聚光灯
Installer, Photovoltaic Installer (PV Installer), PV Design Technician (Photovoltaic Design Technician), Solar Designer, Solar Installer, Solar Installer Technician, Solar Photovoltaic Installer (Solar PV Installer), Solar Technician
Technically, solar energy has existed since before the Earth’s formation! But humans didn’t learn to effectively harness it until nearly a century after the photovoltaic (PV) effect was discovered in 1839. Bell Labs created silicon-based solar cells in 1954, kicking off a solar energy phenomenon that has yet to be fully exploited. However, the modern era’s focus on renewable energy and green initiatives has definitely given Solar Photovoltaic Installers a hefty employment boost.
Also called PV Installers, these workers put together and install rooftop panels and systems made to harness the power of the Sun and convert it into usable energy. Solar Photovoltaic Installers work with clients to determine the most suitable configurations for their unique needs. This involves several steps. Workers measure areas, determine proper angles, decide if a support structure is needed (and if so, how to install it), assess environmental conditions, then craft customized solar solutions that meet applicable state and federal codes. Once the panels are cut and assembled into a supporting structure (if needed), they’re connected to the building’s electrical system, activated, and tested for effectiveness. These last steps may be performed with the help of electricians.
- 在一个致力于帮助环境的部门工作
- 通过减轻能源成本,有可能为客户节省资金
- 在一个未来几年将大幅增长的部门获得经验
Working Schedule
- Expect full-time work with occasional ebbs and flows. Most workers in this field are employed by contract businesses or are self-employed. Self-employed PV Installers will spend unpaid time advertising and marketing their services, as well as potentially needing to bid on jobs that they may not get hired to do. In emergencies, they may be called to respond during irregular hours.
典型职责
- Assess buildings for PV system suitability
- Use hand and power tools to perform manual work
- Take measurements of roofs and other areas
- Cut and install solar panels
- Review options for angled mounting structures when needed for flat roofs
- Install mounts as required
- Run voltage tests; perform maintenance on installed systems
- Identifying electrical elements within the building to ensure compatibility
- Wiring modules and arrays into building electrical systems, as allowed by job specifics and state requirements
额外责任
- 适用的防风雨系统
- 进行其他电气检查
- 衡量性能,以确保系统在预期参数内运行
- 保持测试和维护的记录
Soft Skills
- Ability to objectively monitor and assess performance of people, systems, and equipment
- 有能力教导和培训他人
- 对质量保证的承诺
- 成本意识
- 批判性思维
- 顾客服务技能
- 注重细节
- 英语水平
- 好奇心和创造力
- 具有安全意识的
- 健全的判断力和推理能力
- 较强的语言沟通和倾听能力
- 团队合作
- 视觉化
技术技能
- 能在高处工作的人
- 正常(或可矫正)视力
- 身体素质和灵巧程度
- 稳定的手;良好的手眼协调能力
- Familiarity with tools such as hex keys, multimeters, pipe/tube cutters, drills, files, screwdrivers, and wire strippers
- 有能力理解蓝图、技术计划和图纸
- 能够与原材料一起工作
- 一般熟悉适用于工作的基本工程原理
- 对数学有兴趣,包括代数、几何、微积分和统计学
- 计算机辅助设计
- Software for CRM, email/office, and project management
- Contract businesses in solar
- 自营职业者
- 公用事业公司
Clearly this isn’t an “office job!” Solar Photovoltaic Installers work both indoors and outdoors. Building assessments, measurements, and installations are all done outside, naturally, while design and prep may be in an office or bay area. They may also need to access attics or small interior spaces to perform electrical wiring work, when permitted to do so by state law.
Some solar panels are installed at ground level, but typically they’re placed on rooftops. Installers are susceptible to falling risks, as well as electric shocks, dehydration, exposure to too much sun, and other hazards. Thus workers are expected to know and practice several safety precautions, including wearing personal protective equipment, as needed.
This is still a small profession, yet job growth is expected to explode in the coming decade. The national average job growth for all jobs is only 5%, compared to 63% for Solar Photovoltaic Installers. As homeowners and private businesses strive towards energy efficiency, state and federal legislation continue to push for greener energy solutions.
The cost of panels is going down, leasing options are becoming more popular, and some cities are offering financial incentives to people willing to invest in the technology. Solar is one of the easiest alternative energy solutions to incorporate into nearly any structure, so the demand for highly-qualified installers may outstrip the supply. Now is the perfect time for workers who’ve been displaced from previous careers to retrain into this growing field. Roofers, carpenters, and other types of construction workers will have a particular advantage when it comes to shifting careers.
One more trend to consider is floating solar panels, a new twist on the idea of installing systems on bodies of water versus buildings.
As a labor-intensive career field, PV Installers likely enjoyed physical activities and being outside a lot. They may have assisted with construction projects, liked working in farming environments, or simply loved the Great Outdoors. Of course, there’s also a strong element of math and science involved, which is why they were probably good in such academic areas during high school. Since solar is a green alternative energy solution, many workers may have been environmentally-conscious or at least mindful of the effects of pollution on nature. Others may simply have been interested in exciting “niche” business opportunities where there was a lot of potential but not much competition yet.
