How to become a Solar Installer?

There is no limit to the career opportunities available in the world. All those are distinct. And no doubt, choosing the most appropriate one is hard.  But if you do not go for the right one, you would have to lament over your wrong decisions eventually. Hence, consider the pros and cons of all the career opportunities and opt for the most suitable. As a matter of fact, it depends on your choice as well as the income and satisfaction you can get through it. Besides, some may consider just their choice. Yet, at all costs, making money to live is necessary. So, it is always a balance of facts, when choosing your career. Thus, in this article, we are going to answer one of the most important questions about a trending career opportunity. It is ‘How to become a Solar Installer?’

Is Solar Installation a good career?

You must definitely have to clear your doubts first. The simplest answer is yes. Maybe you have a passion for this career. But still, you would not know whether this is a good career opportunity or not.

The world is obviously running out of non-renewable energy resources. We have been often using non-renewable energy resources for most of our work. But it is time to call it a day. If the world goes on using non-renewable energy resources such as fossil fuels, there will be a fatal energy crisis in the future. Non-renewable energy resources probably do not have much life left. So, the best alternative is to shift towards renewable energy resources. And the entire world is doing it right now. There are many and more initiatives to energize a greener tomorrow by moving to renewable energy resources.

Solar energy, hydro energy, wind energy, geothermal energy, and tidal energy are some renewable energy resources that we need for sustainable development. Among all that, what do you think we can utilize the most? No doubt, it is solar energy. We have been wasting huge amounts of solar energy that we have been getting since the world began. But now, with the advancement of technology, issues pertaining to adapting to solar energy are hardly anymore. The U. S. Department of Energy claims it. Hence, now we can just shift towards it. 

Hence, as the world is going to use solar energy more and more, the demand for solar installers is on the rise. Therefore, you do not have to worry about contemplating if this is a good career opportunity. All that you need is your passion. If you have it, we will tell you how to become a solar installer, so that you can create your own future.

What do Solar Installers do?

Basically, solar installers install and maintain solar panels. It is what they do in the simplest terms. But it is not as simple as it seems. There is a big procedure on the hands of a solar installer. 

First, solar installers would have to go to the necessary site and check if the location gets adequate sunlight in order to create energy effectively. Perhaps, they may have to make some adjustments to the particular building to get it right and make it suitable. Of course, solar installers would have to measure how many solar panels they would need to whatnot. And then, they can proceed toward the installation of solar panels following the necessary protocols and codes. The client would do the necessary legal work in order to install the solar panels. 

Indisputably, the solar panels are connected to electrical systems. Thus, solar installers must have sufficient knowledge of electrical systems as well. Do not worry about that. During the process of mastering the skill, you would get all the sufficient knowledge that you must have. 

Without question, solar installers must follow all the necessary safety precautions when carrying out their tasks. And the systems they install can have no danger. At all costs, solar installers are responsible for the proper installation of solar panels. You cannot allow mistakes. 

And of course, maintenance of solar panels is another aspect of your career. Solar panels need proper maintenance. So, you cannot stop after installing them. 

So, there is no doubt that solar installation is not as simple as you might think it is. It is an advanced but profit-making profession. If you want to become one, keep on reading and get to know how you can make it. 

How to become a Solar Installer | A Step by Step Guide

Okay, now you are going to take a look at how to become a solar installer in the most productive and efficient way. If you follow our step by step guide, you can possibly make sure that your future is on the safe side. It is because this is the best pathway. So, why should we waste our time? Let us get into our subject right away.

1. Get a high school diploma or an equivalent
2. Follow a suitable course on photovoltaic installations
3. Complete an apprenticeship program
4.  Get certified
5. Become experienced
6. Advance to higher levels

We know that you are curious to know more about each of these. You would probably like to know about the procedure in detail. We are willing to tell you. Go ahead reading!

1. Get a high school diploma or an equivalent

Just like for most other professions that have a relationship with fieldwork, this profession also requires a high school diploma or an equivalent. As a matter of fact, that is nothing of any significance. This is just one of the most basic requirements that you ought to have. 

Having a high school diploma is a measure to show that you have the basic knowledge you need for the profession. In fact, you must have reading and writing skills. These are the most basic skills. You cannot engage in any profession if you do not have skills like reading and writing. 

