Perform routine PV system maintenance
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.
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.
Careers for Solar Photovoltaic Installers
- PV installers
- PV panel installers
- Photovoltaic (PV) installation technicians
- Solar PV installers
- Solar panel installers