How to Become A Solar Installer In South Africa

A solar installer, which is also called a PV installer (which stands for photovoltaic), install and maintain solar panels on people’s homes, businesses, or on land.

Is a solar installer an electrician?

The installation and maintenance of PV systems (including both grid and non-grid connected systems) and associated wiring systems which operate at a voltage greater than extra low voltage (exceeding 50 V a.c or 120 V ripple-free d.c) is classified as electrical work.

What do you have to do to become a solar installer?

Essentially, you need to hold an electrical license, or be supervised by someone who does, in order to install and work with electricity. This includes solar, of course!

Who can install solar inverter?

The installation of solar panels must be undertaken by either a licensed builder or a licensed electrical contractor. Check a license online or call NSW Fair Trading on 13 32 20.

How to Become A Solar Installer In South Africa

There are multiple paths to becoming a solar photovoltaic (PV) installer, often called PV installers. Some workers need only a high school diploma and receive on-the-job training lasting up to 1 year. Other candidates take a course at a technical school or community college. Some PV installers learn to install panels as part of an apprenticeship.

Education

Some PV installers take courses at local community colleges or trade schools to learn about solar panel installation. Courses range from basic safety and PV knowledge to system design. Although course length varies by state and locality, most usually last a few days to several months.

Some candidates may enter the field by taking online training courses. This is particularly useful for candidates with prior construction experience, such as former electricians.

Training

Some PV installers learn their trade on the job by working with experienced installers. On-the-job training usually lasts between 1 month and 1 year, during which workers learn about safety, tool use, and PV system installation techniques.

Solar PV system manufacturers may also provide specific training on a product. Such training usually includes a system overview and proper installation techniques of the manufacturer’s products.

Some large construction contractors provide training to new employees on their own. Workers learn basic PV safety and are given increasingly complex tasks as they prove their abilities.

The SA Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of Defense launched the Solar Ready Vets program in 2014 to connect veterans with jobs in the solar industry.

Although there are currently no apprenticeship programs for solar photovoltaic installers, some learn PV installation through other occupational apprenticeship programs. Electrician and roofing apprentices and journey workers may complete photovoltaic-specific training modules.

In most states, an electrician is fully qualified to connect PV systems to electric grids. They are also able to connect panels to inverters and batteries.

Important Qualities

Customer-service skills. Residential panel installers must work in customers’ homes. As a result, workers must maintain professionalism and perform the work in a timely manner.

Detail oriented. PV installers must carefully follow instructions during installation. If they fail to do so, the system may not work properly.

Mechanical skills. PV installers work with complex electrical and mechanical equipment. They must be able to build support structures that hold PV panels in place and properly connect the panels to the electrical system.

Physical stamina. PV installers are often on their feet carrying panels and other heavy equipment. When installing rooftop panels, workers may need to climb ladders many times during the course of the day.

Physical strength. PV installers must often lift heavy equipment, parts, and tools. Workers should be strong enough to lift panels that weigh up to 50 pounds.

Work Experience in a Related Occupation

Experience in construction may shorten a new employee’s training time. For example, workers with experience as an electrician, roofer, carpenter, or laborer typically already understand and can perform basic construction duties.

In addition, those with knowledge of electrical work, such as electricians, are highly valued by contractors.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

Although not mandatory, PV installers may obtain certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Certification can demonstrate professionalism and basic PV knowledge to employers.

To qualify, workers must complete at least 58 hours of advanced PV training at an accredited school or organization, as well as a 10-hour construction safety course through Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). They also need to pass an exam and show documentation of having led three to five PV installation projects, depending on prior experience.

The Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA) also offers photovoltaic installer certification. Education and training must be taken from an ETA-approved school.

SOLAR INSTALLER CAREER PATHS

In addition to switching up your job search, it might prove helpful to look at a career path for your specific job. Now, what’s a career path you ask? Well, it’s practically a map that shows how you might advance from one job title to another.

Our career paths are especially detailed with salary changes. So, for example, if you started out with the role of electrician you might progress to a role such as foreman eventually. Later on in your career, you could end up with the title superintendent.

SOLAR INSTALLER RESUMES

Designing and figuring out what to include on your resume can be tough, not to mention time-consuming. That’s why we put together a guide that is designed to help you craft the perfect resume for becoming a Solar Installer. If you’re needing extra inspiration, take a look through our selection of templates that are specific to your job.

How do I become a qualified solar installer In South Africa?

How to become a PV Greencard Installer

Register for the PV Green Card Certification with Genergy.

Take the 5-day course.

Complete assessment.

Get certified and registered on the SAPVIA installer database

Do I need to be certified to install solar panels In South Africa?

The installation of solar panels must be undertaken by either a licensed builder or a licensed electrical contractor. Check a license online or call NSW Fair Trading on 13 32

What do you study in solar energy In South Africa?

Solar energy engineers are required to hold at least a bachelor’s degree, typically in mechanical or electrical engineering. Other areas of studies in which aspiring solar energy engineers can specialize include chemistry, computer science, civil engineering, and related fields, with concentrations in solar energy.

Where can I learn about solar power In South Africa?

6 sites for learning about solar power

seia.org.

solarelectricpower.org.

energy.gov.

solarenergy.org.

solarreviews.com.

geostellar.com.

Can any electrician install solar panels In South Africa?

To clear up confusion basically only licensed electricians accredited BY the Clean Energy Council can install solar panels.

How long does it take to become a solar technician In South Africa?

On-the-job training usually lasts between 1 month and 1 year. During training, PV installers learn about safety, tools, and PV system installation techniques.

Are solar panels free In South Africa?

Are you a pensioner and interested in solar energy? You may be eligible for a free 3 kilowatt solar system installed on your home. A solar system can help you unlock long term savings on your household electricity bills by up to R 9003.20 a year. Over the next 12 months, the trial will be expanded across NSW.

How many solar installers are there In South Africa?

What should I look for in a solar company? Beyond the CEC Approved Retailers, there are around 400 solar panel companies and 4800 accredited installers in the market.

What does a solar technician do In South Africa?

These technicians also called solar photovoltaic installers assemble, install and maintain solar panels on homes, businesses or open land. Solar technicians may install photovoltaic solar panels, which convert the sun’s rays into electricity, or solar thermal panels, which capture the sun’s rays for usable heat.