Solar energy is an important source of renewable energy and is very useful because it does not pollute the air or water making It a clean and safe way of producing energy.
There are many different types of solar panels depending on what type of energy you want to produce.
Solar batteries store excess energy generated during the day and use it later when needed. This allows you to save money because your system produces energy at night when demand is low.
With this extra demand for solar panels, there is a requirement for people trained to install the panels in homes and businesses. So, how do you become a solar panel installer?
What's In This Article
Education
A typical installer needs a high school degree to be successful. He may also attend classes at community colleges or technical schools.
Online training courses are available as well. Most courses last a few days to a few months. Those who already have construction experience can get started right away.
A college degree isn’t always necessary to become an expert in solar energy. Candidates can get certified by NAPCEP. Local union training programs also provide excellent training.
Training
Some people choose to learn how to do things on the job. Others take classes or get training before starting work.
Apprenticeship programs teach people new skills and some companies offer training for specific products. Veterans who served in the military can join Solar Ready Vets. This program helps them prepare for employment in the solar industry.
Solar programs are available at many trade schools and community colleges. Students can learn the technical side and earn certificates.
Certificates aren’t always required to be a solar technician, but some employers do require them. Training is offered by companies that manufacture solar components as well.
With today’s fast growing education technology trends like online teaching, you can now take some steps to become well versed on PV installer theory from your very own house.
Make sure you do your research before starting any training program to make certain that you will have the skills and qualifications you will need to move forward in your solar career.
Licenses/Certification
Certification and licensing have different advantages. Voluntary national certification is better than mandatory state licensing because it costs less money.
A voluntary national certification allows more people to choose solar energy while a mandatory state license limits consumer choices.
States without solar contractor licensing should adopt certification instead of licensing. Both certification and licensing have drawbacks but certification is preferable to no quality check of system installation.
Certification
Photovoltaic installers are certified by NABCEP. They are trained professionals who specialize in installing PV systems.
They are required to follow a code of ethics and undergo regular training. Their work must be documented and verified by third parties.
Clean Energy Jobs Education Training Programs are essential to a well trained clean energy workforce.
SEIs Individual Courses and Solar Professionals Certificate programs can be used to meet NABCEP certification requirements.
SEI is fully capable of providing the necessary courses to prepare students for the NABCEP certification exams.
Lower your electric bill, increase your property value, reduce your tax liability, and help save the world.
Licensing
Solar contractor licensing began in the 1980s along with incentives for solar water heating. States regulate and license solar contractors today.
Licensing requirements vary by state but generally include proof of insurance, workers’ compensation coverage and bonding.
Certain states have more licenses than others. Contact your local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) or local building department for more information.
Duties
Solar installers put solar panels on rooftops. They also connect them to batteries and charge devices.
They work with customers to make sure they understand how to use the system properly. As mentioned earlier they should be licensed and certified in some way.
Solar installers must have sound knowledge and know exactly how to install solar panels, seal them, and make sure they are safe.
They also need to know about electrical wiring, grounding systems, and testing. They also need to label, install, and terminate electrical wires. A typical job would entail the following:
Step 1
Solar installers must assess homes to determine the best location and type of solar system that meet the clients’ needs and discuss the options with them.
Step 2
Installers must physically install the solar panels onto the roof. A solar system doesn’t just consist of solar panels. An installer must connect the panels to an inverter, battery pack, and the electrical grid.
Step 3
Cleaning and inspecting solar panels is an important part of a solar installer’s job and they should make arrangements to follow up with customers after the job.
Read More: Disadvantages of Solar Energy: Top 7 You Should Know
Skills Needed
Vocational programs prepare you for a career as a solar technician. You learn how to install solar panels, troubleshoot problems, and repair them when necessary.
Your training includes learning about different types of solar systems so you can best help and advise customers.
A solar technician needs both physical and mental skills. He must be strong enough to carry heavy equipment and climb ladders.
He also needs to be flexible enough to follow instructions as he installs, repairs and maintains complex equipment.
Technicians work long hours and need to be mentally agile to troubleshoot problems and work with others. Solar equipment is complex and requires good cognitive skills.
People skills are also very important to solar technicians because they must interact with homeowners and other professionals while working on residential projects.
