Working in Solar Energy : Working in Solar Energy - Solar Installers

Construction managers have the responsibility of managing the entire construction process.

Construction Managers

Construction managers oversee the construction of solar power plants, from site selection to the final construction of the plant.

They supervise a team of diverse occupations, including engineers, scientists, construction workers, and heavy equipment operators.

Because of the size of a power plant and the complexity of the construction, a project manager will typically oversee several construction managers, who then supervise individual aspects of the construction.

The construction manager works on-site and in the office, which may be located onsite or offsite.

Primary office responsibilities include management of permits, contracts, and the budget.

At the site, the construction manager monitors progress and performs inspections for quality control.

Construction managers manage various contractors and subcontractors.

They are responsible for ensuring a safe work environment where workers adhere to strict site safety policies.

Construction managers are typically educated in construction management, business management, or engineering, and usually have experience working in construction.

Experience is important for construction managers, so it may be substituted for some educational requirements.

Large, complex projects such as power plants, however, require specialized education.

Workers with a degree in construction management or engineering, but without significant experience, may be hired as assistants to construction managers.

Civil Engineers

Civil engineers design and supervise the construction of power plants.

Solar power plants can take many forms and sizes.

Photovoltaic plants are less complex but are a challenge for engineers to design because the panels are optimally configured to efficiently harvest solar power.

Engineers ensure that the land is graded properly and is flat enough to support large arrays of mirrors or photovoltaic panels.

Civil engineers are also responsible for designing necessary infrastructure, including roadways, support structures, foundations, and plumbing systems.

Civil engineers have at least a bachelor's degree in civil or structural engineering.

Lead engineers on large projects, such as power plants, have specialized experience and typically have at least a master's degree.

Licensure as a professional engineer (PE) may be required.

Construction Laborers

Construction laborers perform a wide range of construction-related tasks.

Most construction laborers specialize in one component of construction, such as metalworking, concrete pouring, and setting, assembly, or demolition.

Laborers prepare the site for construction by removing trees and debris.

They are also responsible for monitoring and repairing compressors, pumps, and generators, and for erecting scaffolding and other support structures, as well as loading, unloading, identifying, and distributing building materials in accordance with project plans.

These types of Labors are generally fresher and gain Expertize while doing any Job.

A minimum A-level is required for this job.

Construction Equipment Operators

Construction equipment operators use machinery to move construction materials, earth, and other heavy materials at a construction site.

Many plants require the flat, unobstructed ground to line up the solar panels or mirrors, and equipment operators operate machinery to clear and grade the land.

They also operate cranes to lift and place heavy objects, such as photovoltaic arrays, large mirrors, and turbine generators.

They set up and inspect their equipment, make adjustments to the equipment, and perform some maintenance and minor repairs.

Equipment operators often learn on the job or complete a formal training program, or a combination be certified, which involves some training and testing to ensure competence and safety.

Welders

Welders who work in solar power plant construction are important for both CSP and photovoltaic plants.

In CSP plants, the work of welders includes joining structural beams together when constructing buildings, installing the structures that support the mirrors, and joining pipes together.

At photovoltaic plants, welders are instrumental in building solar panel mounting systems.

Panels must be mounted on the ground or a roof using metal beams, and welders are responsible for attaching these beams to form the mounts.

Welders usually learn their trade through on-the-job training or a formal apprenticeship program, or they may attend a formal training program at a trade school or community college.

There are many different techniques that welders may use that also require additional training.

Structural steel and ironworkers are typically trained on the job and may complete additional specialized training.

Installation Engineers

An installation Engineer is a key to the process of solar panel installation and maintenance.

They use specialized skills to install residential and commercial solar projects.

They are responsible for safely attaching the panels to the roofs of houses or other buildings and ensuring that the systems work.

Solar photovoltaic installers must be able to work with power tools and hand tools at great heights and possess in-depth knowledge of electrical wiring as well as basic math skills.

A bachelor's or Master's degree with some relevant experience is required for this job profile.