Further, you must also have certain mathematical skills as well. But you do not need to have mathematics knowledge big time. All that you need to know are some basic concepts such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Probably, you would not have to do anything apart from that in your profession. It is mainly for measuring purposes that you need to have such skills. Of course, if you can do such simple calculations, you do not have to worry about your math knowledge. That is all you need.

Also, any professional needs to have certain ethical values and personality traits. You can gain such values from courses that teach you to install solar panels. You need to develop them at the initial level. In fact, that is one main reason for you to have a high school diploma in this regard. It molds your character to make yourself a proper professional at the initial stage. 

In general, this is a very basic requirement. But it is essential to engage in any profession. 

2. Follow a suitable course on photovoltaic installations

This is how you can gain your professional knowledge and skills. No matter what you do, you must be a genius in your profession. Having knowledge of dozens of things, but not knowing anything properly is useless. That is why we ask you to follow a  course at a professional level through which you can develop your professional skills and learn the art of solar installation. In technical terms, we can say photovoltaic installation or PV installation.

You might want to know how you can follow a suitable course. Indeed, many local community colleges offer courses. You can follow a course on PV installation at a local community college. Doubtlessly, you can follow a course program in a technical college as well. 

What sort of skills would you be able to develop through a course? Well, you have a wide range of courses from which you can make a choice. In general, there are courses from basic safety and PV knowledge to system design. You can choose a course based on your preference so that you have an area to become perfect in. 

You may want to know how long it would take to complete such a course. Cheer up! It would not probably take more than several months in total. This is not like doing a Phd. It is a solar installation course that you follow. So, do not worry about the time it takes. It does not take long.

And there is an additional advantage that you can gain with the advancement of technology. You can engage in online classes. That way, you can conveniently get the necessary knowledge that your field requires.

Solar Photovoltaic Basics: A Study Guide for the NABCEP Associate Exam 2nd Edition

The author of this book is Sean White. This book uses a curriculum that follows the key modules of the NABCEP Associate Exam to present the science of photovoltaics (PV) in a way that you can comprehend. Whether or whether you plan to take the NABCEP Associate Exam, mastering the information in this book is the finest investment you can make in securing your position and progressing in the solar business. So, we think that this would be an ideal read for you if you want to know how to become a solar installer.

Solar PV Engineering and Installation: Preparation for the NABCEP PV Installation Professional, Specialist and Inspector Certification Exams 2nd Edition

Written by Sean White, this book also would be ideal for you to read if you wish to pursue your career in this field. The NABCEP PV Installation Professional (PVIP) Exam is the industry’s gold standard certification exam for PV installers, and it is notoriously tough to pass. The Board has reacted with NABCEP Specialist Certification Exams as the sector has grown and positions have gotten more specialized. Undoubtedly, this book would be a great help for you to get through this. As getting certifications are important for a solar installer, we suggest you read this book.

Photovoltaics: Design and Installation Manual 1st Edition

3. Complete an apprenticeship program

This is the next vital step. Needless to say, getting knowledge of something is not sufficient. You will not be able to drive by only watching someone drive. Likewise, you can never install solar panels if it is merely the theoretical knowledge that you gain. Installation of PV systems is completely a practical field. Hence, you must practice doing it practically. For that, you need to get practical training. That is why following an apprenticeship program is this important. 

What actually happens in an apprenticeship program is that you get the ability to learn the art of solar installation from an experienced solar installer or a group. Of course, you may have learned the art in your course. But still, you may lack certain parts when it comes to the physical aspects. Hence, it is very important to engage in practical work as a learner. This is the stage in which you can do it. You would be able to learn the professional skills practically and correct the mistakes you make.

Also, you get paid even during the time you are following an apprenticeship program. So, you need not bother about your income even when you are undergoing your training process.

Anyway, you can not work as a professional PV installer during this time. You always have to work under the supervision of a senior PV installer. It is because as you are not still perfect in this field you might make mistakes. As you know, solar installation is related to electrical systems. There is a possibility that you might even get electrocuted. Anyway, your clients would possibly not tolerate improper work. So, follow an apprenticeship program and master practical skills. 

PV and the NEC 2nd Edition

The author of this book is Bill Brooks. The National Electrical Code (NEC), which is used in the United States and many other countries, is the most comprehensive collection of electrical regulations for photovoltaic (PV) systems in the world. This new version is based on the 2020 NEC, which will be extensively utilized until 2026, with the majority of the interpretations and information remaining valid beyond then. The differences between earlier versions of the NEC and the 2020 NEC are explained in this book, as well as how these code changes affect PV systems. A professional in this industry should definitely be aware of this.

