The solar technician

Blazing with the power of a thousand suns, the solar technician is the rising star of the modern world.

A mechanical mind with a penchant for heights. An engineering proficiency with high levels of energy. These are just some of the qualities that define the successful solar technician. It’s a challenging, interesting, demanding job that has become incredibly valuable in the modern world, particularly in loadshed South Africa. As companies, estates and homes invest in solar solutions for reliable and sustainable power, those with the right skills in solar, electricity and engineering become the country’s most valuable assets. But other than heights and engineering, what else does someone interested in solar need to succeed?

Abe Cambridge, CEO and founder of The Sun Exchange, says: “You need to understand the fundamentals of solar PV systems, their components, mounting methods and system architectures. Office-based solar technicians should also be able to conduct desktop-based surveys using tools like Google Earth and the Helioscope for calculating the sizing of systems and the configuration of solar arrays.”

It’s a technical role that would be of interest to those who enjoy working with technology. In addition, you have to be detailoriented, comfortable with mathematical calculations, good at problem-solving, and have fairly solid people skills. After all, you’ll be working with schools, supermarkets, retail spaces, retirement homes and businesses, so you need to have the ability to work with people while on-site. This is definitely not a mundane day-to-day job and it’s one that’s only set to grow in popularity.

“Solar PV has grown substantially over the past few years and is now the cheapest form of power according to the International Energy Agency,” says Nicole Muriro, HR officer at T he S OLA Group. “ That, combined with global concerns about climate change, has meant that companies are increasingly receptive to new forms of energy, particularly renewables. In South Africa, with our sunny climate, this is a huge opportunity for the economy and job creation.”

In South Africa, with our sunny climate, this is a huge opportunity for the economy and job creation.

Nicole Muriro, The SOLA Group

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