How to Get a Job in Alternative Energy Installing Solar Roof Panels
By Silas Reed
Solar panel use is growing rapidly in the United States, particularly with the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and the Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008. Americans are eligible for a 30% rebate on residential solar power systems through tax credits. There is currently no limit to the amount taxpayers can claim toward the cost of a photovoltaic (PV) solar system. The rebate covers both the cost of the materials themselves and the labor. As an example, someone who installs a PV system that cost $10,000 would be eligible for a $3,000 tax credit. A tax credit is applied directly to taxes owed. This means that in this example, the taxpayer's total taxes owed to the IRS would be cut by $3,000.
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Tax credits are valid for the following energy saving improvements in a principal or primary residence: thermal windows, doors, skylights and storm doors, metal or asphalt roofing, insulation, heating and air conditioning systems, biomass stoves, geothermal heat pumps, solar panels, solar water heaters, home wind energy systems, and fuel cells.
With tax incentives like these, the use of solar panels for generating electricity is looking attractive to more homeowners than ever, meaning that solar panel installers should be able to keep quite busy for at least the next couple of years.
General Job Qualifications
While qualifications will vary from job to job, a solar panel installer is generally responsible for assembling the framing and the solar array, properly sealing any roof penetrations, and any necessary trenching and equipment assembly. Those who install solar panels are generally required to have the full range of mobility in their upper and lower body. They must be able to work at heights and in unusual positions, such as stooping, for extended periods of time. They will need to be capable of lifting 50 lbs. of weight frequently
Additionally, a solar panel installer needs a good driving record, good work documentation skills, good people skills for interacting with clients, and general construction related experience. A great attitude, problem solving skills, and good work team skills are very beneficial for the solar installer looking for work. Plumbing or pipefitting experience will give you an edge in job hunting, as will experience working in extreme environments such as hot and cold weather.
Steps to Landing a Job in Solar Panel Installation
The first step is to acquire the knowledge necessary to be conversant in solar roof panel technology and how it works. A motivated person can gather a wealth of data from basic internet searches. It is also a good idea to learn where the better tax rebate programs are. In the U.S., California, Colorado, and Florida are places where solar panel installation is going strong. At the same time, you need to have a broad base of construction related skills.
You must be prepared to work at various heights. Sometimes installation of solar panels requires working on roofs of two story houses with many different roof pitches. You have to be able to accurately locate rafters for installing mounting brackets for the panels.
If at all possible, acquire training specific to solar panel technology. Community colleges are increasingly offering programs in solar energy technology. Even taking a couple of courses in solar energy technology could give you an edge in finding a well-paying solar panel installation job.
If you happen to live in the San Francisco or Fresno California area, you can learn how to install solar panels for free by volunteering with GRID Alternatives, an organization that installs alternate energy technologies in low income homes to decrease utility costs and provide renewable sources of energy.
How Well Does it Pay?
In California, a solar panel installation supervisor with experience can earn up to $81,000 per year. On an hourly basis, in California, the average solar installation worker makes from $13.50 to $19.25 per hour, with the average at $16.00 per hour.
What is the Future of Solar Panel Installation in America?
Right now solar panel installation appears to be poised for continued growth in the U.S. The cost of PV modules has dropped to an average of $3 per watt of electricity because of excess PV panel supply in the global marketplace. Solar-encouraging policies in Spain and Germany have caused new manufacturing plants to increase supplies for the expected development of markets for solar panel technology. The bottom line is that there is currently excess supply, and solar panels are at their lowest prices in years. Coupled with generous tax incentives, now is the best time for Americans to add solar energy technology to their homes.
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