Photovoltaic Design & Installation For Dummies 1st Edition

Ryan Mayfield is the author of this book. From modules and batteries to charge controllers, inverters, and other components, this book will help you grasp the technology utilized in all sorts of PV systems. This practical, user-friendly book explains how photovoltaic systems operate in homes and small businesses, and it includes all of the information you would need to install a system effectively and safely.

Understanding NEC Requirements for Solar Photovoltaic Systems Paperback – January 1, 2020

The regulations regulating the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems continue to change and are added or amended with each NEC revision cycle as the market for PV systems grows. This book addresses the standards of the National Electrical Code as they apply to photovoltaic (PV) systems. These NEC regulations are quite complicated and easily misunderstood. This book will provide you the assurance you need to correctly apply these guidelines to PV systems. So, we suggest you read this book and gather knowledge of this. 

4. Get certified

At the completion of the apprenticeship program, you are eligible to work as a solar installer. Now you have the theoretical knowledge. You have practical skills. What else do you need? As a matter of fact, certain states require licenses in order to engage in the profession as a professional. 

You may have all the necessary skills up to the right extent. But does anybody know it? No, they do not as long as you do not have a proper certificate. Hence, it is important to become a certified solar installer. You do not have to worry at all about working on your own once you are certified. Then you have everything that you need. You have the potential. And now, you would have the license as well. It is something that shows your professional proficiency.

Certification is vitally important when you work on large scale projects. They may specifically require certification when they enroll work staff. Therefore, do not take the certification for granted. As we told you, it is predominantly necessary on certain occasions to work on massive projects.

Who offers certification for solar installers? This might be a question that worries you. We will tell. If you need to get a certification, you can get it from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Also, you can get it from the  Electronics Technicians Association, International, or the ETA. 

Certification adds honor and dignity to your career. Once you are certified, growing in your career as a professional PV installer is merely a matter of experience.

5. Become experienced

Yes, now it is your experience and your strategies that matter. We have already told you how to become a solar installer. Whatever you do in life requires time to get into maturity. Nobody matures just after birth. It takes a lot of time. It is the same even with PV installation. Just because you know the job, you cannot excel or grow in your profession. You need to get experience.

Anyway, getting experience is not a step of immense significance related to our topic of discussion today, on how to become a solar installer. You would not just stay doing nothing, would you? You would engage in the profession. That is it. You get experiences. This is important for your future career life as well. 

While engaging in the profession, learn to impress your clients using your personality traits. Communicate with them in a manner that they would feel delighted with your work. Be punctual. Work in a way that you fulfill your client’s expectations up to the standard. If so, you have a future for your career in solar installation. You can reach the maximum positions if you exercise these qualities.

So, gain experience in all sorts of things related to your profession. It might not just be the fieldwork that you engage in. Develop your interpersonal relationship skills. That is really important. 

6. Advance to higher levels

And finally, you can easily advance to higher levels. But indeed, you must have enough and more professional experience for this. After working in the field for several years, you have the chance to advance in your professional career.

For this, it is not just your professional knowledge that you need. You need to have a lot of important characteristics. In fact, you must have leadership qualities. You must possess management skills. Certain strategies are also important. If you have these characteristics, it is tremendous. Even if you feel that you do not have the relevant qualities, you can improve them over time with experience. So, you do not have to worry about that.

You would be anxious to know about the higher levels that a PV installer can advance to. Mainly, you can afterward become a project supervisor or a project manager. Then also, you would have to stay in the field and supervise the work of the workers. But you get a much higher salary, and it signifies your professional career as well. Also, there is no much hard work if you become a project supervisor or project manager. Also, you can move toward the sales divisions of companies. As you have the right professional knowledge in relation to the installation and maintenance of PV systems, it would be quite convenient for you to move that way.

Apart from moving to higher positions, you can start your own company as well. If you have management skills, running a company would not be that hard for you if you want to dominate the field as a businessman. Sometimes, you might end up being a millionaire.

