Details Report for:
47-2231.00 - Solar Photovoltaic Installers
Assemble, install, or maintain solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on roofs or other structures in compliance with site assessment and schematics. May include measuring, cutting, assembling, and bolting structural framing and solar modules. May perform minor electrical work such as current checks.
The occupation code you requested, 47-4099.01 (Solar Photovoltaic Installers), is no longer in use. In the future, please use 47-2231.00 (Solar Photovoltaic Installers) instead.
This title represents an occupation for which data collection is currently underway.
Tasks | Tools & Technology | Wages & Employment
Tasks Save Table (XLS/CSV)
- Assemble solar modules, panels, or support structures, as specified.
- Install active solar systems, including solar collectors, concentrators, pumps, or fans.
- Install photovoltaic (PV) systems in accordance with codes and standards using drawings, schematics, and instructions.
- Perform routine photovoltaic (PV) system maintenance on modules, arrays, batteries, power conditioning equipment, safety systems, structural systems, weather sealing, or balance of systems equipment.
- Activate photovoltaic (PV) systems to verify system functionality and conformity to performance expectations.
- Apply weather sealing to array, building, or support mechanisms.
- Check electrical installation for proper wiring, polarity, grounding, or integrity of terminations.
- Determine appropriate sizes, ratings, and locations for all system overcurrent devices, disconnect devices, grounding equipment, and surge suppression equipment.
- Determine connection interfaces for additional subpanels or for connecting photovoltaic (PV) systems with utility services or other power generation sources.
- Determine photovoltaic (PV) system designs or configurations based on factors such as customer needs, expectations, and site conditions.
- Diagram layouts and locations for photovoltaic (PV) arrays and equipment, including existing building or site features.
- Examine designs to determine current requirements for all parts of the photovoltaic (PV) system electrical circuit.
- Identify and resolve any deficiencies in photovoltaic (PV) system installation or materials.
- Identify electrical, environmental, and safety hazards associated with photovoltaic (PV) installations.
- Identify installation locations with proper orientation, area, solar access, or structural integrity for photovoltaic (PV) arrays.
- Identify methods for laying out, orienting, and mounting modules or arrays to ensure efficient installation, electrical configuration, or system maintenance.
- Install module array interconnect wiring, implementing measures to disable arrays during installation.
- Install required labels on solar system components and hardware.
- Measure and analyze system performance and operating parameters to assess operating condition of systems or equipment.
- Program, adjust, or configure inverters and controls for desired set points and operating modes.
- Select mechanical designs, installation equipment, or installation plans that conform to environmental, architectural, structural, site, and code requirements.
- Test operating voltages to ensure operation within acceptable limits for power conditioning equipment, such as inverters and controllers.
- Visually inspect and test photovoltaic (PV) modules or systems.
- Compile or maintain records of system operation, performance, and maintenance.
- Demonstrate system functionality and performance, including start-up, shut-down, normal operation, and emergency or bypass operations.
- Determine materials, equipment, and installation sequences necessary to maximize installation efficiency.
Tools & Technology Save Table (XLS/CSV)
Tools used in this occupation:
| Blow torches — Acetylene torches |
| Front end loaders — Utility work machines |
| Hammers — Claw hammers; Sledgehammers |
| Hex keys — Hex wrenches |
| Ladders — Extension ladders |
| Levels — Builders' levels; Laser line levels; Torpedo levels |
| Masks or accessories — Filter masks |
| Multimeters — Digital multimeters |
| Pipe wrenches — Large pipe wrenches; Medium pipe wrenches |
| Pitch measuring instruments — Inclinometers |
| Power drills — Cordless drills; Impact drills |
| Screwdrivers — Phillips head screwdrivers; Straight screwdrivers |
| Stripping tools — Wire strippers |
| Wire cutters — Pair of dykes |
Technology used in this occupation:
| Calendar and scheduling software — Work scheduling software |
| Electronic mail software — Microsoft Outlook |
| Office suite software — Microsoft Office software |
| Project management software — Cost estimating software |
| Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel |
| Word processing software — Microsoft Word |
Wages & Employment Trends
National
Median wages data collected from Construction and Related Workers, All Other*.
Employment data collected from Construction and Related Workers, All Other.
Industry data collected from Construction and Related Workers, All Other.
| Median wages (2010) | $16.59 hourly, $34,500 annual |
| Employment (2008) | 60,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2008-2018) | 
Average (7% to 13%)
|
| Projected job openings (2008-2018) | 26,600 |
| Top industries (2008) | Construction (38% employed in this sector)
Government (15%)
|
State & National
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2010 wage data
and 2008-2018 employment projections
.
"Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2008-2018). "Projected job openings" represent openings due to growth and replacement.