Profession solar energy technician

Solar energy technicians install and maintain systems that collect solar energy. They prepare the necessary fixtures, often on roofs, install solar panels, and plug them into an electronic system including an inverter to connect the solar energy systems to the electricity lines.

Personality Type

• Realistic / Investigative
• Realistic / Conventional

Knowledge

• Mechanics

  Theoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.

• Electrical wiring plans

  Pictorial representation of an electrical circuit. It shows the components of the circuit as simplified shapes, and the power and signal connections between the devices. It gives information about the relative position and arrangement of devices and terminals on the devices, to help in building or servicing the device. A wiring diagram is often used to troubleshoot problems and to make sure that all the connections have been made and that everything is present.

• Solar energy

  The energy which originates from light and heat from the sun, and which can be harnessed and used as a renewable source of energy using different technologies, such as photovoltaics (PV) for electricity production and solar thermal energy (STE) for thermal energy generation.

• Electricity

  Understand the principles of electricity and electrical power circuits, as well as the associated risks.

Skills

• Interpret 3D plans

  Interpret and understand plans and drawings in manufacturing processes which include representations in three dimensions.

• Comply with legal regulations

  Ensure you are properly informed of the legal regulations that govern a specific activity and adhere to its rules, policies and laws.

• Transport construction supplies

  Bring construction materials, tools and equipment to the construction site and store them properly taking various aspects into account such as the workers' safety and protection from deterioration.

• Use measurement instruments

  Use different measurement instruments depending on the property to be measured. Utilise various instruments to measure length, area, volume, speed, energy, force, and others.

• Interpret 2D plans

  Interpret and understand plans and drawings in manufacturing processes which include representations in two dimensions.

• Test procedures in electricity transmission

  Perform tests on powerlines and cables, as well as other equipment used for the transmission of electrical power, in order to ensure the cables are well insulated, the voltage can be controlled well, and the equipment is compliant with regulations.

• Install electrical and electronic equipment

  Install equipment which is dependent on electric currents or electromagnetic fields in order to work, or equipment to generate, transfer or measure such currents and fields. This equipment includes switchboards, electric motors, generators or direct current systems.

• Install circuit breakers

  Install electrical switches designed to switch off automatically in case of an overload or short-circuit. Organise circuit breakers in the panel logically. Make sure no foreign objects are introduced into the panel. Use only circuit breakers approved for the panel, usually the same manufacturer.

• Inspect electrical supplies

  Check electrical supplies for damage, moisture, loss or other problems.

• Follow safety procedures when working at heights

  Take necessary precautions and follow a set of measures that assess, prevent and tackle risks when working at a high distance from the ground. Prevent endangering people working under these structures and avoid falls from ladders, mobile scaffolding, fixed working bridges, single person lifts etc. since they may cause fatalities or major injuries.

• Follow health and safety procedures in construction

  Apply the relevant health and safety procedures in construction in order to prevent accidents, pollution and other risks.

• Check compatibility of materials

  Make sure the materials are fit to be used together, and if there are any foreseeable interferences.

• Inspect construction supplies

  Check construction supplies for damage, moisture, loss or other problems before using the material.

• Mount photovoltaic panels

  Securely install photovoltaic panels using a specified mounting system and on the defined position and inclination.

• Work ergonomically

  Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB