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Solar Installation
Program Description
AAS in Solar Photovoltaic Installation STEM Emphasis degree is no longer available to new students. Students considering a transfer pathway can choose the traditional AAS degree and complete an AGEC-A certificate to prepare to enter a university.
The Solar Photovoltaic Installation program and certificate provides students a basic understanding of electrical theory, wiring to proper code requirements, proper safety and panel mounting, panel positioning and tie-in to the commercial grid. Students will have the skills necessary to enter the workforce as a solar panel installer and prepares them to sit for the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) PV Entry Level Examination.
Graduates of the solar installation program or certificate will learn a wide range of skills and gain industry specific experience in:
- Measuring voltage, current, and resistance.
- The purpose and rating process of over current protection devices.
- Preparing cable ends for terminations and splices and connect cables using lugs or connectors.
- Electrical loads, solar radiation and operating temperature affect the electrical output of a PV device.
- The purposes and functions of the major components in PV systems.
- The basic types of inverters used in PV systems.
- Differentiating between the approaches and methodologies for sizing different types of PV systems.
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Schedule NowDegree(s) / Certificates(s)
| Title | Local Bachelor's |
|---|---|
| Solar Photovoltaic Installation - A.A.S. Occupational Degree | - |
| Solar Panel Installation Level 1 - CERT Occupational Certificate | - |
Career Outlook
Successful completion of this program can open doors to various employment opportunities, many of which require further higher education at the university level. Below are examples of related occupations and their annual mean wages in Arizona, based on career and wage data from Pipeline AZ, which utilizes government sources for its reports and forecasts.
Description
Assemble, install, or maintain solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on roofs or other structures in compliance with site assessment and schematics. May include measuring, cutting, assembling, and bolting structural framing and solar modules. May perform minor electrical work such as current checks.
Duties/Tasks
- Install photovoltaic (PV) systems in accordance with codes and standards, using drawings, schematics, and instructions.
- Assemble solar modules, panels, or support structures, as specified.
- Apply weather sealing to array, building, or support mechanisms.
- Determine appropriate sizes, ratings, and locations for all system overcurrent devices, disconnect devices, grounding equipment, and surge suppression equipment.
- Install module array interconnect wiring, implementing measures to disable arrays during installation.
- Identify methods for laying out, orienting, and mounting modules or arrays to ensure efficient installation, electrical configuration, or system maintenance.
- Identify electrical, environmental, and safety hazards associated with photovoltaic (PV) installations.
- Examine designs to determine current requirements for all parts of the photovoltaic (PV) system electrical circuit.
- Check electrical installation for proper wiring, polarity, grounding, or integrity of terminations.
- Test operating voltages to ensure operation within acceptable limits for power conditioning equipment, such as inverters and controllers.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$46,270
$46,270
Entry Level Salary
$36,910
$36,910
Mid Level Salary
$46,370
$46,370
Expert Level Salary
$61,240
$61,240
Average Hourly Wage
$22.25
$22.25
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$17.74
$17.74
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$22.00
$22.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
$29.44
$29.44
Typical Education Level
High School Diploma
Description
Install or repair solar energy systems designed to collect, store, and circulate solar-heated water for residential, commercial or industrial use.
Duties/Tasks
- 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.
- Demonstrate start-up, shut-down, maintenance, diagnostic, and safety procedures to thermal system owners.
- Install circulating pumps using pipe, fittings, soldering equipment, electrical supplies, and hand tools.
- Install flat-plat, evacuated glass, or concentrating solar collectors on mounting devices, using brackets or struts.
- Install solar thermal system controllers and sensors.
- Fill water tanks and check tanks, pipes, and fittings for leaks.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$55,470
$55,470
Entry Level Salary
$29,480
$29,480
Mid Level Salary
$48,370
$48,370
Expert Level Salary
$78,940
$78,940
Average Hourly Wage
$26.67
$26.67
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$14.18
$14.18
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$23.00
$23.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
$37.95
$37.95
Typical Education Level
High School Diploma
Description
Direct work crews installing residential or commercial solar photovoltaic or thermal systems.
Duties/Tasks
- 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.
- Plan and coordinate installations of photovoltaic (PV) solar and solar thermal systems to ensure conformance to codes.
- Monitor work of contractors and subcontractors to ensure projects conform to plans, specifications, schedules, or budgets.
- Assess potential solar installation sites to determine feasibility and design requirements.
- 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.
- Identify means to reduce costs, minimize risks, or increase efficiency of solar installation projects.
- Coordinate or schedule building inspections for solar installation projects.
- Perform start-up of systems for testing or customer implementation.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$71,150
$71,150
Entry Level Salary
$48,580
$48,580
Mid Level Salary
$63,470
$63,470
Expert Level Salary
$98,790
$98,790
Average Hourly Wage
$34.21
$34.21
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$23.36
$23.36
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$30.00
$30.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
$47.49
$47.49
Typical Education Level
Post Secondary Certificate
Classroom/Lab Tour
This tour shows the front reception area as well as the primary classroom used for many electrical courses. Our classrooms are setup with flexibility in mind so that they can be completely re-arranged and used in many different ways.
This tour demonstrates a classroom that is primarily used for electrical courses. Note the many hands-on opportunities within this typical classroom.
Program Photos
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Contact Information
Department Contact(s)
Career and Technical Education
Hours of Operation
- Normal Hours
- Monday - Thursday: 7:00am-5:00pm
Faculty/Staff Contact(s)
| Name | Title | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Herman Carroll | Professor of Electrical and Solar Technology | (928) 317-7623 | Herman.Carroll@azwestern.edu |