Solar Tech - Lead

Description

All Solar Technicians must be able to perform the essential functions below. The difference between classifications are the level of mastery of the essential functions, the degree of supervision required when performing these functions, and the amount of lead direction provided to other technicians:

Solar Technician I: The technician works under close supervision, performing the essential functions at an adequate level.

Solar Technician II: The technician works under general supervision, and independently performs the essential functions at an advanced level. Technician may provide guided supervision to one other lower level technician at a time.

Solar Technician III: The technician works with minimal supervision and has mastered the knowledge and skills needed to perform the essential functions. Technician will occasionally lead jobsite construction activities in lieu of the Lead Technician, and will assist the Lead Technician with training lower level technicians.

Solar Lead Technician: Technician works with independently, and reports directly to the Construction Manager. Technician creates daily and weekly work plans, and communicates this with other technicians and the Construction Manager. Technician provides or delegates training to lower level technicians on specific installation techniques using industry best practices, in a neat and workmanlike manner.

Essential Functions:

This list represents the main duties and requirements of the job, but is not all-inclusive. There may be job-related duties other than those contained in this document that the Technician may be expected to perform.

• Check job sites for potential hazards; understand and adhere to all applicable safety rules, regulations, practices, procedures, and determine appropriate PPE and other safety equipment for job tasks
• Ensure compliance with the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70E Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, Site Specific Safety Plans, and other applicable laws, codes, regulations, and industry standards
• Review installation manuals for all equipment and tools; ensure installation of equipment follows manufacturer’s guidelines as well as compliance with NFPA 70, NFPA 70E, and OSHA
• Review company provided weekly toolbox talks and attend quarterly safety meetings
• Become knowledgeable of and follow Altenergy Installer Manual and the SOP's contained within
• Be proficient in all aspects of PV system installation from start to finish, following the plan of action for each day/week
• Verify job components at the warehouse
• Learn how to read and understand Design Packs for each job
• Install mechanical/structural mounting systems for PV arrays
• Install electrical equipment and associated components
• Install solar modules and associated mounting hardware using company best practices
• Electrical wiring of solar array and BOS (balance of systems) equipment
• Clean up job site
• Document all work done by taking photos at key milestones and upload them to the internal company database
• Perform equipment commissioning including web portal registration/setup, optimizer/micro map creation, and upload any maps, passwords, or other relevant commissioning information to the internal company database
• Ensure proper operation of online monitoring
• Provide maintenance service to previously installed systems
• Communicate effectively with the customer and manage their expectations
• Troubleshoot non-working solar equipment (modules, optimizers, inverters, etc.) using a variety of techniques and strategies
• Contact technical support for solar equipment replacement and troubleshooting if a 

resolution cannot be achieved otherwise

• Replace defective equipment in a timely and professional manner
• Organize work assignments and set priorities
• Provide excellent customer service
• Contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of the installation team
• Maintain vehicle organization and keep good stock of typical job materials on vehicles and in shop as needed
• Provide feedback to design team if errors are found within design packs
• Participate in design to branch handoff meetings to discuss specific project details 
• Participate in required trainings, old and new, for specific solar equipment commissioning

Qualifications:

Solar Technician -Lead

Solar Technician III requirements plus:

NABCEP Board Certification (PVIP or PVIS)

Conduct performance reviews for direct reports with Construction Manager

Review and approve direct report time cards

Manage education/training of direct reports

Train new technicians on the below Knowledge and Skills requirements

1 year as Solar Technician III or similar work experience and certifications

Skills in:

• Maintaining effective communication and working relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Preparing clear written or verbal reports for project updates
• Planning and determining priorities
• Contributing to the accomplishment of work group goals, objectives, and activities
• Safely and effectively using and maintaining tools and equipment related to the work
• Maintaining accurate records
• Estimating materials, parts, labor and equipment needed to complete assignments
• Reading, interpreting, and following manuals, specifications, electrical drawings, and design packs for the installation of electrical equipment 
• Conduit bending 
• Wire pulling, testing and termination
• Using testing equipment like digital multi meters, megohmmeters, and curve tracers
• Adapting to new and emerging technologies

Physical Demands and Working Environment:

Solar Technicians work in extreme environments including roof tops, attics, crawl spaces, extreme heat and extreme cold. They will often operate typical trade equipment, hand and power tools, and standard office equipment, and drive a motor vehicle to and from job sites. They must have the stamina to stand, walk, climb, and work in confined or awkward spaces for an extended period; strength to lift and maneuver materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person or telephone. Work is subject to extreme weather conditions, sewage, hazardous chemicals, electrical currents, gases, dust, noxious odors and heights exceeding 6 feet.

Requirements

Required Knowledge and Skills:The knowledge and skills listed below is an ideal list. As a Solar Technician I or II, it is expected to learn and become proficient in the following knowledge and skills. In order to progress to Solar Technician III or Lead, these must be mastered.Knowledge of:

• Concepts, materials, and terminology related to Photovoltaic Electric systems
• Federal and local requirements pertaining to Photovoltaic Electric systems
• Heavy equipment use depending on the required task
• Equipment and Instrument use for commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting electrical and IT related systems
• Best practices for roofing, mechanical fastening, electrical bonding and termination, trenching and excavation, and concrete 
• Safe work methods and company safety policies pertaining to the work
• Record keeping practices, both electronic and hard copy
• Photo documentation of completed and in-progress jobs
• Where to find commissioning procedures for the equipment installed
• NFPA 70, The National Electric Code and NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace

Salary : $27 - $32