Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians
Human Advantage 76%
Significant human skills needed
AI Automation Risk Low Risk
3 / 10
This occupation requires complex human judgment, social interaction, and creative problem-solving that are difficult to automate.
Install or repair solar energy systems designed to collect, store, and circulate solar-heated water for residential, commercial or industrial use.
Also Known As: Heat Exchanger, Installer, Solar Boilers Technician, Solar Energy Technician, Solar Hot Water Installer (SHW Installer), Solar Installation Technician, Solar Installer, Solar Insulation Technician +11 more
Core 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.
- Design active direct or indirect, passive direct or indirect, or pool solar systems.
- Determine locations for installing solar subsystem components, including piping, water heaters, valves, and ancillary equipment.
- Perform routine maintenance or repairs to restore solar thermal systems to baseline operating conditions.
- Install heat exchangers and heat exchanger fluids according to installation manuals and schematics.
- Apply operation or identification tags or labels to system components, as required.
- Connect water heaters and storage tanks to power and water sources.
- Cut, miter, and glue piping insulation to insulate plumbing pipes and fittings.
- Install plumbing, such as dip tubes, port fittings, drain tank valves, pressure temperature relief valves, or tanks, according to manufacturer specifications and building codes.
- Install monitoring system components, such as flow meters, temperature gauges, and pressure gauges, according to system design and manufacturer specifications.
- Assess collector sites to ensure structural integrity of potential mounting surfaces or the best orientation and tilt for solar collectors.
Supplemental Tasks (1)
- Apply ultraviolet radiation protection to prevent degradation of plumbing.
Education & Training
Job Zone 3 Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.
Technology & Tools
Hot Technologies
Software (21)
Tools & Equipment (64)
Where This Career Leads
Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.
Skilled Trades Advanced Manufacturing
Zone 1
Plasterers and Stucco Masons 79% match
Zone 3
Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians You are here
Resume Builder
Select key tasks to generate action-oriented resume bullets for Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians positions.
Your Resume Bullets
Related Occupations
Show all 20 related occupations
Real Talk
Hear from real Solar Thermal Installers and Technicianss about their work: