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Solar Energy Installation Managers

In the Solar Energy Installation Managers occupation, workers direct work crews installing residential or commercial solar photovoltaic or thermal systems. O*NET rates it as medium preparation, which usually means one or two years of vocational training, an apprenticeship or an associate’s degree. It leans on time management, monitoring, and management of personnel resources. Expect to plan and coordinate installations of photovoltaic (PV) solar and solar thermal systems to ensure conformance to codes. With a code of REC, this is mostly a job for people drawn to hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world. Enterprising interests also help, rated 4.9 out of 7. It tends to suit people who want hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world, and it offers little for anyone seeking creative work with room for original expression.

What they do

Direct work crews installing residential or commercial solar photovoltaic or thermal systems.

Main tasks

  • Plan and coordinate installations of photovoltaic (PV) solar and solar thermal systems to ensure conformance to codes.
  • Supervise solar installers, technicians, and subcontractors for solar installation projects to ensure compliance with safety standards.
  • Estimate materials, equipment, and personnel needed for residential or commercial solar installation projects.
  • Prepare solar installation project proposals, quotes, budgets, or schedules.
  • Provide technical assistance to installers, technicians, or other solar professionals in areas such as solar electric systems, solar thermal systems, electrical systems, or mechanical systems.
  • Coordinate or schedule building inspections for solar installation projects.

Skills

  • Time Management
  • Monitoring
  • Management of Personnel Resources
  • Coordination
  • Speaking
  • Reading Comprehension

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You like ending the day with a physical result you can point to.
  • You like taking the lead and making the call.
  • You are willing to put in a year or two of focused training.
  • You are comfortable relying on time management and monitoring.

May not suit you if

  • You would rather stay away from physical, hands-on tasks.
  • You need creative expression to be a big part of your day. Artistic rates 1.3 out of 7 here.
  • You need to start within a few months, with no training period.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code REC takes the three highest, and Realistic comes first here.

Preparation

Medium preparation. Expect vocational school, an apprenticeship, related experience or an associate’s degree, usually one or two years in total.

Most-reported requirement in the O*NET survey: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED). This reflects what workers reported most often and is not a legal minimum. Licensing rules can differ by state or industry, so confirm what applies where you plan to work.

Also called

  • Commercial Field Manager
  • Commercial Solar Superintendent
  • Installation Manager
  • Residential Field Manager
  • Residential Field Supervisor

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.