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Become An Accredited Solar Installer
Solar energy is a clean, renewable energy source that is becoming more popular every day. Solar panels are installed on roofs of homes and businesses to harvest the sun's natural energy. Solar installers are professionals who install solar panels on rooftops and other surfaces.
They are also called solar panel installers or roofing contractors. There are several ways to become a solar installer in Australia. You can either study for a degree or diploma, learn through on-the-job training, or do an apprenticeship. The most popular way to become a solar installer is through on-the-job training.
If you want to be paid while you learn, it is best to find an employer that offers this option. Solar installers install and maintain solar energy systems, so they need to be skilled in all aspects of the industry, including electrical engineering and construction work. This blog will tell you how you can become a solar installer in Australia.
Panel Installation Is The Current Economic Boom
There are more than two million occupied homes in Australia at the moment with solar panels on their rooftops, and from the look of things, that number will continue to grow for a long time to come. Designers and installers installed about 70 gigawatts of new renewable capacity in the year 2020.
This is due to a rise in individuals concerned about the health and longevity of the environment. Specifically speaking, they are looking for cheaper ways to pay their power bills. Record tariffs and rebates are also available, and many other government incentives continue to make the installation of solar panels within reach of the average family in Australia.
From this, one can plainly see that there is an increasing demand for clean energy from both the business and residential homeowners. This has opened up plenty of opportunities for solar installers who have gained the prerequisite training and skills. There are now many solar jobs at a time such as this that are full of uncertainty.
Who Is A Solar Installer?
Residential and rooftop solar installation jobs are the mainstay of the industry. It is not uncommon to see electricians find their way into the solar industry by expanding their existing HVAC, air conditioning, and lighting businesses. Before becoming part of the industry, electricians need to first go for Grid-Connected Design and Solar Install PV Training.
By taking more training, they can learn about battery design and installation as well. At the moment, the demand for battery storage is not changing. It is expected that when the costs of batteries continue to drop, there will be an increase in their usage.
A solar installer should have the skills to install the components that make up and provide solar power for either home or business use, and at times, you may find residential solar installers who are capable of designing as well.
Small solar companies typically have some pre-designed offers to show to their customers from which they can choose. The more complex roofs and heavy loads will require greater skill and designs, which proficient engineers and solar professionals may only handle.
Become A Solar Installer Labour/Trade Assistant
You don't necessarily need to be a qualified electrician before you can take part in installing solar systems in homes or businesses. You may find apprentices and other workers assisting an accredited solar installer in some cases.
Installers might work on the roof mountings of solar panels and mounting inverters while labourers carry or transfer heavy items to the tops of buildings. However, trained and certified electricians will have to handle all electrical work.
There Are Solar Franchise Opportunities
Some companies have already established themselves in this industry. Those who want to start a business with a recognised brand can go the route of a franchise. The buy-in costs may be as high as $10,000, among other initial investment costs. Still, it presents itself as an excellent opportunity for those who are not electricians to quickly gain an entrance and foothold in the solar business.
Due diligence will be necessary if you are interested in such a business arrangement. It is essential to find a business name that resonates with quality, but it is also crucial to find one that assures you of a good profit margin.
Opportunities in residential solar sales
The solar sales sector is another interesting industry that many people are already cashing in on in the present economy. Several retailers are searching for salespeople who can meet sales targets by hustling around and earning commissions in the process.
Salespeople coming from other industries need to learn the rudiments of the business first in case they are also interested in becoming a part of this revolutionary business. Some of the salespeople work by moving from door to door, and others work from home by generating leads online.
Opportunities in residential solar inspections and repairs
Solar installers who have become highly experienced can go into conducting inspections. Changes to standards and components are inevitable, and as the years roll by, inspections become even more critical.
The Clean Energy Regulator ensures compliance with safety requirements by conducting random inspections of solar systems. Solar Technology Credits are awarded for quality installations when discovered.
