Solar power is growing rapidly worldwide. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) by 2040, the United States alone will install enough renewable electricity capacity to meet nearly half of its total demand.
With the growth of solar energy comes the need for skilled technicians. Are you interested in becoming a solar installer or solar energy technician? In today’s competitive job market, having the skills to land a high-paying job is essential. If you want to get into the field, here is a detailed guide on how to become solar technician.
Who is a Solar Technician?
A solar technician installs, repairs, maintains and monitors solar energy systems. They also sell solar equipment such as inverters and batteries.
They also help homeowners understand how they work, what they do, and how to maintain them. Most states require a license for anyone who works on residential solar installations. The solar technician job requires knowledge of electrical systems, troubleshooting methods, and mechanical skills.
What Does a Solar Technician Do?
Solar panel installation requires extensive knowledge of electricity and plumbing. A solar energy technician uses tools like screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, drills, saws, hammers, and flashlights to perform tasks such as installing wiring, connecting wires, attaching pipes, and setting up batteries. Solar technicians service and maintain your solar devices to help extend the life of your solar panel. These professionals are trained in safety procedures and use protective equipment like gloves, goggles, earplugs, hard hats, and boots.
What is the Educational Requirement to Become a Solar Technician?
The minimum educational requirements for becoming a solar energy technician vary from state to state. However, they generally require at least a high school diploma, and some states may also require training courses and certification programs such as those offered through community colleges and photovoltaic training programs.
However, generally speaking, you need at least a high school diploma or GED certificate to be eligible for employment in this field. Some states offer certifications that allow individuals who complete them to be called “certified solar installers.”
How is a Solar Technician Different from a Solar Electrician?
A solar energy technician installs and maintains solar panel systems, whereas a solar electrician works with large-scale solar installations. They both work under the same roof, but there are differences.
Solar technicians install and maintain smaller solar systems such as residential, commercial, and industrial rooftop systems. They do not perform maintenance on larger systems.
Electricians work on larger-scale solar installations, including solar farms, substations, and utility-scale power plants. Their job includes designing and installing equipment such as transformers, generators, switchgear, and control centres.
The National Board of Examinators for Electrical Contractors administers the exam required to become licensed as an electrician. This board sets standards for testing and certifying individuals who wish to practice electrical contracting.
What are the Job Opportunities Available for Solar Technicians?
Solar energy is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world today. With solar technology becoming cheaper and more accessible every day, it seems like everyone wants to get into the industry.
There are many different jobs available in the solar energy industry. You could start out as a sales representative, photovoltaic installer, project manager, solar maintenance technician, or even a designer. Depending on what you want to do, there are many different types of entry-level positions available.
Entry-Level Jobs To Becoming A Solar Energy Technician
1. Solar Panel Installer/Solar PV Service Technician
A solar installer works directly with homeowners to install solar panels on their roofs. They must understand how to work with electricity and know what materials and tools are needed to complete the job properly.
2. Project Manager
Project managers oversee the entire process of building and maintaining a solar system. This includes everything from choosing the right type of panel to determining how much power the system will produce.
3. Salesperson
If you enjoy talking to people and love being able to explain complex topics simply, selling solar systems could be the perfect career path for you. There are many different types of salespeople within the solar industry, including residential sales representatives, commercial sales representatives, and even sales engineers. Read more about the different roles in our blog post.
Skills For a Solar Technician
The solar industry is growing rapidly, and there are many different positions within it. One of the most in-demand jobs is the solar technician. A solar energy installation requires lots of people working together to make sure everything goes smoothly. This includes hiring the best solar energy technicians possible. Here are some of the top soft skills you’ll want to look for in potential employees.
Communication – Excellent communication skills are key in every job, especially in customer service. You must be able to communicate effectively with customers, contractors, and co-workers. If someone doesn’t understand what you’re saying, they won’t be able to do their job properly.
Detail Orientation – Detail-oriented workers know how to pay attention to small details. They notice inconsistencies and problems early on. This makes them good problem solvers.
Customer Service – How well you treat customers depends largely on how much experience you’ve had. If you haven’t worked in customer service before, start now. There are plenty of online tutorials out there that teach you how to deal with difficult situations.
Leadership – Leadership is about influencing others to follow your lead. Good leaders inspire confidence and trust among their team members.
Problem Solving – Problem-solving is another skill that’s essential in any field. Whether you’re dealing with a computer issue, a plumbing problem, or something else, you need to be able to figure out solutions quickly.
Technical Skill – Technical skills are necessary for almost any position in the solar industry. These include troubleshooting, installing equipment, and repairing systems.
Conclusion
A solar energy technician helps people install and maintain solar modules for the long life of their solar systems. Solar energy technicians work independently or tie up with a solar contractor to provide solar maintenance services. Skilled solar technicians are the backbone for the growth of a solar business.
To make solar maintenance easier, solar service professionals must use solar maintenance software like Unoservice. It simplifies your solar business management by automating business processes and increasing operational efficiency. Try Unoservice for free or book a demo.
Frequently Asked Questions about Solar Technician
What Are the Requirements to Become a Solar Energy Technician?
The requirements for becoming a solar technician are a high school diploma or GED, basic math skills, and one year of experience working with electrical systems.
What Are the Steps to Becoming a Solar Technician?
The first step to becoming a solar energy technician is to get an associate degree, and then complete one year of apprenticeship under a licensed professional. After this, you can apply for licensing exams with the National Renewable Energy Lab.
How Much Do Solar Technicians Make?
In India, solar service technicians make $15-$20 per hour depending on their experience level, location and technician position. The average solar technician salary in India is about $30K annually.
What Is the Career Outlook and Progression for a Solar Technician?
The career outlook and progression for a solar service technician are excellent. There will be an increase in demand for this job due to the growth of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power.