They also need excellent communication skills, especially when entering a customer’s house.
Tips
Solar Installer is one of the most rewarding and fast-paced jobs in the skilled trades industry. Employment of PV installers is expected to increase by 105 per cent from 2016 to 2026.
The job growth rate is higher than the national average for all occupations. Solar is a renewable resource and one that is becoming popular as the world shifts to use more green energy.
The price of solar panels has decreased dramatically over the past several years, making solar power more affordable. This is increasing the demand for PV installer jobs.
Hands-on work can improve your overall happiness. You can start a career in the solar energy industry by checking out these four tips.
Networking
You should attend these events if you want to learn more about solar power. You can find out what’s going on in your local community by attending various trade shows and conferences.
Practical Experience
Solar Installation Training is available online by using 3D Simulations. You can learn complex concepts like array assembly installations.
Simulation training programs translate to the real world. Many companies use these innovative technologies to provide hands-on experience before hiring.
There are many ways to volunteer for solar energy. Some people choose to work directly with homeowners or nonprofit organizations while others help install solar panels on commercial buildings.
Keeping Up To Date
Things are constantly changing in industries like Solar Powerwhich is why it’s so important to stay up-to-date with current regulations, code changes, and news.
Candidates who are in the know about the solar industry are particularly appealing to companies, as they show initiative.
Plus, it gives you the edge to manage projects and potentially run your own business with the constant changes in the industry.
A few great places to start are Greentech Media and Solar Builder Magazine. If you’re considering becoming a solar installer, now is the time to get started.
As the solar industry continues to grow and technology advances, you’ll already be well on your way to becoming an experienced technician.
Salary
Solar panel installers earn about $50,000 per year, depending on how much time they spend installing panels.
Starting Your Own Business
The solar industry is booming, and there are many opportunities for those who want to get into solar installation.
There are many different ways to make money in this field, including selling products to homeowners, installing solar panels, and working as an installer.
Becoming an expert in selling and installing solar panels means more than knowledge about how to navigate financial incentives and rebates.
It also means being able to work with utility companies and regulations that aren’t immediately obvious during the planning process.
Companies who do the research to save customers time and money get contracts.
Regulation and finance ninjas help solar companies succeed. There is a lot of competition, but there is still room for one person to do well in their solar panel business.
Solar installers are usually the most saturated business in the market, but if you’re looking to start a solar installation company, roofing is a great place to start.
Both roofing and solar have about the same lifespan, so combining them makes sense.
Roofing contractors are already familiar with roofs, and solar installers know how to work with solar systems.
There are lots of overlapping markets between roofing and solar, and both industries are growing quickly so it’s useful to bear this in mind when planning your business.
Planning
Clear plans are crucial for entrepreneurs. Startup and ongoing costs should be considered.
Your target market should be identified and you’ll need to figure out how much money you can make by charging customers. And you’ll want to think about what you’re going to call your company.
You should carry out extensive research before starting any business.
This will help you understand who your target customers are, and it will also give you a better idea of what kind of products or services you could sell.
A business plan should cover the following areas: Market requirements, ideal types of staff, ideal location, the ideal type of products or services, and many other factors.
These factors make it vital to create a business plan before starting your own business.
Costs/Ongoing Expenses
A franchise requires an initial investment of between $100,000 to $350,000. Expecting to spend more than $500,000 will allow you to market, hire a crew and perform the first round installation within one year.
Materials needed include photovoltaic cells, circuit boards, wiring harnesses, connectors, and mounting hardware. You should also consider buying a battery charger, inverter, and other accessories.
Area
You should choose a place where there are many people around. That way, you’ll be able to attract customers easily.
Choose a place where there are lots of businesses. Pick an area where there are many homes.
Although it is a fact that solar energy is the most efficient method of generating electricity and there are many places where you can get this type of power, there are some laws that govern how much power you can generate.
Also, you need to make sure that you have enough space to install these panels before commencing work.
Lower your electric bill, increase your property value, reduce your tax liability, and help save the world.
Conclusion
Creating a career as a solar panel installer certainly has the potential to be lucrative.
And along with a substantial paycheck, you also have the satisfaction of knowing you are contributing to a greener environment by reducing your carbon footprint.
