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Solar Photovoltaic Installers

	Median Wage (USD, 2024)	Projected Job Openings (2024-2034)	Projected Growth (2024-2034)
National Statistics	$51860	4100	42.1%
State Statistics	-	-	-
City Statistics	-	-	-

Statistics

National

State

City

State

City

$51860

Median Wage (USD, 2024)

4100

Projected Job Openings (2024-2034)

42.1%

Projected Growth (2024-2034)

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.

Experience Requirements Overview

Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

Education, Training and Experience

Required Level of Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)

Related Work Experience: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years

On-Site or In-Plant Training: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years

On-the-Job Training: Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month

Detailed Work Activities

Install solar energy systems.
Maintain mechanical equipment.
Test green technology installations to verify performance.
Apply sealants or other protective coatings.
Inspect electrical or electronic systems for defects.
Determine appropriate locations for operations or installations.
Select construction materials.
Determine construction project layouts.
Create construction or installation diagrams.
Review blueprints or specifications to determine work requirements.
Install electrical components, equipment, or systems.
Apply identification labels or tags.
Test electrical equipment or systems to ensure proper functioning.
Record operational or environmental data.
Select construction equipment.

Work Values

Achievement

Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

Working Conditions

Recognition

Relationships

Support

Independence

Tasks

Install photovoltaic (PV) systems in accordance with codes and standards, using drawings, schematics, and instructions.
Check electrical installation for proper wiring, polarity, grounding, or integrity of terminations.
Identify electrical, environmental, and safety hazards associated with photovoltaic (PV) installations.
Identify installation locations with proper orientation, area, solar access, or structural integrity for photovoltaic (PV) arrays.
Assemble solar modules, panels, or support structures, as specified.
Apply weather sealing to array, building, or support mechanisms.
Install module array interconnect wiring, implementing measures to disable arrays during installation.
Install required labels on solar system components and hardware.
Diagram layouts and locations for photovoltaic (PV) arrays and equipment, including existing building or site features.
Determine materials, equipment, and installation sequences necessary to maximize installation efficiency.
Test operating voltages to ensure operation within acceptable limits for power conditioning equipment, such as inverters and controllers.
Determine appropriate sizes, ratings, and locations for all system overcurrent devices, disconnect devices, grounding equipment, and surge suppression equipment.
Activate photovoltaic (PV) systems to verify system functionality and conformity to performance expectations.
Identify and resolve any deficiencies in photovoltaic (PV) system installation or materials.
Visually inspect and test photovoltaic (PV) modules or systems.
Examine designs to determine current requirements for all parts of the photovoltaic (PV) system electrical circuit.
Demonstrate system functionality and performance, including start-up, shut-down, normal operation, and emergency or bypass operations.
Identify methods for laying out, orienting, and mounting modules or arrays to ensure efficient installation, electrical configuration, or system maintenance.
Measure and analyze system performance and operating parameters to assess operating condition of systems or equipment.
Program, adjust, or configure inverters and controls for desired set points and operating modes.
Determine connection interfaces for additional subpanels or for connecting photovoltaic (PV) systems with utility services or other power generation sources.
Determine photovoltaic (PV) system designs or configurations based on factors such as customer needs, expectations, and site conditions.
Select mechanical designs, installation equipment, or installation plans that conform to environmental, architectural, structural, site, and code requirements.
Perform routine photovoltaic (PV) system maintenance on modules, arrays, batteries, power conditioning equipment, safety systems, structural systems, weather sealing, or balance of systems equipment.
Compile or maintain records of system operation, performance, and maintenance.
Install active solar systems, including solar collectors, concentrators, pumps, or fans.

Work Styles

Innovation

A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.

Innovation

Achievement Orientation

Intellectual Curiosity

Tolerance for Ambiguity

Initiative

Adaptability

Self-Confidence

Perseverance

Leadership Orientation

Humility

Sincerity

Empathy

Cooperation

Optimism

Social Orientation

Cautiousness

Attention to Detail

Dependability

Integrity

Stress Tolerance

Self-Control

Data Source: This page includes information from the O*NET 30.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. This page includes Employment Projections program, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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