Fires on rooftop DC (Direct Current) isolators are one of several issues that may arise where quality is not enforced. Too much sunlight or natural heating could cause some old switches to age prematurely and become a fire hazard.
Exposure of plastic to extreme UV (Ultra-Violet) light causes it to break down, and the UV rays can significantly reduce its water tightness. This exposure can lead to severe implications. Apart from this, panels can get damaged by hail and sports balls, meaning there would be a need for replacements as soon as possible.
What You Need To Become A Solar Installer
If you have made up your mind to become a solar installer, there are some things you need to have in place so you can create an income stream for yourself.
The first thing to note is if you are working in a team, one of you must have an electrical license. Also, you need accreditation from the Clean Energy Council of Australia or CEC.
The Importance Of An Electrical License
You must have an Australian electrical license before taking part in any electrical work. Electrical work can be defined as any task that involves electrical appliances and machines. These licenses are not the same and are different from one state to another concerning the fees, types, and specific responsibilities.
What is essential here is to hold an electrical license or at least have your work supervised by someone who has one while installing an electrical device. This includes solar installations. The electrical license is what serves as evidence that you are competent as an installer.
Why Is A CEC Accreditation Important?
It's not a strict requirement to have a CEC (Clean Energy Council) accreditation, but it is still recommended that you get one. You'll have more success in your solar business, and the quality of work will be much better.
The Clean Energy Council is not intended for profit. Its mission is to assist in creating clean energy for homes and businesses in Australia by working hand-in-hand with solar installers and energy storage companies all over the country.
Some installers will need to undergo some training in installing batteries, solar panels, and other renewable systems before they become accredited.
Solar installers who are already CEC-accredited are expected to be versed enough in their profession to uphold the industry's best practices and standards. This means they will be able to safely install systems for consumers.
Another reason why it's good to have this accreditation is that they're the ones most people seek since it's through them they can earn Government rebates and incentives. The few buck's people will save will make them go the extra mile in seeking accredited installers.
Considerations On Becoming A Solar Installer
The products you will be handling, such as solar PV (Photovoltaic), inverters, and batteries, can also be accredited. The CEC keeps a collection of the best products that are available in Australia. When you finally become a solar installer, it is noteworthy to double-check to confirm that the CEC accredits the products you use for your clients.
Prospective clients would want to do a background check on solar installers before they hire them. Such information can be readily made available to them by energy councils. This means you need to have good recommendations and reports about your work because these have a way of speaking for you even when you are not there.
Succeeding As A Solar Installer
Just as it is with any business or profession, you will have to take your training and solar installation company seriously. It calls for staying dedicated to your work and going all-out to please your clients. This is really important because when a good job is delivered, you can count on satisfied customers referring you to their friends and family who might require your services.
Being qualified as a solar installer means you have taken some training that makes you qualified to undertake tasks that involve installing solar systems. However, you need to keep up with the latest trends and stay on top of relevant information in your industry. At times, you may need to go for additional training or take extra classes to improve what you already know and do.
Lastly, you need to consider expansion in your business because there are other people who are also thinking of making a foray into the industry. One possible way to stay ahead of your competition is to continue expanding your business's scope to cover all relevant aspects without compromising your service quality.
Contact An Accredited Solar Installer For More Information
Now that you know what it takes to be a solar installer in Australia, you may be asking, is it really the choice for me? If you are confused regarding any aspect of the information above, it would be best to clarify with an already CEC accredited professional.
In this way, they will be able to answer any questions you may have while also pointing you in the right direction. Moreover, a solar company may just be willing to offer you a training position for a solar installer position should you show enough interest in the opportunity.
Additionally, should you need any solar assistance, it is best to use experts who are accredited and have a thorough knowledge and understanding of standards and practices. In this way, you will eliminate the possibility of acquiring unrecognised training certificates or in the event of solar maintenance damage to your solar system.