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Solar PV Installer

Energy & Utilities

Assemble, install, or maintain solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on roofs or other structures in compliance with site assessment and schematics. May include measuring, cutting, assembling, and bolting structural framing and solar modules. May perform minor electrical work such as current checks.

You can enter this career straight after SPM. A degree is optional, not required.

Renewable EnergyElectrical Engineering

What you'd do all day

The tasks that matter most in this job, most important first.

  1. 1Install photovoltaic (PV) systems in accordance with codes and standards, using drawings, schematics, and instructions.
  2. 2Check electrical installation for proper wiring, polarity, grounding, or integrity of terminations.
  3. 3Identify electrical, environmental, and safety hazards associated with photovoltaic (PV) installations.
  4. 4Identify installation locations with proper orientation, area, solar access, or structural integrity for photovoltaic (PV) arrays.
  5. 5Assemble solar modules, panels, or support structures, as specified.
  6. 6Apply weather sealing to array, building, or support mechanisms.
  7. 7Install module array interconnect wiring, implementing measures to disable arrays during installation.
  8. 8Install required labels on solar system components and hardware.
  9. 9Diagram layouts and locations for photovoltaic (PV) arrays and equipment, including existing building or site features.
  10. 10Determine materials, equipment, and installation sequences necessary to maximize installation efficiency.
  11. 11Test operating voltages to ensure operation within acceptable limits for power conditioning equipment, such as inverters and controllers.
  12. 12Determine appropriate sizes, ratings, and locations for all system overcurrent devices, disconnect devices, grounding equipment, and surge suppression equipment.
  13. 13Activate photovoltaic (PV) systems to verify system functionality and conformity to performance expectations.
  14. 14Identify and resolve any deficiencies in photovoltaic (PV) system installation or materials.
  15. 15Visually inspect and test photovoltaic (PV) modules or systems.
  16. 16Examine designs to determine current requirements for all parts of the photovoltaic (PV) system electrical circuit.
  17. 17Demonstrate system functionality and performance, including start-up, shut-down, normal operation, and emergency or bypass operations.
  18. 18Identify methods for laying out, orienting, and mounting modules or arrays to ensure efficient installation, electrical configuration, or system maintenance.
  19. 19Measure and analyze system performance and operating parameters to assess operating condition of systems or equipment.
  20. 20Program, adjust, or configure inverters and controls for desired set points and operating modes.
  21. 21Determine connection interfaces for additional subpanels or for connecting photovoltaic (PV) systems with utility services or other power generation sources.
  22. 22Determine photovoltaic (PV) system designs or configurations based on factors such as customer needs, expectations, and site conditions.
  23. 23Select mechanical designs, installation equipment, or installation plans that conform to environmental, architectural, structural, site, and code requirements.
  24. 24Perform routine photovoltaic (PV) system maintenance on modules, arrays, batteries, power conditioning equipment, safety systems, structural systems, weather sealing, or balance of systems equipment.
  25. 25Install active solar systems, including solar collectors, concentrators, pumps, or fans.
  26. 26Compile or maintain records of system operation, performance, and maintenance.

Also known as

What this job is called on JobStreet, LinkedIn and in job ads. Search these too.

  • Installer
  • Solar Tech
  • PV Installer
  • PV Technician
  • Solar Designer
  • Solar Installer
  • Solar Site Tech
  • Installation Tech
  • Solar Electrician
  • Solar Energy Tech

How far is this from you?

Roughly how much preparation this job usually takes. In Malaysia your UPU route and the programme's syarat still decide entry, so treat this as a guide, not a gate.

  1. 1

    Entry straight after SPM

  2. Typical entry

    SPM + sijil / short TVET course

  3. 3

    Diploma / TVET (sijil–diploma)

  4. 4

    Degree (ijazah sarjana muda)

  5. 5

    Postgrad (sarjana / PhD) or professional route

Typical educationPost-secondary certificate

Subjects that matter here

The SPM subjects worth your effort for this career, with the reason for each.

Civil Engineering StudiesDraws directly on Building and Construction — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).
Engineering DrawingDraws directly on Building and Construction — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).
Design & Technology (RBT)Draws directly on Building and Construction — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).
PhysicsDraws directly on Engineering and Technology — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).
Additional MathematicsDraws directly on Engineering and Technology — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).

What you'd need to know

The subject areas this job leans on most, and the SPM subjects that build them.

  • Building and Construction96%

    Civil Engineering StudiesEngineering DrawingDesign & Technology (RBT)

  • Engineering and Technology88%

    PhysicsAdditional MathematicsDesign & Technology (RBT)

  • Mechanical86%

    Mechanical Engineering StudiesPhysicsDesign & Technology (RBT)

  • Design82%

    Visual Art (PSV)Technical Comm. GraphicsEngineering Drawing

  • Administration and Management82%

    BusinessEconomics

  • Customer and Personal Service80%

Tools you'd use

Software and equipment that show up in this job, worth learning early.

Where to learn these, free

Scholarships & funding

What the work feels like

Day-to-day working conditions, so you can tell whether the job suits how you like to work.

  • Face-to-face discussionsEvery day
  • Contact with other peopleContact most of the time
  • Dealing with customers or the publicHigh
  • Leading or coordinating othersVery high
  • Handling conflict situationsOften
  • Outdoors, in all weatherEvery day
  • Noisy environmentOften
  • Time spent sittingA little

AI and demand for this job

A few real, dated data points — not a single score. AI making some tasks faster usually means a job changes, not that it disappears.

0%

Share of everyday tasks today's AI can already help with (2023)

This estimate is from 2023 — already out of date, since AI moves fast. Treat it as a rough, aging starting point, not the current picture.

Growing role in the US

US Bureau of Labor Statistics data, not Malaysian. Shown because it's the only forward-looking demand estimate we have for this job.

Pay in Malaysia

We don't have a sourced Malaysian salary range for this job yet, and we'd rather show nothing than a number we can't stand behind.

Where to check:

  • JobStreet and Hiredly job ads for this title
  • DOSM Salaries & Wages Survey
  • SSPA scheme tables, if you're aiming for a government post
See pay for a related career: Electrician (Chargeman)

Check what you may qualify for

Enter your SPM grades and see which routes and programmes you may qualify for. An estimate to plan with, not an offer.

Check my eligibility Not sure yet? Take the quiz

How to get here

Post-SPM pathways with programmes in this career's fields. Tap one to see real programmes and entry requirements.

Diploma

Skill-first qualification. Work after, or enter degree Year 2. Polytechnics keep it affordable.

2.5–3 years

TVET

Hands-on trades with strong employability: ILP, ADTEC, kolej vokasional, GiatMARA.

1–3 years

Related careers

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About this information

This describes what the job involves. Pay, demand and entry routes differ in Malaysia, so check the Pathways and Programmes pages for local requirements.

O*NET occupation: Solar Photovoltaic Installers

Job responsibilities, knowledge areas and work context from O*NET 30.3, US Department of Labor, used under CC BY 4.0. onetcenter.org