Solar installation technician: how to train and review the role
Fixes mounting structures, lays panels, runs DC and AC cables and connects inverters on rooftops and ground-mount sites. Works at height in a crew and follows the drawing. Reports to the installation crew leader or site supervisor.
Not sure what you need? Tell us about your business in six short steps and we will come to the first meeting prepared.
Share your requirementsWho usually fills this role
Usually ITI electricians, diploma holders or helpers promoted after months on site, plus some experienced wiremen from building contractors. At hiring, test comfort at height, cable and termination basics, drawing reading, willingness to wear safety gear, and honesty about what they have not done before.
Skills ladder
Stage 1
New joiner
- Carry, position and fix structures and panels as instructed
- Wear harness, helmet and shoes and check them each day
- Identify panel, cable and inverter parts by name
- Follow the crew leader's instructions on isolation and lifting
Stage 2
Independent
- Lay and terminate DC and AC cables to the drawing
- Fix and align structures without damaging roofs or panels
- Test string polarity and voltage with the right meter
- Keep the site tidy and report damage or unsafe conditions
Stage 3
Senior or lead
- Lead a small crew and plan the day's work
- Spot drawing errors, earthing gaps or roof problems early
- Check others' terminations before the engineer's test
- Train helpers and hold the toolbox talk
Training path
First weeks
- 1
Safety at height and electrical hazards
The site safety officer demonstrates harness use, lifelines, roof edges and isolation. The joiner shows each step back on a safe mock set-up, and works at height only after the officer signs the sheet.
- 2
Parts, tools and drawings
The crew leader shows panels, structures, connectors, cables and inverters against the drawing. The joiner names parts and points to their place on the plan.
- 3
Handling and fixing under supervision
Helpers lift, position and fix panels with the crew leader checking torque, spacing and alignment. Mistakes are corrected on the spot and noted.
- 4
Housekeeping and site rules
The supervisor explains how to protect the customer's premises, store materials and clear waste. The joiner is checked at day-end on the cleanliness of the area.
First year
- 1
Cable laying and terminations
A senior technician teaches routing, ferrule use, crimping and connector fitting. The technician makes sample terminations that the senior inspects before any live work.
- 2
Testing and commissioning basics
The commissioning engineer shows polarity, voltage and insulation checks. The technician performs the tests with the engineer and records readings on the checklist.
- 3
Earthing and protection
The engineer explains earthing, surge protection and labelling, and the technician installs them to the drawing and has them inspected.
- 4
Customer and roof care
The crew leader teaches how to speak to occupants, avoid roof leakage and report issues. Complaints are reviewed in the weekly meeting.
Towards senior
- 1
Leading a crew
The site supervisor makes the technician crew leader on smaller jobs, with a plan reviewed in advance and the outcome discussed at close.
- 2
Reading faults and rework
The technician joins the commissioning and maintenance teams to trace faults, then writes the cause and what was changed. The crew leader then checks that the fix was recorded, so the same mistake is not repeated elsewhere.
- 3
Training helpers
The senior uses the sign-off sheet used for his own induction to train helpers, and the supervisor reviews a few of the helpers' first jobs.
- 4
Site planning and materials
The supervisor teaches how to plan material, tools and crew for the day and the technician presents a plan for a small job for review.
Performance review
A monthly one-to-one with the crew leader or site supervisor using the job checklists, and a written half-yearly review. Include a site visit by the engineer to inspect work quality.
What to measure
| Measure | How it is seen |
|---|---|
| Workmanship | Inspection of structure alignment, terminations and labelling against the drawing and checklist. |
| Safety behaviour | Observation at height, use of protective gear and any near-miss or incident reports. |
| Testing accuracy | Recorded readings compared with the commissioning engineer's results. |
| Rework and defects | Defect and rework slips after handover and their causes. |
| Customer premises care | Customer feedback and notes on damage, leakage or untidy sites. |
| Teamwork and learning | Crew leader observation on helping others and picking up new tasks. |
Evidence to bring
- Installation and commissioning checklists
- Defect and rework slips
- Safety observation records
- Customer feedback notes
Questions to ask in the review
- Which job gave you the most difficulty and why?
- Where did you feel unsafe on site, and did you say so?
- Which terminations or tests do you want to practise more?
- What caused the last piece of rework?
- How do you check your own work before the engineer comes?
- What do customers or occupants say about the site?
- What tools or materials hold you up?
- What would you like to be trained in?
Pitfalls
- Putting new helpers at height on day one with no safety sign-off.
- Training only on speed of installation and not on terminations, earthing or testing.
- Reviewing only the final handover, so poor workmanship is found late.
- Ignoring seasonal rush and heat when setting work and review expectations.
Questions about this role
Yes. Rooftop work stresses height safety and roof care, while ground-mount involves piling, structure alignment and longer cable runs. Use the same ladder and add site-type training.
Rules on electrical work and licences vary. Confirm with your adviser which tasks need a licensed person and keep records of who holds what.
Use a common checklist, inspect photos and the finished work, and compare with the engineer's findings. Discuss defects with the technician as a learning point before it becomes a performance matter.