Solar Photovoltaic Installer

Bright futures ahead.

Solar PV Installers are skilled members of a jobsite. They ensure panels are installed correctly and help build clean energy generation through active listening on the job site and thinking critically about how to maintain safe and effective energy solutions. Use this page to discover more about solar installer jobs and education and training in Minnesota.

What excites me most about solar? It’s almost like magic because there’s no moving parts in these arrays, they literally just sit there and generate power. That’s why you have a warranty of like 25 to 30 years with these modules and because there are no moving parts that can wear out, that to me is amazing. The other thing is that it never runs out as long as the sun is in the sky it’s there. If the Sun is going to rise tomorrow, you’re going to get power.”

Christine, Solar PV Technician Student

Education & Training

What will you do as a Solar PV Installer?

Identify electrical, environmental, and safety hazards associated with photovoltaic (PV) installations.

Demonstrate system functionality and performance, including start-up, shut-down, normal operation, and emergency or bypass operations.

Assemble solar modules, panels, or support structures, as specified.

Install module array interconnect wiring, implementing measures to disable arrays during installation.

Identify installation locations with proper orientation, area, solar access, or structural integrity for photovoltaic (PV) arrays.

Determine appropriate sizes, ratings, and locations for all system overcurrent devices, disconnect devices, grounding equipment, and surge suppression equipment.

Test operating voltages to ensure operation within acceptable limits for power conditioning equipment, such as inverters and controllers.

Apply weather sealing to array, building, or support mechanisms.

Solar Installers are Lighting the Way

Being a Solar PV Installer are more than a job; it’s a gateway to participating in the green revolution, contributing to environmental sustainability while engaging in a field that is both technically challenging and personally fulfilling.

A typical day for a solar PV installer begins early, often with a team meeting to discuss the day’s objectives, safety protocols, and any specific challenges of the site they will be working on. Installers spend much of their day outdoors, so being prepared for varying weather conditions is crucial. The job primarily involves installing solar panels on rooftops or other structures, which means a good level of physical fitness and comfort with heights is essential. The work is hands-on and requires the use of various tools and equipment. Installers must carefully follow technical plans to correctly position the panels, ensuring maximum efficiency and adherence to building codes and standards. Attention to detail is key, as is the ability to work effectively in a team.

Beyond the physical installation, a solar PV installer’s role includes electrical work, such as connecting solar panels to the electrical grid and configuring systems to work with solar inverters and battery storage solutions. This aspect of the job requires a strong understanding of electrical systems and safety practices. Continuous learning is a part of the job, as technology in the solar industry evolves rapidly. For those with a passion for renewable energy, an eagerness to work with their hands, and a desire for a career that combines technical skill with environmental impact, a day in the life of a solar PV installer is both challenging and deeply rewarding. It’s a career that not only offers a stable and growing job market but also the satisfaction of knowing you’re contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future.