I get to the office at 7 a.m. to check my emails and catch up on anything that happened overnight. The technicians show up at 7:30 a.m. We start the day with a meeting where I touch base with all of my technicians, address any issues, and go over site and safety updates. The rest of my day involves a lot of calls and meetings. I also touch base with my field technicians. I spend the end of my day handling work orders that have been completed throughout the day and then planning for the next day.
CAREER
Solar Heating Installers and Technicians
Overview
Salary Median (2020)
$59,880
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)
+1.9% (little or no change)
Career
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This Career
What Solar Heating Installers and Technicians Do
Install or repair solar energy systems designed to collect, store, and circulate solar-heated water for residential, commercial or industrial use.
Other Job Titles Solar Heating Installers and Technicians May Have
Installer, Solar Installer, Solar Maintenance Technician, Solar Technician
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- 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.
- Install copper or plastic plumbing using pipes, fittings, pipe cutters, acetylene torches, solder, wire brushes, sand cloths, flux, plastic pipe cleaners, or plastic glue.
- Identify plumbing, electrical, environmental, or safety hazards associated with solar thermal installations.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Solar Heating Installers and Technicians
Most common level of education among people in
this career: High school diploma or equivalent (43%)
High school diploma or equivalent
Some college, no degree
Bachelor's degree
Getting Started
Recommended First Step for:
Everyone
If you're thinking about technical college, I recommend getting in touch with the faculty and asking for a tour. Go to the school and see for yourself if it would be a good fit. Speak to the instructors, tour the school, and see what kind of tools and training simulators they have. I also suggest taking advantage of internships. If a company or industry sounds interesting, apply for an internship and get first-hand insight into the work.
This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
