SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM INSTALLERS California Occupational Guide Number 458 Interest Area 5-B 1995
Photovoltaic (PV) systems are high tech solid state solar modules that convert radiant sunlight directly into electricity. This converted electricity is collected and stored in batteries of various sizes and can be used "on demand" (as needed). The supply of electricity is renewed during hours of sunshine. This fastest growing branch of the solar energy industry provides devices that power spacecraft, automobiles and traffic walk lights. It may generate most of the electricity in housing subdivisions by the turn of the century.
THE JOB
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM INSTALLERS include Photovoltaic System (PVS) Installers and Solar Thermal Installers.
PVS Installers install the systems that generate solar electricity to heat and cool entire homes and buildings.
Solar thermal Installers install and repair hot water and swimming pool heating systems.
Both thermal and PVS installers mount pre-assembled solar panels or systems and install storage tanks, pumps, valves, pipes, and ducts. They set up and adjust electrical or electronic controls and sometimes do routine maintenance. In new construction, they follow blueprints to connect piping, ducting, controls and wiring.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Solar Energy System Installers work outdoors most of the time. The work requires lifting heavy tools and equipment and the confidence to work on rooftops and in cramped quarters. Dangers from electrical shock or falling objects are uncommon when safety rules are followed. Tools are usually provided by the employer, but installers may supply their own work clothing and safety helmets.
Installers may belong to the plumbers and pipefitters, electrical or sheetmetal workers' local unions.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
Jobs for Solar Energy Installers should grow over the next few years because practical ways to use solar energy continue to evolve. As an alternative to non-renewable fossil fuels, it qualifies for utility company "demand-side management" programs that allow customers to save energy and utility companies to reduce energy loads.
The California Legislature passed Senate Bill 656 in 1995 as an incentive to homeowners to install PV electricity generating systems. The bill established a "net metering" billing system that allows homeowners to save money by "sending" unused energy to their utility company. During peak energy consumption summer months for traditional energy users, those with PV systems would be energy suppliers, resulting in an energy credit. This energy credit will offset their utility costs during sunless months when they are most apt to become energy users.
According to the California Solar Energy Industries Association (CSEIA), more than 500,000 thermal systems heat houses, water swimming pools and spas in California in 1995. Growth is occurring in photovoltaic system installations that heat homes. Solar thermal installations for hot water heaters and pools leveled off as tax credits dried up. Installers skillful in both systems will have the most opportunities.
Only 177 Solar Energy Contractors are licensed by the California Contractors' Board currently, but as the industry grows this number should increase. Electrical, plumbing, and general contractors can also install solar systems. As architects incorporate passive collection and cooling methods into new homes and buildings, job opportunities for Solar Energy Systems Installers should expand. Air pollution control districts in some densely populated counties require all new housing to use solar hot water systems beginning this year.
Newest Uses Of Solar Energy Systems:
-- Supplying all the electrical needs of homes and businesses -- Water and swimming pool pumps -- Freeway emergency call boxes -- Electric Automobiles -- Automobile battery chargers
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Salaries vary between areas and employers. Wage survey results for several counties in 1994 show the following hourly earnings for heating and air conditioning installers, including Solar Energy Systems Installers:
Entry level: $4.25 - $13.00 Experienced: $6.50 - $30.25 Experienced/three years with the same firm: $9.00 - $31.75
Normal Work Hours: 40 hours per week, weekdays
Typical Fringe Benefits: Vacation, sick leave and medical, dental,
vision, and life insurance
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Most Solar Energy System Installers are trained on-the-job by their employers. They start as helpers to experienced installers. Some manufacturers sponsor intensive training sessions on their products. Check the telephone yellow pages under the "Solar Energy Equipment and Systems -- Mgrs & Distrs" listing to locate manufacturers in your area.
High school shop courses in electricity and wood working, and summer jobs as construction helpers for plumbers, electricians, roofers, or swimming pool/spa contractors are good ways to qualify as trainees.
Sheet metal worker/energy management technician apprenticeship programs are available in a few areas. High school graduation or an equivalent certificate and a minimum age of 18 are basic requirements. Local sheet metal worker unions or the California Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Apprenticeship Standards can give details.
ADVANCEMENT
The career ladder for Solar Energy System Installers is to move through helper or apprentice training to journey level, crew leader and then supervisor jobs. Some of them take the six hour trade and business management exam given by the State Contractors' Board to become licensed solar energy contractors.
FINDING THE JOB
Job seekers should apply directly to solar energy companies and register with the California Employment Development Department Job Service. They should also check with the sheet metal union and read newspaper want ads.
Additionally, California Occupational Guide Number 600, The Job Hunt Survival Kit, gives good job search tips.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
California Solar Energy Industries Association 2391 Arden Way Sacramento, CA 95825 (916) 649-9858
California Department of Industrial Relations Division of Apprenticeship Standards 455 Golden Gate Avenue, Room 1193 San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 703-4251
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics No. 32 Sheet-Metal Workers No. 49 Electricians No. 121 Carpenters No. 169 Plumbers No. 173
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1) Solar Energy Systems Installer 637.261-030
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers 859020
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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