Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians
Overview
Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians set up and repair hot water systems that use sunlight instead of gas or electricity. They study roof structures and sun angles to design the best layout, then mount solar collectors, run copper or plastic piping, install pumps, tanks, heat exchangers, and electronic controllers, and connect everything safely to a building’s plumbing and power. They also test flow rates, temperatures, and pressures, follow strict building and safety codes, and teach customers how to operate and maintain their solar hot water systems so they run efficiently for years.
Did you know?
Most states require specific certifications and ongoing training to work with solar thermal systems, with requirements varying significantly across different jurisdictions.
At a Glance
Growth
Stable
Top Skill
Equipment Maintenance
Key Responsibilities
- Cut, miter, and glue piping insulation to insulate plumbing pipes and fittings.
- Identify plumbing, electrical, environmental, or safety hazards associated with solar thermal installations.
- 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.
- Fill water tanks and check tanks, pipes, and fittings for leaks.
- Install copper or plastic plumbing using pipes, fittings, pipe cutters, acetylene torches, solder, wire brushes, sand cloths, flux, plastic pipe cleaners, or plastic glue.
- Install solar collector mounting devices on tile, asphalt, shingle, or built-up gravel roofs, using appropriate materials and penetration methods.
- Assess collector sites to ensure structural integrity of potential mounting surfaces or the best orientation and tilt for solar collectors.
- 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 heat exchangers and heat exchanger fluids according to installation manuals and schematics.
- Apply weather seal, such as pipe flashings and sealants, to roof penetrations and structural devices.
- Install monitoring system components, such as flow meters, temperature gauges, and pressure gauges, according to system design and manufacturer specifications.
- Design active direct or indirect, passive direct or indirect, or pool solar systems.
- Demonstrate start-up, shut-down, maintenance, diagnostic, and safety procedures to thermal system owners.
- Install solar thermal system controllers and sensors.
- Test operation or functionality of mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and control 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.
- Connect water heaters and storage tanks to power and water sources.
- Apply operation or identification tags or labels to system components, as required.
- Apply ultraviolet radiation protection to prevent degradation of plumbing.
Career Considerations
Certification and Training Requirements
Most states require specific certifications and ongoing training to work with solar thermal systems, with requirements varying significantly across different jurisdictions.
Physical Demands and Safety Risks
The job involves working on rooftops and in confined spaces with heavy equipment, requiring good physical condition and strict adherence to safety protocols.
Geographic Market Concentration
Job opportunities are primarily concentrated in sunny states like California, Arizona, and Florida where solar thermal systems are most cost-effective and widely adopted.