- A high school diploma or equivalent is enough to get started; a college degree isn’t required, but having some online, community college, or vocational training is helpful
- Classes may include math, electrical topics, safety, carpentry, and of course PV
- OJT和非正式学徒制是学习这个领域的一个重要部分
- Product and system-specific training is also critical and usually provided through the employer or via modules
- 之前在建筑、屋顶、木工和电气工作方面的经验可以大大缩短学习曲线。
- Active duty and military veterans transitioning into civilian careers are encouraged to take advantage of the Department of Energy’s Solar Ready Vets program
- Check out the DoE’s other solar funding initiatives here
- Certain states require PV licensure. Certifications include:
- Core certifications:
- ETA International - Photovoltaic Installer - Level 1
- National Fire Protection Association - Certified Electrical Safety Technician
- Electrical Training Alliance - Solar PV Certification
- Advanced certifications:
- North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners - PV Installer Professional
- Underwriters Labs (UL) - Photovoltaic System Installation Certification
- ETA International - Photovoltaic Installer/Designer
- Core certifications:
A university degree is not required for this field, however, completing certain courses can help you become more competitive when job-seeking. A community college or vocational/technical school is the best way to knock out essential classes.
Some community colleges and vocational/technical schools feature special training programs for Solar Photovoltaic careers. Examples include The Training Center (Texas), Indian River State College (Florida), Solar Training Academy (multi-state campuses), Delaware Technical Community College, and Crowder College (Missouri).
For students who don’t live near institutions offering relevant courses, online programs can teach some basics but don’t offer any hands-on practical experience. Online examples include Solar Energy International, SolPowerPeople, and Century College.
- A career in Solar Photovoltaic Installation relies on both physical and mental preparedness
- 涉及劳动、工具使用或体能的课程将有助于发展必要的体能,而代数、几何、微积分、统计学、计算机辅助设计和电气课程将培养技术技能。
- Often high school students can take community college classes simultaneously, helping expedite your path to getting a job right after graduation
- Develop your technical reading and IT skills through classes or by practicing at home
- 通过兼职木匠、建筑或屋顶工作获得实际工作经验
- Consider volunteering on local Habitat for Humanity projects, especially those involving PV installation (such as efforts funded through partners like PG&E)
- 查看上面的工作所需技能,以了解需要熟悉的程序清单。
- Sign up for SolPowerPeople’s free massive open online courses and micro-classes
- Watch related videos on YouTube, Udemy, or other sites to learn more about the field
- Find professional organizations that offer educational opportunities (see Recommended Resources in Landing the Job tab)
- Because of the rapidly-growing demand for PV Installers, the outlook is great for those with the necessary basic qualifications
- Employment portals like Glassdoor, Indeed, or SimplyHired are good starting places
- Don’t forget your local Craigslist, or do a Google search for local PV company websites
- If you take community college or vocational training classes, ask their career services staff for recommendations. They may have their own job boards or other resources
- Carefully read job ads for specific requirements and experiences that the employer is looking for. Only apply to jobs you’re qualified for
- Check out existing resume templates for “Solar Energy Installers”
- 注重相关的工作和学术经验、技能和个人特征
- 申请后,一定要专业地接听未知号码的电话!
- 期待雇主通过审查你的在线公共档案对你做功课
- Polish up your interview skills by conducting mock interviews. Read through Glassdoor’s posts on real-world interview questions that workers report being asked
- Solar Photovoltaic Installers usually start in entry-level positions and work their way up through hard work and learning everything they can
- 完成雇主建议的任何额外课程或培训
- 熟练掌握你所使用的设备和系统,并研究制造商提供的材料。
- 成为NABCEP认证,和/或在你拥有所需的最低经验时完成可选的核心和高级认证
- 在适用的情况下,获得国家许可证
- 与你的主管讨论晋升为项目主管或经理的问题
- 如果你对销售感兴趣,请让你的雇主知道或与制造商联系
- 安装人员的经验将使你成为一个比从未接触过的人更好的销售人员。
- 对于那些有创业心态的人来说,可以考虑启动一个私人光伏安装业务。Chron的《如何创办一家太阳能公司》给出了很好的建议,可以开始了
- 更多资源。
- 快速公司 - 太阳能热潮中的4个市场利基
- Franchise Direct - Solar Universe特许经营费用
- 太阳能国际--国家许可
- 更多资源。
网站
- 电气培训联盟
- Energy.gov
- 能源圣手
- ETA国际
- Franchise Direct - Solar Universe特许经营费用
- 州际可再生能源理事会
- 州际可再生能源委员会太阳能许可数据库
- 国际可再生能源机构
- 国家防火协会
- 北美认证能源从业者委员会
- 小企业管理局
- 太阳能产业协会
- 太阳能国际
- 阳光动力人
- 美国能源信息署
- 保险商实验室
书籍
世界似乎注定要转向可再生能源,然而太阳能并不是比赛中唯一的马。同时,对于那些已经探索过并决定放弃的人来说,劳工统计局列出了大量类似的劳动相关职业。每个职业都有自己的教育和培训要求,但通常都不需要四年的学位就能开始工作。
- 木匠
- 建筑工人
- 电工
- 玻璃工匠
- 暖气、空调和制冷机械师
- 铁工
- 砌筑工人
- 水暖工、管道工、蒸汽工
- 屋顶工人
- 钣金工