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Career Exploration

Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians

Also called: Installer, Solar Installer, Solar Maintenance Technician, Solar Technician

What they do:

Install or repair solar energy systems designed to collect, store, and circulate solar-heated water for residential, commercial or industrial use.

On the job, you would:
  • Test operation or functionality of mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and control systems.
  • Apply weather seal, such as pipe flashings and sealants, to roof penetrations and structural devices.
  • Install solar collector mounting devices on tile, asphalt, shingle, or built-up gravel roofs, using appropriate materials and penetration methods.
On the job, you'll need:

Engineering and Technology

  • mechanical
  • building and construction

Business

  • customer service
  • management

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Education and Training

  • teaching and course design

Basic Skills

  • reading work related information
  • keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Verbal

  • listen and understand what people say
  • communicate by speaking

Hand and Finger Use

  • keep your arm or hand steady
  • put together small parts with your fingers

Ideas and Logic

  • notice when problems happen
  • order or arrange things

Attention

  • pay attention to something without being distracted

Realistic

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Integrity
  • Cooperation
  • Adaptability/Flexibility
  • Analytical Thinking

Computer aided design CAD software

  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Dassault Systemes SolidWorks

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Development environment software

  • Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications VBA
  • National Instruments LabVIEW

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Average.

New job opportunities are likely in the future.

Median Annual Salary: $60,090

Education

High school diploma/GED or some college is usually needed.