Are you curious about a career as a solar photovoltaic installer in the United States of America? Now you can learn what Solar Photovoltaic Installers do, the work environment, how to become one, salary, and job outlook.
Surprisingly, the solar industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the United States. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of Americans employed in the Solar Photovoltaic (PV) field is expected to grow from 1,500 employees in 2014 to over 35,000 employees by 2024. Solar photovoltaic is the conversion of sunlight into electricity. It is different from other forms of energy such as wind and hydropower, because solar power is renewable and sustainable.
Surprisingly enough, this is an industry that continues to grow and there is still room for more individuals to enter.
What are Solar Photovoltaic Installers?
Solar Photovoltaic installers, also known as PV Installers or PV Technicians, install solar panels, or panels. They are not engineers but they must have a general understanding of electrical components. The main task of a solar PV installer is to properly assemble the solar panels, place them on the roof of the house, connect them to the electric grid, and to make sure that they are connected correctly and are safe.
This is a very in-demand job option with great opportunities for advancement.
How to Become a Solar Photovoltaic Installer
First, you may want to find a job as an apprentice. There are two different types of Solar Photovoltaic Installer apprenticeships in the U.S. – an industry-based program, and a community college-based program. These programs prepare you for a position with an established solar contractor. The industry-based program is designed for those who want to start their own business.
By comparison, the community college program is designed for individuals who already have a successful career in a trade, and want to upgrade their skills. There is also a hybrid program, which is similar to the community college program but provides additional support and training for individuals. The best way to become a Solar PV installer is through experience. Most Solar PV installers will begin by working as a subcontractor with an existing contractor. They will often be required to complete at least 200 hours of training (which includes hands-on time) before they can work on their own. There are many companies that offer training and apprenticeship programs in the United States. There are also several accredited programs that offer certification for solar photovoltaic installers. These programs include: The American Society of Photovoltaic Engineers (ASPE).
The community college-based program is designed for individuals who already have a degree and want to gain experience working in the industry. In either case, it is important to learn as much as possible about the field before entering into an apprenticeship or career path. This will help you prepare for the job and give you the most knowledge to succeed in the industry.
An apprenticeship is a program that takes a period of time to complete. You must first be an apprentice for one year, then take a certification exam. Depending on the program, you may be required to take the exam more than once. The apprenticeship is a form of training where you are trained and prepared for a specific career.
This program helps you prepare for the workforce and prepare you for the job.
The community college-based program is geared towards working for a solar contractor who already has several solar installations under his or her belt. In this case, the student will be paid through the college or university’s work study program.
While both are effective, the industry-based apprenticeship is often the better option. It allows you to get paid while working towards your degree or certification. In addition, this is a great way to gain real-world experience and to learn how to operate a construction business.
Second, you may want to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Solar Energy. This is a four-year program that teaches you everything you need to know about installing solar panels.
You are strongly encouraged to watch both videos about solar photovoltaic installers below, take good notes, and then visit the comments section below and share your thoughts and your knowledge on solar photovoltaic installers in the United States of America.
I am an electrical engineer I have complete bsc engineering (EEE) Diploma Engineering (electrical) and have 10years more… So I need solar installer job.
Congratulations, Hasnain. Did you also take a look at the Civil Engineer career we have featured in our website?
Hello , Hind from Iraq , solar photovoltaic installer assembler , setup and maintain rooftop or other systems that convert sunlight to energy, most solar panel installation are done outdoor and PV spaces need connected to electrical grid.
Installer typically certificate need a high school diploma. and some take course at technical school or community collage and sometimes receive on the job training last up to 1 year.
Employment PV installers is project to growth 51 percentage from2019 to 2029, it is much faster than other occupation.
In my count the people is suffering. of shortage of electricity so Solar photovoltaic installer is good for Iraqi climate which arid and hot in mor season in year ، add to we have many young people unemployment with certificate for Technical of diploma for high School and community collage while that resource developments is richest wealth but prevent this project is corruption .
Solar Photovoltaic Installers
Solar Photovoltaic Installers also known as Pv Installers, provide maintainace, set up structure to monted solar panel to certain angles, they work on heights for long periods of time carrying heavy handtools or equipment to install panels. PV installers use a variety of handtools and power tools such as: drills, saws, wrenches, screwdriver to install solar panel. Usually PV installers work outdoors on rooftops but sometimes they have to work in attics and crawl spaces to connect panel to the electrical grid. The media annual wage for PV installer is $46,470. Some take courses at a Technical school or community college, others Pv intallers learn their trade on the job working with experience intallers, on the job trainning can last between to 1 month to 1 year, this carrier is projected to growth 51 porcent since 2019 until 2029.