Discover a Career as a
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Installer
Discover your career path in the energy industry.
Learn where your interests will take you. Explore the meaningful work in which you can immerse yourself. Set your sites on what you can learn and the increasing responsibilities that can be yours. See how you will be challenged and what will you accomplish.
*Compensation averages should be used as a guide. There are numerous factors that impact actual compensation. These estimates do not include over-time, which can be a sizeable addition to base pay. Years of service and training recommendations should also be used as a guide. Company requirements vary.
Note: Some energy companies may require pre-employment testing. Please check the job requirements. These may include an EEI Pre-Employment Test or a Physical Abilities Test.
Solar Photovoltaic Installer
Starting off as a Solar Assembler / Groundperson
What will you do?
- Move and stage materials
- Assemble solar rack components
- Solar module staging
- Use hand and power tools
- Maintain a clean worksite
What knowledge / skills / abilities will you need?
- Strong mechanical aptitude
- Ability to follow directions
- Adherence to safety procedures
- Ability to do physical labor
- Ability to work in all weather
- Must be punctual and reliable
Starting off as a Solar PV Installer:
What will you do?
- Assemble the solar array racking system and properly seal
all roof penetrations - Layout assembly and installation of solar panels and
mounting hardware - Assist with the electrical wiring of all energy products
- Prepare and clean-up job site
- Provide an exceptional customer experience
- Maintain a professional appearance and attitude
What knowledge / skills / abilities will you need?
- Experience with electrical systems and general construction
- Ability to safely handle tools and materials such as: ladders, inverters, and solar panels
- Ability to work in outdoor environments
- Capable of working at heights including on rooftops, climbing ladders and stairs
- Conscientious about safety, knowledge of OSHA standards
- Must be able to lift 50 pounds
Crew Leader:
What will you do?
- Direct and supervise installation team members
- Install all photovoltaic system components and
electrical equipment - Ensure successful operation of complete photovoltaic system
- Communicate project status with Project Coordinator
and Management
What knowledge / skills / abilities will you need?
- Experience in PV installation and electrical wiring
- NABCEP certification
- Strong communication skills
- Proven leadership capabilities
- Ability to order/manage materials
- Quality workmanship and customer service
Solar O&M Technician:
What will you do?
- Troubleshoot and repair equipment on utility/commercial/residential solar installations from the modules to the point of interconnection
- Respond to offline equipment when dispatched by operations
- Perform quality assurance inspections and preventative maintenance
- Create and submit field service reports
What knowledge / skills / abilities will you need?
- NABCEP PV Professional Certification
- Strong understanding of electrical systems and of grid-tied, off-grid and hybrid PV system design and installation
- Ability to fly drone for general system and thermal imaging
- Proficient skills with computers
- Industrial Communications & Networking knowledge
- Excellent interpersonal skills and attention to detail
- Must be able to work outdoors in inclement weather
Solar PV Designer:
What will you do?
- Design and engineer residential and commercial PV
solar systems - Coordinate and lead activities between clients, utilities,
permit agencies, contractors, manufacturers and other engineering firms - Travel to project sites to gather site-specific data
- Provide technical direction or support to installation teams during installation, start-up, testing, system commissioning, or performance monitoring
- Review specifications and recommend engineering or product changes to achieve solar design objectives or improve efficiency, quality, code compliance or performance
What knowledge / skills / abilities will you need?
- Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, or intermediate-to-extensive experience in the solar industry
- Familiar with different types of PV and electrical equipment
- Knowledge in PV design and AutoCAD
- Excellent communication, organization & time management skills
- Proficiency in MS Office: Excel, Word, etc.
- Natural ability work in a team environment as well as independently
“I enjoy the pace of the job. I stay pretty busy and there’s always something to do. I’m never bored, and I’m always learning something. There are enough new things to learn that the job constantly changes and evolves.”
Kiera Nelson
Solar Technician
Southern Power