Get A Job In Alternative Energy Installing Solar Roof Panels
The solar energy industry is one bright spot in a slow economy. With the government's ambitious renewable energy program it is sure to be a source of jobs for the coming decades.
Instructions
1. Learn as much as you can about solar roof panels and how they work first before thinking about getting a job installing rooftop solar electric panels or photovoltaic (PV) systems. In almost every part of the country there are rebates of some kind, in addition to generous federal incentives, for homeowners to install rooftop solar PV panels. Granted there are some states and municipalities with better rebate programs. States like California, Colorado, Florida and cities like Austin Texas are hot areas for jobs installing rooftop solar panels.
Most solar roof panel installation companies hire a mixed crew consisting of licensed journeyman electricians and construction workers with a broad base of skills.
2. Be prepared to work at heights. The job of installing rooftop solar photovoltaic panels or PV systems, requires working at often significant heights on two story homes with roof pitches of all angles. Workers must be familiar with home construction methods and be able to locate rafters precisely in order to install the mounting brackets for the panels. While a general construction worker or roofer can perform many of the tasks such as mounting the panels and running conduit for the wires, his work will be supervised by a lead worker who is a licensed electrician.
3. Get as much training as you can. The more training you have, the better shot you will have at a higher paying job in the solar rooftop photovoltaic panel installation industry.
There are a growing number of community colleges that are starting programs in solar energy technology. You'll find most of the solar energy job training programs in places like California, where rebates for solar energy are high. A few community colleges, such as Sierra College in California, are starting new solar energy technology programs in the fall of 2009. Check with your local community colleges and technical schools for related courses in your area. It might be a winning strategy to pair an electrician training program with solar technology courses for a shot at the best paying solar energy jobs.
Tags: solar energy, rooftop solar, community colleges, installing rooftop, installing rooftop solar
