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How to Become a Solar Installer
Mon 25 Feb 2008 - 16:31
How to Become a Solar Installer
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Reeves_Clippard]Reeves Clippard
There are two ways to approach a career change. One is to have experience in a similar field. The other is to start from scratch. I did the later. If you are in the first category, count yourself lucky.
Regardless of your past you will need to do three things to become a solar contractor: do a lot of research, get training, and get experience.
Right now there is a big buzz around Green Building, and solar might be one of the most visible improvements a green builder can make to a house. So it comes as no surprise that solar contractors are popping up left and right. In the past it was hard to find a contractor that was qualified to do the work. Now there are advocates helping customers and installers alike become educated to make sure the solar industry continues to grow.
Luckily for those interested in being a part of this movement there is now a plethora of resources available to get you started. The first place to find this information is the internet. But researchers beware. One thing about being green and sustainable is doing things that fit your locale. I find statistics for the performance of solar in Seattle that quote directly from results in Florida! Secondly, there are a number of schools and organizations where you can find more formal training programs. Lastly, there are contractors all over the country that now have years or valuable experience to share. And if they are anything like me you will have a hard time getting them to shut up if you ask them the right questions.
If you are reading this you have probably already read a lot about the basics of the technologies available and how they work. As you sort through the hundreds of websites and books now on the market, make sure your sources are reputable. Keep reading. Our industry is moving fast and there is a lot to keep abreast of. There is nothing more embarrassing then having a customer that knows more about your industry than you do. And you will find that your customers really want to talk about solar on the job. Many times you are their first friendly solar advocate with whom they have had the pleasure of talking.
To expand your research I suggest finding people that are already in the installation business. If you are going to be putting a lot of time and effort into changing careers make sure it is something you really want to do. I knew when I started I had no problem working on roofs. And the views I get up there still fill my heart with joy. What I did not know was the number of tiny crawl spaces I would be in. Nor did I know how often I would be in sweltering attics trying to sweat pipes in some of the most awkward and uncomfortable positions. Good thing for me, I will take those work conditions over sitting in a cubical any day. You may have another opinion. So some good questions to ask a contractor might be: What is a typical day for you? What do you hate/like most about your job? What are some of the threats and opportunities in your business?
The best way to find these contractors is through the local phone book, internet search, and local offices of the solar trade associations. If you live in an area without an established green industry start looking further from home for contractors that may have the answers to your questions. When I started in North Carolina I had to travel all the way to Wisconsin to the Midwest Renewable Energy Fair. Now most major cities have some kind of green event. Make sure you are talking to someone of the same scale you would like to work at. For example, it is no help talking to someone that has offices in 47 states if you want to operate on a much smaller scale.
One of the great things about the growth of the industry is that it is much easier to find training. Local community colleges across the country are now offering work force training classes for solar. Four year universities are doing the same with degrees in Renewable Energy and Appropriate Technology. Union halls are hosting classes giving members a start in solar. There is also intensive hands-on training through organizations like Solar Energy International and the Solar Living Institute. These non-profits offer terrific opportunities to network and learn. They also teach classes all over the country (and abroad) if you are unable to travel to their campuses.
On the job training is the most valuable learning you can receive. Of course, this kind of training can be the hardest to come by if you have no previous electrical or plumbing experience. A great way to get your foot in the door is to offer to volunteer your labor. This approach will give you the chance to see the kind of work you will be doing on a day to day basis, as well as build a relationship with someone in the business.
It is important to remember to have patience. It may seem like the market is moving so fast you are going to miss every opportunity. The truth is that the industry is far from mature, and there are opportunities to be found everywhere. Realize that many of the people you will be calling are busy and may not get back in touch right away. That being said persistence pays off. The first solar job I landed I had to pester the poor guy for six months before he even read my resume.
To recap, begin with thorough research to know the options available to you. Second, find a reputable place to get some formal training. While you are doing that start looking for a place to get more experience. Do not forget you have valuable skills already that can help you along the way.
Most importantly: have fun you are doing something amazing!
Additional Resources: [http://www.solarenergy.org]Solar Energy International [http://www.solarlivinginstitute.org]Solar Living Institute [http://www.environmentalcareer.com]EnironmentalCareer.com
Reeves Clippard is co-owner of [http://www.aandrsolar.com tag=Seattle Solar Installer]A&R Solar Corporation in Seattle, Washington. There he enjoys the responsibilities of being a small businesses owner and the knowledge of making a living doing something positive. He started his solar career interning at Solar Energy International in Carbondale, Colorado in 2005.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Reeves_Clippard http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Become-a-Solar-Installer&id=996071
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