Becoming a Solar Installer with prior work experience

We told you how to become a solar installer starting from the beginning. But this is a considerably new industry. Half a century ago, this was not among the major concerns of the world. Back at that time, the technology to make energy out of solar power was not widely popular. It was expensive and it needed technological developments to make it widely available and cheaper. Today, there are no such concerns. Things have developed and the PV industry is trending. Hence, those who are engaged in certain other professions would also like to join the industry considering its popularity and advantages.

As a matter of fact, it is mainly for the field workers who can get into this industry effectively. There is a big-time opportunity for electricians, roofers, carpenters, or laborers to get into this trade. They understand the basic fieldwork. And they have sufficient knowledge of such basics. All they have to do is to specialize in PV installations. And that would not take much time.

As construction duties are quite useful for such professionals, if they expect to enter this trade, it would take precisely just a few months to train themselves. After a training period, they also can get certification and enter the profession. If you are such a professional and not happy with your current income or condition of the job, you can try this. As this is a career which is in demand, we are pretty sure that you can excel in this career easily.

Important Qualities a Solar Installer needs to have

Any profession has a lot of things beyond what we see from the outside. Nobody is a perfect professional as long as he does not have certain personal qualities. The U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists out a particular set of qualities that solar installers need to have. Let us get to know what they are.

1. Ability to work at heights
2. Communication skills
3. Detail-oriented
4. Math skills
5. Mechanical skills
6. Physical stamina
7. Physical strength

We think it is worth looking into these qualities substantially. As your primary objective is to become a successful solar installer, we think that it would be beneficial for you. And understanding them properly would kickstart yourself to improve your personal skills and abilities to fit the profession. If you understand and develop them effectively, you can engage in PV installation like a pro.

1. Ability to work at heights

Where would you install solar panels? Unless it is a solar power plant, you would not possibly install solar panels on the ground. In fact, you would have to install solar panels on rooftops. They must be in a place for the panels to receive enough and more sunlight. It is no surprise, is it?

So, you would have to be able to work at high places like rooftops, ladders, and lifts without any trouble. The foremost concern we must consider when it comes to heights is the safety of the workers. We cannot avoid danger. But we can protect ourselves. It is not something that you can do on a featherbed. It is tough. So, you need to be capable of working at heights. 

If you have acrophobia, forget about getting into this profession. You cannot possibly work as a solar installer if you are afraid of heights. Then, you would have to opt for another profession that has much more work on the ground than on rooftops.

Having acrophobia might lead you to get vertigo when you are on a rooftop. What if it happens? You would run out of options and fall down. It would end up giving you fatal injuries or even death. Why should you risk your life that way? You put yourself, your family, and your client into trouble. If you have acrophobia, the best is not to choose this profession.

Even if you are perfectly fit, you must be careful when you work. No matter how sturdy you are, heedless and reckless actions can cost your life. So, be careful and vigilant when you work. This is as important as knowing how to become a solar installer.

2. Communication skills

We told you a bit about how communication skills matter in the trade of PV installation. But we think it is better to look into this in detail as it is of vital importance. 

Why do you need to have communication skills? Indeed, you deal with people a lot in your profession. It is the expectations of your client that you have to fulfill. If you do not deal with your clients in a proper manner, you cannot impress them. Your client must be satisfied with your work. Basically, your client’s happiness is your happiness. To retain in the industry and to get good pay, you need to keep the clients happy and satisfied.

No doubt, communication is something that really matters when it comes to dealing with people. Always, listen to your clients first and add your part in a polite manner. Do not try to be the cynosure of the play. Be humble. This way, you can communicate with your clients in a way that you can easily impress them. 

Good communication also makes you get the perfect idea of what you have to do. So, there would be no mistakes in terms of your task. Also, this earns you respect and reputation. Your client would consider you a professional in the industry. 

Involving in humble, polite, and effective communication costs nothing. But it gives you a lot of things in return. You would be able to become the beneficiary of this trade only if you do so.

3. Detail-oriented

Another important quality you must have is you must be detail-oriented. In all your work, you get to deal with details. So, undoubtedly, you have to be detail-oriented without question. 

Being detail-oriented is important from the time you start working on your tasks. The first thing you have to do is to get the right measurements. You may have to calculate areas of rooftops or some such place on most occasions. And you are responsible for the accuracy of the measurements that you make. If not, it is you and your client who would have to face trouble in the aftermath. 

So, try to be detail-oriented as much as possible as it is pretty important in this profession.

