Solar Panel (PV) Installation Technician

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Career Profile
The Photovoltaic (PV) Systems Installation Technician performs scheduled fieldwork required to install and maintain solar electric systems.  The job responsibilities and duties are as follows: Install solar panels, including rack mounts for residential and commercial PV customers and complete all necessary electrical connections of PV panels, including connections to inverters, batteries, power grid interconnects and customer circuits.  PV Technicians must have general construction skills as they pertain to solar installations.  They must be able to meet the physical challenges of the job, including regular lifting, pushing and pulling up to 60 pounds.  They must also be willing and able to work on roof tops in hot environments, crawl spaces and attics.

Career Outlook
Renewable energy markets took off in 2006.   A combination of market forces, policy decisions and public opinion have converged to support positive signs for job opportunities in the renewable energy industries.  If the goals of the Photovoltaic (solar electric) Industry are met, direct employment would increase from 20,000 now to 62,000 by 2015.  States have responded by setting up new education programs at community colleges and high schools throughout the country. Prospects should be mechanically inclined and able to meet the physical demands of a construction job.  With an approved certification hourly salaries should start around $13.00-$15.00 per hour.  With experience the pay will move into the $20.00-$25.00 per hour range. 

Solar Panel (PV) Installation Technician

Educational Programs

The Solar Panel Installation Technician certification consists of a one year or three semester curriculum. A part-time internship is built into the curriculum. The Employer Partners will provide additional training and hands on projects.  Lectures and labs are held at the Riverside Campus of Austin Community College located at 1020 Grove Blvd.  The internships will be on-site with the Employer Partners.  Trainees will receive a certificate from ACC upon completion of the required training and internships.  There is an Associates of Applied Science degree available that will push starting salaries above $20.00 per hour.