Residential Technician
A Comprehensive Guide to the Job of a Residential Solar Technician
Service technicians require a broad understanding of how the entire PV system works as they are responsible for monitoring the system and fixing any issues that they spot ahead of time. As issues can arise from the solar panel to the inverter to the network integration, the technician needs to know how all parts of the hardware and software work. On top of this, technicians are regularly interacting with customers, so they need strong verbal and written communication skills.
Overview of the Solar Residential Technician Job
Residential Solar Service Technicians are critical employees who ensure the solar energy grid is performing as expected after installation.
Residential Technician Salary
Nationally, engineering technicians earn an average annual salary of $66,390 across all industries. The top 10% of earners make more than $101,480 while the bottom 10% earn $43,930 per the BLS 2022 data. Residential technicians will typically earn less than commercial or utility technicians.
Common Solar Residential Technician Job Descriptions
The key responsibilities of a Service / Maintenance Technician include:
Confirming issues that arise through remote performance monitoring of residential systems
Coordinating with customers and traveling to homes to inspect, evaluated, and troubleshoot the system
Isolating the issue across the full solar system ranging from electrical work, inverter diagnostics, and metering issues
Repairing, testing, and ensuring addressed issue will not occur again through thorough quality assurance
Communicating and updating customers on the issue and timeline for resolutions
Troubleshooting any issues with solar monitoring systems (SolarEdge, EnPhase, SunPower…)
Documenting work in detail for electronic records
Solar Residential Technician Job and Skill Requirements
Larger solar companies are likely to have entry-level roles for those with less experience directly in solar, but will still require electrician/construction experience. Most roles will require experience in solar as you will need to have a thorough understanding the full end-to-end systems to identify and resolve any issues in the residential solar system
The following are the key requirements you’ll see as you apply to jobs:
A high school diploma or equivalent
Minimum of 1 year working in solar, with 3-5 years of experience being common
Experience with solar software and monitoring tools (Enphase, SunPower, SolarEdge…)
Knowledge of electrical codes, standards, and safety procedures at the local, state, and federal levels
NABCEP certification preferred by larger organizations
OSHA certification sometimes required or at least desired
Physical dexterity, ability to lift 50+ pounds, and comfortable working at heights and on rooftops
Good communication and customer service skills to inform customers of any issues and timelines for which they’ll be addressed
Generally require a state driver’s license with travel
What's the day-to-day of a Solar Residential Technician?
Residential service technicians are typically traveling and interacting with customers and their energy grid. Common tasks include:
Manage schedule by prioritizing needed follow ups and communicating with field operations / project management
Travel to and from customer sites
Isolate issues, complete diagnostics, and troubleshoot as quickly as possible in the energy system and resolve issues
Check end-to-end systems from solar panel to inverter to battery storage to software systems are functioning appropriately
Perform thorough QA on system after fix is implemented
Communicate with customer and set clear expectations on any remaining work needed to be done and timelines for completions after communication with operations
Job Outlook for Solar Residential Technicians
We are only a small fraction of the way into the solar transformation of the US energy grid. The job of a service technician is already in high demand with projects and will continue to increase dramatically as more and more homeowners add solar panels. As existing systems age, there will need to be more operations and management to ensure they continue to operate at full potential. It is very likely that the service technician will grow as quickly as PV installers in order to meet the market demand.
Career Opportunities for Solar Residential Technicians
Solar service technicians already have thorough knowledge of the end-to-end solar energy system within residential units. With additional experience with years of understanding common faults, issues, and maintenance needs, technicians can move into a fleet manager position or move into a commercial or utility role. Commercial projects have increased complexity and larger systems that require more experience.
How to Become a Solar Residential Technicians
The best way to find a job as a technician is to network across your existing solar contacts given you’ve been in the industry. Companies are looking to staff more technicians as operations and maintenance grows in importance. You can also search online job boards like Indeed and niche job board like WorkInSolar that will have only the latest solar jobs in the market.
Make sure to have a resume and cover letter that highlight your experience, qualifications, certifications, and/or licenses for the role. List how many projects you’ve completed or troubleshooted and the tools/systems for which you have expertise.
How to keep learning more
Service Technicians are already and will continue to be in high demand as we transition our energy grid. Subscribe to our blog to stay on top of the latest news in working in solar.