4. Math skills

As we discussed earlier, math skills are exceptionally important for a solar installer. There are some other important aspects on which you must place emphasis. You need to have a knowledge of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry up to a certain extent as well. It is very important to get the right finish and perform the tasks efficiently and effectively. And the thing to note is that math skills play a major role with regard. 

But having a basic knowledge of these is sufficient. You are not going to be a math tutor. You are going to do work related to PV systems. Having the knowledge that is adequate to install them is what is expected out of you eventually.

5. Mechanical skills

Having mechanical skills is another key aspect that matters. As you already know, this is not a job that deals with simple work. This deals with an advanced technology that would turn out to be the world’s prominent energy source in the years to come. Hence, you have to work with advanced tools and equipment. If you do not have sufficient competency to deal with the relevant mechanical systems, you would not become successful.

In fact, you may have to combine mechanical systems with electrical systems. If you do not have sound knowledge of this, you would be an utter failure.

Also, you have to handle a lot of mechanical tools and equipment as a solar installer. How can you handle them if you do not possess the right knowledge up to the standard? So, be mindful of your mechanical knowledge. It is important when it comes to the installation of PV systems as well as to the maintenance.

6. Physical Stamina

Physical stamina is another important quality that a solar installer should have. So, you must know how important it is if you dream to become a solar installer. 

This is not something that you can finish off within a couple of hours. It is a prolonged process. Most of the time, you may have to work throughout the entire day. You cannot help it. This is your profession if you become one. So, you should be dedicated to it unarguably. 

And you have to carry large solar panels and the necessary equipment to rooftop climbing ladders. Of course, it is not an easy task. And it is a continuous job. When you are working, you may have to suffer from unfavorable weather conditions as well. If you cannot endure, you are not fit enough to be a solar installer.

So, be mindful of this. Although you are willing to be a solar installer, you must have a perfect capability as well. If not, you would have to suffer throughout your life thinking that you made an incorrect decision. 

7. Physical Strength

We talked about physical stamina. All the same, physical strength is also important. Solar panel installation is not a light job. The equipment that you have to use as well as the solar panels are heavy. If you do not have the strength to carry them up and down, you may have to choose some other profession.

In general, you must be able to carry weights usually up to 60 pounds. This is a way of checking if you are up to the expectations. If you feel that you are not capable of carrying such loads, you would have to choose another job field.

So, doubtlessly, this is one important quality that PV installers need to have in order to engage in the profession. 

Projections in relation to the field of PV installation

Of course, we all know that solar installation is surely going to be a field that is in demand. Just like it is in your profession, we cannot be assured without data. Let us be data-oriented. The U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the employment of solar installers would grow 51 percent from 2019 to 2029. That is indeed a massive growth. It is way higher than the growth of all other occupations as well. And we also understand that it is fair enough for such growth to occur over time. 

Over the decade, about 2300 new openings for solar installers are projected. So, when there is this much demand, there would be healthy competition also. Hence, try to become exceptional PV installers. You would be able to dominate the field. 

How much do Solar Installers get paid? 

Of course, this is one of the most important questions that would have related to the topic ‘how to become a solar installer?’ Well, we will tell you. According to the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2019, the annual wage for solar installers was $44890. The annual wage for the lowest 10 percent was less than $31600 whereas it was over $63880 for the highest 10 percent. 

Needless to say, we understand that this is indeed a very good income. So, you never do have to worry about the pay. Hard work deserves a good return. In fact, you get it.

Health Hazards

As solar installation is a bit of a tough profession, injuries and illnesses are quite possible. As you have to work in high places, you might fall down. That is the most predominant risk. You might even get shocks from electricity or get electrocuted as you have to deal with electrical systems. Also, you would get burns from hot equipment that you have to use while installing and maintaining PV systems. 

So, what we have to tell is that you have to be cautious whenever you work. What is meant by this? Yes, you have to use safety equipment in order to avoid serious health risks. Wearing harnesses, gloves, and hard hats is of course a necessary measure.

Similar Occupations

You may also have an interest in certain other occupations. If so, it would be important to consider how to become a carpenter, a plumber, an electrician, an HVAC technician, and so on.

Conclusion

Now you know how to become a solar installer. And you know a lot of other things as well. So, you would be able to make wise decisions in terms of the future of your life. All we have to say at last is ‘Happy Solar Installation!’